The Palma Boat Show 2017 is taking place from 28 April to 2 May. The show features an ever-evolving format which provides visitors with a refreshing approach every year.
The 2017 edition is to dedicate an area to refit and repair, aiming for a B2B focus. With a dedicated facility for seminars and presentations, it aims to attract a targeted and relevant audience of captains and crew for the companies exhibiting there.
Steve Worrall, operations manager at Horizons Marine Electronics, explained: “We have elected to relocate to the new refit and repair area for this year’s show in the hope that it attracts more industry-specific visitors to our stands and perhaps less curious foot traffic that are simply intrigued by the technology as this can take up valuable time. We are also considering utilising the presentation tent located within the area, which will allow us to showcase products and systems in a quieter environment where we can invite up to 35 guests per session. This year we will be announcing at least one new important partnership and a number of product and system updates.”
Andrew Wilcox, director at Precision Marine, stated the new area is necessary to bolster Mallorca’s reputation as a quality destination for refit and repair. “At present there are some 60 superyachts here carrying out refits – this is something that does not happen anywhere else,” he commented. “The island’s central location is a plus; accessible for moving both in and out of the Mediterranean, however there is little international promotion of this. We feel that this new specialised section will act as a platform from which to work.”
Alongside with its new professional focus, the show will keep its entertainment feel. The Port of Palma is one of the biggest and best infrastructure, but most of all one of the most dynamic and competitive destinations for the nautical tourism in the Mediterranean area.
The show’s new slogan ‘visit Palma, discover yachting, enjoy life’ refers to the will to involve new clientele in the yachting world. “Everyone needs to get new people into yachting,” explains Jane Thompson, event coordinator. “We want to communicate the message that people can come to the show and, not only see the boats, but meet the crew and spend quality time with the brokers.”
