International Federation of Boat Show Organisers

• Jan 16, 2026, 9:02:00 AM

PALMA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW JOINS IFBSO AS PRESTIGIOUS NEW MEMBER

Celebrated Mediterranean event becomes latest addition to global federation as IFBSO expands membership categories to support boat shows at all stages of development

Amsterdam, Netherlands – January 2026– The International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) is delighted to welcome the Palma International Boat Show as its newest Boat Show Member. The membership was confirmed following productive discussions that began at Metstrade in Amsterdam in November, where the Palma delegation met with IFBSO leadership and members during the federation's annual cocktail reception.

Celebrating its 42nd edition in April 2026, the Palma International Boat Show has established itself as a premier European nautical event, marking the start of the summer boating season with 304 exhibitors and an innovative multi-venue format. Hosted at Palma's historic Moll Vell in the heart of the city, with an expansion to the new Superyacht New Build Hub, the show has carved out a distinctive position in the Mediterranean market with its strong emphasis on sailing superyachts and luxury yacht construction.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Palma International Boat Show to the IFBSO family," said Niels Klarenbeek, President of IFBSO. "Palma represents everything we value in boat shows – professional organisation, innovation, and a genuine understanding that shows should be experiences, not just transactions. Their success in building strong partnerships between government and the private sector, combined with their commitment to sustainability, demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking leadership our industry needs. Having a show of this calibre and reputation join us strengthens IFBSO's ability to represent the very best of global boat show excellence."

The Palma International Boat Show brings significant credentials to the federation. Organised by the Balearic Islands Regional Development Agency (ADRBalears) of Balearic Government and BYBA (Balearic Yacht Brokers Association), the event generated an economic impact of €20.1 million in its most recent edition, according to the Balearic Government. The show not only promotes the boating lifestyle but also drives meaningful economic contribution, boosting tourism during a traditionally quieter month and supporting hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses.

The Balearic Government's Minister for Business, Self-Employment and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, has stated that the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) is an organisation that brings together the world's leading boat show organisers and offers its members significant international exposure, professional resources and a global network of contacts. The minister emphasized: “being part of it provides access to best practices, training and technical documentation, as well as joint promotional activities and strategic reports on the sector. In addition, IFBSO institutionally represents its members before international organisations, helping to defend and strengthen the interests of boat shows around the world”.

The Importance of Boat Shows

Palma International Boat Show exemplifies why boat shows remain vital to the marine industry's growth and sustainability. For many newcomers, these events provide the first tangible experience of the boating lifestyle – an opportunity to explore vessels, meet industry experts, and discover the freedom and adventure that boating offers.

IFBSO and its member shows are committed not only to supporting exhibitors and ensuring commercial success, but also to providing attendees and visitors with genuine experiences that inspire them to join the boating community. Shows like Palma understand this mission, incorporating live music and multiple lifestyle events throughout the show to convey the excitement and culture of yachting beyond the transaction.

Boat shows also play a crucial educational role, promoting training opportunities and career pathways in the leisure marine sector. The Palma International Boat Show partners with the Balearic Islands Employment Service (SOIB) to host information stands, vocational training centre visits, and round table discussions on nautical training – demonstrating how shows can serve as gateways for the next generation of marine industry professionals.

The economic contribution of boat shows extends far beyond the exhibition halls. As the Palma study demonstrates, nautical tourists spend, on average, three times as much as conventional tourists, making boat shows powerful drivers of local economic activity and community benefits.

About Palma International Boat Show

The Palma International Boat Show takes place annually in April in the heart of Palma, Mallorca. The 2026 edition will mark the event's 42nd year, cementing its position as a cornerstone of the European boating calendar. The show features three distinctive areas: the Superyacht Village, the Superyacht New Build Hub, and Shipyards & Equipment, with venues connected by shuttle boats for seamless visitor access. The 2025 edition featured 304 exhibitors and over 30 000 visitors.

The nautical sector is considered strategic for the Balearic Islands' economy, with 879 companies dedicated to recreational boating, generating a turnover of 1.106 billion euros and supporting 5,145 jobs. For more information, visit www.palmainternationalboatshow.com