Fort Lauderdale (Florida) – From October 26 to 30, the great Italian boating industry is in Fort Lauderdale for the FLIBS (Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show), the United States trade show dedicated to recreational boating.
The FLIBS is the greatest boat show on the seven seas in size. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), it is the largest in-water boat show in the world for the number of exhibitors (more than 1,000), countries (52) and boats (> 1,300) on display. Last year’s show, still subjected to COVID restrictions, totaled approximately 100,000 visitors during the 5-day show, and the organizers this year expect a new record attendance.
Befitting such an event is the presentation of the record results of the 62nd Genoa International Boat Show and the launching, with new features and a new format, of the 63rd show, which will take place September 21 – 26, 2023.
For this presentation within the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, an exceptional venue was selected, the multilevel “Mansion Yacht,” a veritable floating residence, spacious and comfortable.
After the record years of 2019 (384 million USD), 2020 (382 million USD) and 2021 (573 milion USD), 2022 is once again an important year for the export of Italian boating in the United States, with a value equal to more than 320 million dollars in the first half-year.
During the two years affected by the pandemic emergency, many people, in the United States as well, came together for the first time for boating and recreational water activities, which by definition allow for distancing. A boating holiday was perceived, and rightly so, to be safely less crowded and strategic for distancing. It was a unique circumstance, which provided recreational boating another opportunity for strong industrial development.
The ICE Agency is organizing, in collaboration with Confindustria Nautica, a record collective participation of 20 Italian boating companies and a hospitality area jointly run by the ICE Agency and Confindustria Nautica.
Alessandro Campagna, Sales Manager for I Saloni Nautici: “The 62nd Genoa International Boat Show is an important event with 103,812 visitors (+10.7% compared to 2021), 998 brands exhibited, more than 1,000 boats, 4,463 sea trials, 168 new items presented and 35 countries represented. The organizers are already working in the 63rd edition, which will take place in a continuously evolving area, site of the new Waterfront di Levante project, designed by noted architect Renzo Piano.”
“The growth of the Italian presence at the FLIBS is built on yachts and parts and components, not only on high-end super yachts, and we are committed to creating conditions for further presence not only at the FLIBS, but also at other Florida shows, like Miami and Palm Beach,” declared Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Director of the ICE office in Miami.
