The 66th Genoa International Boat Show will feature more than 1,000 boats, 215 new models and exhibitors from 45 countries when it takes place next month.
Organised by Confindustria Nautica, the event has increased its in-water display area by 4%, while the Yacht & Superyacht dock has expanded and the average size of the three largest boats in each segment has risen by 14.1% compared with 2025. Multihulls are also more prominent, with the number of units on display up 28%.
The show is being presented as a reflection of a changing Italian and international boating market.
Confindustria Nautica president Piero Formenti said the figures go beyond attendance and exhibition data with the event mirroring an industry with a turnover of €8.6bn, more than €13bn in added value and nearly 170,000 employees, with about 90% of production destined for export markets.
Living Made in Italy
“The expansion of the in-water display area, the increase in the size of the boats on display and the evolution of the various segments reflect a sector that is changing and an event capable of changing alongside it,” said Formenti.
A key addition for 2026 is Living Made in Italy, a new Quay H area developed with support from the Italian Trade Agency. The area will showcase the national boatbuilding industry for yachts over 24 metres and has attracted models in the 35m to 50m range.
The Blue Arena, located in the new Palasport Pavilion, is another first for the show. It is designed to introduce wider audiences, including younger visitors, to boating, careers, training, start-ups, innovation, sailing and maritime institutions. The area will include Start Boating, Start-ups & Innovation, Training and Boating Careers, World Sailing and displays from maritime military institutions.
The Italian Trade Agency has also doubled its investment in the show’s international visitor programme. The 2026 edition is targeting buyers and journalists from 35 countries, with the number of international buyers increasing from 70 to 180.
Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency, said the programme also includes more than 80 journalists, start-up activity and an international communications campaign.
TechTrade Days
TechTrade Days will return on 1 and 2 October, bringing more than 400 specialist marine brands into a B2B format for shipyards, designers, technical departments, procurement managers, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers.
FORUM26 will address market analysis, innovation, regulation, tax and customs matters, sustainability, AI, cybersecurity, the blue economy, nautical tourism and maritime careers. The conference programme will include the World Yachting Sustainability Forum, the European Sustainable Boating Roundtable and the 12th National Conference dedicated to nautical tourism.
The 7th Design Innovation Award will also take place during the show, with architect Paolo Brescia chairing the international jury. Winners will be announced on 2 October.
The Genoa International Boat Show will take place from from 1 to 6 October 2026.
