Balearic yachting sector sets roadmap based on unity, associations, and rigor

The Balearic Islands Port Authority hosted on Wednesday the conference “Employers’ Associations and Clusters: Strategic Entities for Balearic Yachting”, organized by the Balearic Marine Cluster, the Balearic Association of Nautical Companies (AENIB), and the Spanish Nautical Business Association (ANEN), with the collaboration of Ports of the Balearic Islands.

The event brought together more than one hundred professionals and institutional representatives, underscoring its strategic importance for strengthening public-private relations in the sector. During the day, key economic and structural data on Balearic yachting were presented, drawn from the Balearic Yachting Sector Report and the Recreational Boat Market Report published monthly by ANEN.

The gathering highlighted the economic and employment impact of Balearic yachting, not only as a driver of tourism but also as a generator of skilled jobs and a diversified industry spanning shipyards, refit, yacht charter, training, and port services. Sectoral cohesion was emphasized as the key to achieving greater visibility and institutional recognition.

ANEN director general Jordi Carrasco and Balearic Marine Cluster manager Pedro Suasi presented detailed data on the European, national, and Balearic nautical sectors and their economic and social impact. They noted that marinas generate around 70,000 jobs and €4 billion in annual turnover in the European Union, where some 6 million boats are in use. At EU level, the sector has an annual turnover of €28 billion, of which €6 billion comes from chartering, and employs 234,000 people. An estimated 48 million Europeans regularly practice water sports.

In Spain, with 8,000 km of coastline, there are some 200,000 boats, over 375 marinas and yacht clubs, and around 4,000 nautical companies, directly employing 25,000 workers.

In the Balearic Islands alone, 879 companies are registered, not including those under self-employed status, meaning the true figure is higher. In 2024, these companies generated €1.106 billion in turnover, 3.1% of Balearic GDP, and directly employed 5,145 people, about 1% of the regional workforce, not counting indirect wealth and employment.

The conference was attended by AENIB president Jaume Vaquer, Balearic Marine Cluster president Guillermo García, ANEN director general Jordi Carrasco, together with Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, Balearic Minister for Business, Self-Employment and Energy; Juan Manuel Lafuente, Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle; and Javier Sanz, president of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB).

As host, Sanz stressed the need to “add, cooperate, dialogue, and move forward together. When the sector and institutions engage in dialogue, the door opens to a shared future, in a sector that needs to forge strong and effective alliances with a long-term vision.” He described AENIB, ANEN, and the Cluster as “the future of the sector, as platforms that foster cohesion, international projection, and innovation for Balearic yachting.”

Minister Juan Manuel Lafuente noted that “this is the ideal time to discuss a joint strategy for the sector, with entrepreneurs playing a key role as interlocutors with the Government and other administrations. We enjoy a strategic Mediterranean location and a strong business sector of highly competitive companies. Now is the time to assess where we are and where we want to go, and do so together: employers’ associations, clusters, and administrations.” He added that the future of the Balearic economy depends on “a yachting sector open to the world,” stressing the importance of maintaining the quality of the islands as a destination with clean waters, a cared-for coastline, and high-standard safety and infrastructure.

The event highlighted the strong institutional, business, and social support behind the Balearic yachting sector and reaffirmed the need for greater sectoral cohesion. AENIB president Jaume Vaquer highlighted the association’s long-standing role in the islands, defended the importance of associationism alongside ANEN and the Balearic Marine Cluster, and stressed that AENIB’s voice must continue to serve as a reference for authorities and the media, guaranteeing rigor and representativeness in public debate. 

Vera indicated that “in a sector like ours, it is essential to work together, employers’ associations, clusters, institutions, and companies, to improve competitiveness, generate employment, sustainability, and economic growth, while also strengthening the maritime culture inherent to our island identity.”

Balearic Marine Cluster president Guillermo García echoed the message, stressing that “the future of Balearic yachting will depend on our ability to work together with a forward-looking vision,” and calling for unity across associations to represent the sector as a whole.

Two round tables followed, featuring leading companies in shipyards, refit, charter, training, and nautical-sports facilities, discussing the challenges and opportunities ahead. The first, moderated by Pedro Suasi, focused on “The role of BMC in driving the Balearic nautical sector”, with contributions from Lucía Mingot (Astilleros de Mallorca), Maena Salom (Nautipaints Group), Tià Simó (V2 Boats), and Mar Vera (Alcudiamar). The second, moderated by Jordi Carrasco, examined “The role of AENIB in driving the Balearic nautical sector”, with panelists Carlos Petisco (Escuela del Mar), Ramón Van Der Hooft (Boating Ibiza), Isabel Martínez (IPM Group), and Adela Esteva (SeaTeach).

The closing remarks were delivered by Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, Minister for Business, Self-Employment and Energy, who praised the sector as an “example of unity and professionalism” and underlined “the importance of yachting in terms of turnover, companies, and both national and international presence.” He also announced a forthcoming campaign to highlight the high level of professionalism across industries, especially in yachting.

The event concluded with a networking session that helped strengthen ties between companies, institutions, and sector entities, leaving a clear final message: Balearic yachting is united, solid, and ready to consolidate its leadership role in the Mediterranean and in Europe.

Throughout the event, AENIB’s role as the longest-standing employers’ association was emphasized, giving voice to the majority of the islands’ nautical business network. Close cooperation with ANEN and the Balearic Marine Cluster was highlighted as a multiplier of this representative capacity, ensuring decisions are based on objective data and real business experience.

The message was clear: Balearic yachting is ready to speak with one voice, sending a serious and responsible message. Authorities and the media were urged to prioritize dialogue with consolidated entities to guarantee rigor and representation in the sector’s public debate, and to avoid the fragmentation that less-supported initiatives may bring.

International projection was another key theme. Cohesion and joint work were presented as fundamental tools to strengthen the Balearic Islands’ position as a Mediterranean and European leader, both in superyacht refit and repair and in port and charter services. Only a united sector can effectively meet the challenges of global competitiveness and the transition to a more sustainable model.

Innovation and sustainability were also central to the conclusions. The future of the sector lies in energy efficiency, modernization of facilities, and environmental stewardship. Public-private collaboration was cited as essential for attracting investment and consolidating the Balearic Islands as a hub of nautical excellence.

Finally, the need to strengthen talent and training was underlined, with a reminder that the sector requires highly skilled professionals. Cooperation between companies, institutions, and training centers will allow the creation of pathways that ensure generational renewal and employability in key trades for refit and nautical services.