THE ITALIAN BOATING INDUSTRY TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT OSAKA 2025
The international conference entitled “La valorizzazione dell’economia del mare”(“Enhancing the maritime economy”), promoted by the Italian Ministry for Maritime Affairs, was held today at the Italian Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka. The event kicked off with institutional greetings from Ambassador Mario Andrea Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo Osaka 2025, Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti, Italian Ambassador to Japan, Yoshimichi Terada, Deputy Minister for International Affairs at the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Sen. Nello Musumeci, Italian Minister for Maritime Affairs.
Among the sectors fuelling the Blue Economy, “the Italian boating sector represents an unmatched global excellence, an industry that draws its lifeblood from the history, culture, craftsmanship and art that define our country, always looking to the future,” stated Piero Formenti, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association during the opening of the first conference segment dedicated to ‘L’industria nautica italiana, dalla leadership globale alle sfide economiche, sociali e ambientali del future’ (“The Italian boating industry, from global leadership to the economic, social and environmental challenges of the future”). There are four core values driving this industry: the role of family capitalism, pride in one’s own culture, attention to design, beauty and detail, and strong regional identities.
“Boating industry turnover came to a standstill as a result of the 2008 global financial crisis, a phenomenon that was further exacerbated by national political decisions that prolonged the crisis for another three years,” Formenti recalled. “This helps remind us of just how important the regulatory framework is, not in producing wealth itself, but in expanding or hindering opportunities for businesses.”
During discussions with the Japanese Deputy Minister for Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Y. Terada, the President of the Italian Marine Industry Association emphasised the need for businesses to have future prospects, a sense of certainty and the ability to plan ahead, drawing attention to “the response times of the authorities and the adequacy of their responses, both of which are essential for supporting businesses. One such example,” continued Formenti, “as far as Italy is concerned, can be seen in the increase in checks by the maritime police, which does not allow charter companies to offer a competitive service compared to other international players, or the issues surrounding the maintenance of marina entrances, or the demotion of nautical leasing by the financial administration.”
Boating is an unparalleled champion of Italian exports: in the decade from 2014 to 2024, exports of the entire Italian manufacturing industry grew by 55%, while the country’s boating industry exports grew by 119%.
In monetary terms, boating exports reached a total of €4.3 billion with uninterrupted growth since 2012, and in 2024 exceeded those of commercial production, accounting for 52% of the Italian total.
The Italian boating industry is aiming to delineate an experiential model that revolves around the asset, the boat, together with the tourist attractions of the local area and the extraordinary food and drink experiences that Italy has to offer the world. “A fundamental asset is marina facilities,” Formenti emphasised. “Ports should not be conceived as ‘parking lots’ for boats, but as living, bustling places, gateways to our coastal towns and inland areas. This is one of the reasons why we have presented to the government, and in particular to our Minister for Maritime Affairs, ideas for regulatory reform that will support and facilitate their restructuring.”
The Japanese delegation showed great interest in the support model designed to enhance the strategic role of the Genoa International Boat Show in promoting growth and internationalisation. “Like the Salone del Mobile in Milan, the world’s leading furniture design show, the Genoa Boat Show has contributed to the sector’s success and internationalisation,” explained Formenti.
The exhibition covers all product segments motorboats up to 24 metres, superyachts, inflatable boats, sailing boats, boating equipment and components and last year welcomed over 120,000 visitors, with more than 1,000 boats on display and 1,150 journalists from all over the world.
The Genoa International Boat Show, which will celebrate its 65th edition from 18th to 23rd September this year, is also a tailored platform for companies to meet with institutions to discuss the most pressing factors and new trends influencing the sector.
“Being the world’s leading boating industry allows us the honour and responsibility of charting a course for the future, for a sustainable future,” explained President Formenti.
