News
PRESS RELEASE
61st Genoa International Boat Show | 16th – 21st September 2021
TODAY MARKED THE OPENING OF THE 61st GENOA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
TODAY’S STATEMENTS
GIOVANNINI: “Genoa and the International Boat Show has attracted national and international forces. To support the industry means to create opportunities”
BONOMI: “THE 61st GENOA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW IS SET TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS, BUILDING ON LAST YEAR’S EDITION”
TOTI: “Made in Italy yachting combines cutting-edge technology, design, great potential and exceptional taste. this is where we build the future”
BUCCI: “When the redevelopment project is completed in 2023, Genoa will become the most attractive Boat Show in the world”
CECCHI: “Positive trend predictions for global industry revenue in 2021 are up by +23.8%”
FERRO: “Italian export overtakes pre-covid figures, +4.1% in the first semester of 2021 compared to the first semester of 2019”
The 61st Genoa International Boat Show opened its doors to the world today, Thursday 16th September , in front of an audience of 300 guests and representatives of the Government and Local Authorities: the Italian Minister for Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility Enrico Giovannini, Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Regional Government Giovanni Toti, Vice Admiral representing the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, General Commander of the Port Authority Nicola Carlone, President of the Western Ligurian Sea Harbour System Authority Paolo Emilio Signorini. Also present were the President of the Italian Trade Agency Carlo Maria Ferro and President of the General Confederation of Italian Industry Carlo Bonomi.
The inauguration began with the traditional flag-raising ceremony carried out by the Port Authority Corps – Coast Guard and was saluted by the much-appreciated arrival of the “Nave Rizzo”, a FREMM Unit of the Italian Navy recently returned from being deployed as part of an anti-piracy initiative, which passed by the waterfront’s canal, accompanied in its salute by the CP 420 “De Grazia”, the last to be launched by the Port Authority.
Genoa Mayor, Marco Bucci, opened the official statements looking to the future. “Last year we were right here, facing a much more difficult moment in time, and the Genoa International Boat Show still managed to be a success. This year we have already seen positive signs coming from the industry which of course is a positive sign for Genoa. The redevelopment project will be completed in 2023, transforming Genoa into what will be the most attractive Boat Show on the planet”.
President of the General Confederation of Industry Carlo Bonomi took to the stage to greet the many guests at the ceremony: “The success of this year and those to come derives from this country’s ability to come together and make things work. As the country’s Confederation of Industry, we are proud of the many successes achieved by the country as a whole, whether in the European Finals, the Olympic Games, even in political debates, however we are especially proud of the successful trends of Italian industry, trends that are envied around the world and which represent the very best of Italian businesses and their unmatched know-how”.
Following the greetings on behalf of the various Authorities, came the Inaugural Conference “Made in Italy, il Paese che traina il Paese” (“Made in Italy, A country driving itself forward”), moderated by the journalist Maria Latella. The conference provided a more in-depth analysis of the opportunities deriving from the recovery plans and available to the industries dedicated to creating beauty and high quality products, with a focus on the structural reforms that will accompany the recovery, from the reconstruction of Genoa’s waterfront to the infrastructure plans contained in the National Recovery Plan.
Government Minister for Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility Enrico Giovannini: ” Today is a crucial day for Italy and for the boating industry, an industry that is so decisive when it comes to driving our country forward and attracting foreign investment. The great success of this International Boat Show is proof not only of what a city like Genoa is capable of creating, but of what an event as essential as the Genoa Boat Show is capable in terms of attracting national and international forces. There is still work to be done to our marine infrastructure, and the same goes for our leisure boating industry. We will work together with other major institutions in order to encourage the boating sector and that of marinas. The recently issued Infrastructure and Transport Decree is only the beginning of this commitment. Those who work in the boating industry deserve greater stability and better prospects. To support this industry means to create opportunities for women and younger generations. Innovation and training are the best ingredients to ensure economic growth across the country. Both must therefore be supported, including with the National Recovery Plan and investment.”.
Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italian Industry Association and of I Saloni Nautici: “With the brand new waterfront, scheduled to be completed in 2023, we will leave you speechless. The Genoa International Boat Show is an essential tool for the boating market and for the entire supply chain. A moment in time where the entire system comes together to drive the country’s recovery forward. The large Shows, like Milan’s Salone del Mobile and the Genoa International Boat Show are hugely effective when it comes to attracting tourism and igniting the country’s economy. 2020 saw an increase of +2.4% jobs and 2021 is predicted to see a growth in positive global industry revenue trends of +23.8%. The boating industry is here, it’s growing, and yet the country loses 40 million euros in VAT because of a leasing reform imposed by the EU Commission.”
Giovanni Toti, President of the Liguria Regional Government: “The Italian boating industry combines cutting-edge technology, design, great potential and exceptional taste. As you can see, this is where we build the future. The hand that rebuilt the viaduct, the bridge that collapsed three Summers ago, is the same hand that has designed what will be one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the world. I believe this is a time in which we need to move forward with a sense of responsibility, courage and ambition. And I believe these three concepts are best represented by the city of Genoa itself”.
Carlo Maria Ferro, President of the Italian Trade Agency: “The data recorded shows that Italian export in the first semester of 2021 has already overtaken the numbers from the first semester of 2019 with a +4.1% increase. This means that exports coming from Italian businesses are already greater than those pre-covid. Italy is the country that did best out of the G8. The 2020 export crisis was essentially a demand crisis and once demand starts to climb again, so can growth. Boating exports even grew during 2020, recording a 17% jump. The competitive international stage is changing. The digital shift and sustainability, these are no longer just compliance-related factors, they are now characterising the demand, becoming competitive marketing factors along with being key choice factors for younger generations”.
Carlotta de Bevilacqua, President and CEO of Artemide: “We need to respect the planet, starting with the sea, it is the only way to imagine a brighter future. The two big Shows, the il Milan Furniture Show and the Genoa International Boat Show, are a source of immense pride for our country. The relationship that unites Genoa and Mila is undoubtedly important but we need to go further, across Europe. Genoa is a design culture mecca. The Waterfront by Renzo Piano is an example of pure design excellence, a human, sustainable design that adds great value to the local territory. To build bridges means also to trade knowledge and humanity. This is why we must continue to recognise the importance of trading at sea”.
Renzo Rosso, President of the OTB Group (Diesel): “We need to work on the industry as a whole. The smaller craftsmen, manufacturing and large businesses need to maintain an open dialogue across the supply chain. It is true that we have large successful brands and managers, but they would not be able to operate if it weren’t for the many small craftsmen and artisans, the small-scale producers, who provide the polish and uniqueness of what this country has to offer”.
Genoa, 16th September 2021
