Τhe success of the Palma International Boat Show 2022 (28th of April - 1st of May 2022) encapsulated how healthy the state of the Balearic yacht market really is. The event provided an environment to express some of the pent up energy deriving from a lacklustre PIBS 2021 which suffered from heavy COVID-19 restrictions. The organisers claim that over 25,000 visitors attended this year's show, an increase of 30% over the last year. In addition, it should be remembered that 28% of the exhibitors were companies that had participated for the first time, resulting in an increased variety on offer. Moreover, some 350 journalists from around the world were accredited to cover the event.

The Palma International Boat Show is organised by the Institute for Business Innovation of the Balearic Islands (IDI), an entity under the Vice-Presidency and Ministry of Energy Transition, Productive Sectors and Democratic Memory, and the Balearic Yacht Brokers Association (BYBA). The fair organisers emphasised that “this is an edition in which many operations are being closed, and even orders for one or two years ahead. In general, the level of business has been very satisfactory for exhibitors”. One aspect highly valued by both exhibitors and visitors is the fair’s offer, very balanced, with a very representative sample of the nautical novelties on the market. In fact, it has been an edition marked by the presentation of new products from around the world, both boats and products and nautical equipment. In addition, it should be remembered that 28% of the exhibitors are companies that have participated for the first time in the fair, which has increased the variety of the offer.

This year, the international nature of the boat show has been particularly noticeable, with 28% of exhibitors coming from abroad and the level of internationalisation of visitors. The event was also visited by consular members from New Zealand, Austria and the United Kingdom. In addition, the organisers will continue to support local companies, which represent 54% of the participants, as demonstrated by actions such as the agreement signed with the Association of Nautical Companies (AENIB) to promote the participation of their companies in the Palma show.

More than 2,200 people have worked during the boat show, including exhibitors and crew. In addition, some 350 journalists from around the world have been accredited to cover the event. It is worth remembering that the assembly and dismantling of the fair employs some 150 people.

The new edition of the Palma International Boat Show had 276 participating companies, six more than in 2019 and 49 more than 2021, which represents an increase of 21% over 2021. In addition, a total of 264 boats are on display at sea. The Palma International Boat Show includes the Palma Superyacht Village, for the sale and rental of boats over 24 metres in length. This year it is characterised by the largest exhibition of sailboats in Europe, as well as a wide range of motorboats. This area also includes the area dedicated to the repair and maintenance of boats (refit & repair), which this year has the participation of 21 companies dedicated to this activity of the nautical industry, as well as companies providing services to other areas of the Village.

The marine industry is one of the sectors considered strategic by the Government for the economy of the Islands as it generates more than 4,500 direct jobs, is made up of some 650 companies and generates around 840 million euros a year. It should be remembered that the Sant Pere Fishermen’s Guild has been awarded the Marcial Sánchez Barcáiztegui prize in this edition for its collaboration with the fair for more than thirty years, as every year they move the fishing fleet to another location so that the fair can be held in an environment such as Palma’s Moll Vell.