by InTrieste
Set against the backdrop of Italy’s picturesque Friuli Venezia Giulia region, the Lignano Boat Show 2025 promises to be a landmark event for the country’s maritime industry. Slated for March 29 and 30, as well as April 5 and 6, the event will unfold along the stunning Porto Vecchio dock in Lignano Sabbiadoro, a location that has witnessed the convergence of boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourists from around the world.
Regional Councillor for Tourism and Economic Activities, Sergio Emidio Bini, addressed the significance of this year’s show during a press conference at the regional headquarters in Udine. Highlighting the critical role of recreational boating in both the tourism sector and the regional economy, Bini stressed that the Friuli Venezia Giulia region had been investing heavily in initiatives aimed at boosting this already thriving sector.
“In full awareness of the importance of the recreational boating industry and the surrounding coastal areas, both from a tourism perspective and in terms of economic and job growth, we have allocated resources and drafted a new, important bill aimed at furthering the development of this sector, particularly in the wake of the pandemic,” said Bini.
The new bill, which will be presented to industry operators at the Lignano Boat Show, is set to secure an initial funding allocation of €2.7 million for the 2025-2026 biennium. Among its key provisions are eco-bonuses for low-impact marine engines, funding channels dedicated to the refitting and demolition of recreational vessels, and initiatives aimed at revitalizing tourist ports and marinas.
According to Bini, the bill’s aims are not only to bolster local businesses in the maritime industry but also to enhance Italy’s standing as a global leader in boating and maritime tourism. “This law will provide significant opportunities for businesses in the boating sector to innovate, grow, and compete on a global stage,” he added.
Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its 96 kilometers of coastline and over 15,500 berths, boasts Italy’s largest tourist port. The region is home to 25 marinas, supporting approximately 2,000 jobs. As the post-pandemic boating boom continues, the sector has seen impressive growth — with revenues increasing by 20% in 2022 and 13.6% in 2023. Additionally, the shipbuilding and maritime economy sector employs over 10,000 individuals across 1,350 companies, contributing to 15% of the region’s GDP and 16% of its exports.
Lignano Boat Show, now in its ninth edition, has evolved into a major industry event since its debut in 2016. The show has grown in stature, attracting a select crowd of boating professionals and enthusiasts, while also introducing local culinary stands and adapting to the latest trends in the industry. The event’s growing popularity led to a return in 2023 after a hiatus in 2020, with a significant surge in exhibitors.
But it’s not just the boats that have brought excitement to this year’s event. The Lignano Boat Show 2025 will also feature the return of powerboating to the Lignano and Marano Lagoon waters for the first time in over 40 years. On April 6, during the second weekend of the show, the Lignano Boat Show Offshore race will take place, offering a spectacular spectacle for both enthusiasts and casual onlookers. The race, which will be held in collaboration with the Italian Powerboating Federation (Fim) and Tecnomar Racing, will be part of the Italian Powerboating Touring Cup Championship and promises an extraordinary display of speed and adrenaline.
For those interested in the future of Italy’s recreational boating industry, Lignano Boat Show 2025 will not just be an event, but a statement of growth, innovation, and resilience. It highlights the region’s commitment to sustaining the sector’s remarkable post-pandemic growth while providing an exciting opportunity to witness the convergence of tradition, modernity, and passion on the Italian coast.
