Barcelona Boat Show 2025: a new exhibition format for brands and professionals

The sixty-second edition of Barcelona's international trade show ended on a high note. The organizers focused on a more upmarket offering and a targeted audience. An evolution that confirms the B2B orientation of the event.

A reorganized show to attract high-potential buyers

One of the highlights of this year's event was the revamping of the visitor base. The aim was to attract a public with significant purchasing power. This repositioning resulted in an increase in the number of transactions and qualified contacts for exhibitors.

According to figures provided by the organizers, over 18,000 visitors flocked to the quays of the Port of Barcelona. While this figure does not represent a spectacular increase on previous editions, the quality of trade exchanges did improve. The show thus confirms its shift towards a business-oriented platform.

Greater exposure to the large units segment

The show welcomed 500 boats, including 130 afloat, with a significant proportion devoted to yachts over 15 meters, representing 24% of the units exhibited. This focus on large yachts was also reflected in the range of boats on display, with the world premiere of the Horizon FD100, a 31-meter yacht.

The increased presence of âeuro catamarans, heralded as Europeâ??s most important exhibition in this field, also helped to position Barcelona as a credible home port for multihull builders.

Refocusing on experience and brand enhancement

The new format introduces an enriched scenography, notably with the extension to the Quai de Barcelone. This configuration has made it possible to accommodate larger units and offer a more qualitative experience both afloat and alongside the quay. The addition of the âeuros â??Villageâ?, a social and gastronomic space, also marks the desire to create an environment conducive to professional exchanges.

In a sector where customer relations are central, this premium space run by chef Rafa Zafra (two Michelin stars) was seen as an effective lever for building loyalty and attracting new prospects.

Innovations and propulsion: the sector's new priorities

The show also focused on alternative propulsion solutions. The Earthling E40, an electric catamaran presented in Barcelona, illustrates this ongoing energy transition. This model responds to growing demand from shipyards and end customers for cleanly-powered units, particularly in the multihull segment.

More broadly, the event gave visibility to projects focused on sustainability, notably through the Agora Port space, hosted by the Port of Barcelona. This forum brought together more than 100 speakers for 30 conferences on clean motorization, port management and the blue economy.

Regional ambitions for 2026

At the end of the show, its president Luis Conde declared: " This edition marks a first step towards a more exclusive, business-oriented experience. We will continue to work towards positioning Barcelona as the Mediterranean capital of yachting.

The 2026 edition is already scheduled for October 14-18. It will have to confirm this strategic orientation in a competitive context where Cannes, Genoa or La Grande Motte remain, for the time being, Mediterranean references in the small family of afloat shows

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