November 15, 2009
Over 500 participants confirm the success of Bicinàutic, the new leisure proposal
The Boat Show closed with a positive balance thanks to sales and leads generated
Exhibitors at the 48th Barcelona Boat Show, which has closed today, have given an overall positive assessment of their participation, because of sales and leads they generated, in a particularly difficult year of world crisis that has affected the sector. Visitors showed great interest in boats and nautical exhibits, among which they were able to find attractive promotions. The close of the show coincided with the successful Bicinàutic, a new leisure proposal in which over 500 people participated in bicycle ride by the sea.
On occasion of the Barcelona Boat Show, the Catalan Generalitat approved subsidies for registration tax on boats bought at the event and Deutsche Bank offered financial products for the purchase of boats and moorings, which contributed to boosting sales. It is a fact that 70% of annual transactions in the sector in Spain are generated at the show which, therefore, represents the start of the sales campaign for next season of many exhibitors.
Although the figures are provisional, since the show closed this afternoon, it is estimated that 125,000 visitors attended, with the biggest audiences at the weekends. In general, exhibitors highlighted the interest of the public for their exhibits, which gave rise to expectations of sales. Exhibitors of inflatable boats in the Gran Via exhibition centre, for example, have stated that they have made good sales and that their distributors were satisfied with leads generated. The same applies to exhibitors Port Vell, who have confirmed boat sales and said that visitors had shown interest in the above-mentioned subsidies and financial products. There has also been good demand for smaller boats exhibited in the Gran Via exhibition centre.
More buyers
Luis Conde, president of the Boat Show, said "this year's show has received fewer curious visitors and more buyers than at other editions, and we have perceived moderate optimism among exhibitors which gives us satisfaction, since expectations of many of them, who were concerned about the world crisis, were exceeded".
380 exhibitors from 35 countries participated in the Boat Show's two venues, Gran Via and Port Vell. The On-Water Show, which has been visited today by the Mayor of Barcelona, featured 180 yachts and super yachts and, for the first time, a floating village, designed as a meeting point for exhibitors and their clients. Innovation, with the presentation of R&D&I projects, and ecology, with eco-friendly proposals, have been two of the show's main features this year.
Alongside boats of all types and prices, state-of-the-art technology, latest generation electronics, accessories, inflatable boats, light sailing, windsurf boards, etc. were also presented. The side events programme, featuring over a hundred activities, included the Nautical Tourism Congress, the announcement of prestigious regattas, such as the Copa del Rey (Kings Cup), awards ceremonies, courses, seminars and professional meetings.
Success of Bicinàutic
The close of the Boat Show coincided with the successful Bicinàutic, a new popular leisure proposal in which over 500 people participated. The cyclists rode by the sea, from Paseo de Mare Nostrum to the Moll de la Fusta, where some of the best riders, such as David Acedo, "Willow", Xavi Pasamontes, "Sherwy" and Bienvenido Aguado, "Bienve", performed acrobatic stunts. Children also participated in this popular initiative and showed their skill on an obstacle course.
Barcelona, 15th of November 2009
Images available here
Gloria Dilluvio / Eugenia de Andrés
gdilluvio@firabcn.es - mandres@firabcn.es
93 233 21 72 - 93 233 21 68