Salon Nautico president anticipates new winds for Spanish market
By IBI Magazine/Manuel Sevilla Moroder
Last Tuesday the organisers of Salon Nautico in Barcelona, led by president Luis Conde in partnership with trade body ANEN, presented to the media the forthcoming 48th edition of the event amid relative optimism.
Conde focused on two interesting indicators: the current record level of household savings, which is already above 24 per cent of disposable income; and the number of new boating licenses issued over 2008 — nearly six times the number of new registered boats. In other words, money and a significant interest in boating are there.
"Our role is to support the industry by facilitating sales during the event," said Conde. To this end, a new feature of the show this year will be a fine restaurant and business hospitality area in a big tent afloat in Port Vell marina.
This will be Conde's first boat show in the chair, although he has longstanding links with the industry as board member and stakeholder of an important marina. He took over the challenge a few months ago.
At the same time, an ex-magistrate was appointed within Spanish government to lead the department in charge of leisure marine. From day one, she has been approached by ANEN and more recently by Salon Nautico to ensure close cooperation. According to Conde, she is determined to produce clean sheet regulation for the industry, taking into consideration the prevailing approach amongst European countries. The fact that she comes from a different sector anticipates independence, added Conde.
ANEN and Salon Nautico also took the opportunity to announce the launch of a new campaign to popularise boating and change the public's perception of boating as an elite sport. Both organisations underlined that in Spain this is simply not the case. According to statistics, nearly 87 per cent of the Spanish fleet is below 8m (26ft) LOA.
(6 November 2009)
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