Mallorca hosts global nautical industry summit
A strong representation of public authorities, along with leading representatives from the global nautical industry, officially opened the annual congresses of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) on Tuesday, May 27. These prestigious events are being held jointly in Mallorca this week.
From Sunday, May 25, to Thursday, May 29, Mallorca—and more specifically, its capital city—is positioned as the epicenter of the global nautical world, hosting delegates from all major nautical trade associations and the most influential and prestigious boat shows worldwide.
The official welcome ceremony, which marked the midpoint of the landmark gathering, featured the participation of key authorities including Toni Ginard, Director of the Balearic Port Authority (APB); Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, Minister for Business, Employment and Energy; Alfons Gómez, Director General of Industry and Industrial Parks; Antoni Deudero, Deputy Mayor for Mobility of the Palma City Council; and Silvia Delgado, Manager of ADR Balears. They were joined in supporting the event by Darren Vaux, President of ICOMIA, and Niels Klarenbeek, President of IFBSO, along with over one hundred guests taking part in the week’s activities.
“Hosting these congresses means a great deal to us. It is both a source of pride and a responsibility, as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the central role of the nautical sector in our islands. For us, the sea is not only an economic driver—it is tradition, landscape, and culture,” stated Toni Ginard, Director of the APB, during the opening ceremony at the Port Centre, the institutional headquarters of the Port Authority.
Next to speak was Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, Minister for Business, Employment and Energy, who emphasized that “nautical activities are one of the main pillars for the future of our islands, which boast miles of beautiful coastline, as well as excellent ports, clubs, and marinas. Our nautical industry is a major generator of wealth and employment, and its quality is internationally recognized. That’s why today, we are considered a global hub for the marine industry.”
Antoni Deudero, Deputy Mayor for Mobility, added: “It is a great honor for the city to host the leading global experts, professionals, and industry leaders in nautical affairs. They are seeing first-hand the technical excellence of our infrastructure, services, and businesses, as well as the world-class cruising grounds offered by this spectacular part of the Mediterranean. Palma is proud to be the world’s nautical capital during this prestigious gathering, just as it is every year during our Palma International Boat Show (PIBS).”
Similarly, Darren Vaux, President of ICOMIA, noted that “Palma and Mallorca are a great inspiration for the entire nautical industry, thanks to their stunning coastline and scenery, incredible nautical facilities, ports, and marinas, and the deep connection between people and the sea.”
Finally, Niels Klarenbeek, President of IFBSO, praised the Palma International Boat Show as “a success story,” and highlighted the way “Mallorca stimulates the recreational boating industry by connecting people to nature and the sea in a sustainable way.”
This is a historic milestone, as it marks the first time that the Balearic capital has hosted this internationally significant gathering. The event welcomes over a hundred participants, including top leaders from the most important marine industries across the globe—from New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Turkey, and the United States, as well as representatives from most European countries including France, Italy, and Germany. Also in attendance are the presidents and directors of prominent boat shows such as Düsseldorf, Cannes, Miami, and Barcelona, who are discussing the future and challenges of the industry.
The congress, organized by the Spanish National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN) in collaboration with the Ministry for Business, Employment and Energy through the Balearic Islands Regional Development Agency (ADR Balears), aims to showcase the strength of the Balearic nautical industry to representatives from five continents. It also seeks to consolidate Palma’s status as a strategic global nautical hub and facilitate connections with key players in the world’s leading nautical markets.
The program combines technical sessions, working committees, networking activities, professional visits, and social events in a privileged Mediterranean setting. Participants are visiting key nautical facilities across Mallorca, such as Port Adriano, Puerto Portals, Alcudiamar, Astilleros de Mallorca, STP Shipyard Palma, Club de Mar-Mallorca, and the Port of Palma.
In addition to the ICOMIA and IFBSO general assemblies, the agenda includes technical meetings, collaborative workshops, and sessions focused on sustainability, market intelligence, marketing, innovation, sales, and the Spanish boating market. The week’s events will culminate in a grand gala dinner on Thursday, putting the finishing touch on a congress that positions Palma firmly as the global epicenter of the nautical industry.