With 2 Weeks to go, the Sold out Biograd Boat Show Faces a Hot Boating Market.
This year’s Biograd Boat Show has sold out its exhibition space and will be held during a very strong boating market, where demand for boats throughout Europe is very high and the supply is tightening. With delivery dates for new boats getting longer and longer, this is the best opportunity to see the largest selection of boats in the region and to secure the best delivery terms and prices.
There will be numerous World and Croatian premieres of vessels, and plenty of equipment and accessories that can be purchased directly, as well as many demonstrations of new products. The show is also known for its gastro and entertainment offerings with good food served in the restaurants, selected artisan food vendors at the Festival Izvornosti, as well as an entertainment program each night after sunset.
Although all exhibition space is sold out, nautical businesses can still participate by registering on the Biograd B2B business to business platform, and have full access to the show and an online Biograd B2B Directory, where they can present their products and services to other participants and schedule meetings in advance.
A summary of some of the vessel premieres is attached.
Central Europe’s In-water Show Sails Ahead
This is Central Europe’s in-water show, attracting many visitors and exhibitors from neighboring countries, and the biggest meeting point for Croatia’s nautical industry, marking the end of the boating season and the start of a new business year. The Show is organized by Ilirija d.d. of Biograd, one of the top tourism companies in Croatia, a leader in hotels, camping and nautical tourism, and is the cradle of nautical tourism, establishing the first commercial marina and yacht charter base dating back to the 1977.
New Brands and Models
Some of the new vessel brands that will be introduced to the Croatian market include the luxury sailboat shipyard Solaris, as well as the motorboat brands De Antonio from Spain, as well as 3B Craft sport fishing boats from Italy. The Finnish brand Saxdor will also debut their 4 seat Saxdor 200 Sport model. Rib brands that will have their Croatian debut include: Italian brands Panamera and AB Inflatables, as well as the Canadian Brand Gala .
Traditional exhibitors will show many Croatian vessel premieres. Highlights include: the new Absolute Navetta 48 in the Luxury motor yacht segment, while the Hallberg-Rassey 50 will make its debut in the luxury sailboat segment. In the Catamaran Segment, the Bali 4.2 and Bali 4.6 sailing catamarans will debut alongside the Bali 4.3 motor catamaran, as well as the Fountaine Pajot Isla 40.
Electric powered vessels will be more prevalent at the show, including the world premiere of
the Solar Ferry by Agena Marin, a compact solar powered electric catamaran ideal for tours and transfers.
An Important Show for the Boating Industry
The importance of the show was proven in 2020, as the show was a rare opportunity in Europe for companies and boaters that gravitate to the Adriatic to directly communicate and deal with the global changes that had taken place. This year, the expectations are very high, with a record number of early exhibitor registrations and many exhibitors expanding their exhibits to satisfy the increase in boater interest.
The Boat Show Experience
The show has gained international popularity among both exhibitors and visitors due to Croatia’s importance as a boating destination, and Ilirija’s well managed facilities including Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Ilirija has proven itself as a safe and professional event organizer during the pandemic, with no reported COVID cases in 2020, and will continue on this path, following and exceeding national health guidelines. The legendary calendar of social events that has made the BBS unique is being planned, and will be adjusted to suit the situation at the time of the show.
Central Europe’s Gateway to the Sea
Each year, Biograd plays an important role for domestic and international boaters. Many people were introduced to the BBS while visiting Biograd throughout the year, as it is one of the world’s largest yacht charter destinations, or through its world class calendar of regattas and events, or as one of the busiest marine transit destinations in Croatia. Regardless, the international recognition and reputation improves each year.
Four more events within the Biograd Boat Show
Biograd B2B
As the largest gathering point for the Croatian nautical industry, a business to business platform was developed, and Biograd B2B was created. Biograd B2B is a nautical business networking event during the boat show allowing business visitors to register, participate and schedule meetings with exhibitors and other B2B participants, and participate in an extensive nautical Congress Program.
5th annual Croatian Nautical Days
As part of Biograd B2B, the Croatian Chamber of Economy will hold its 5th annual Croatian Nautical Days from 20.-22. 10. 2021, featuring numerous industry association meetings, business presentations and networking social events.
Croatia Charter Expo
Also as part of Biograd B2B, the third Croatia Charter Expo will be held from 21.-22. 10. 2021. This 2-day, B2B event for the yacht charter industry will allow charter fleet providers to meet with agents, brokers and suppliers, supported by an active charter congress program. All participants will be registered on the Biograd B2B platform, and will be able to take part in the boat show during its entire duration.
International congress of the Boat Charter Agency Association
This year the Croatia Charter Expo will be joined by an international congress of the Boat Charter Agency Association, which boasts over 200 international members. Generous support for the Croatia Charter Expo has been provided by the City of Biograd, Croatian Tourist Board, and the Chamber of Economy.
A Brighter Future for Boating
The Biograd Boat Show made its biggest gains in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, growing from a minor regional show to an international show that brought the Adriatic boating region to the world stage, when all other shows faced serious declines. This was done by optimizing Ilirija’s nautical and hospitality assets, and creating attractively priced options for exhibitors and visitors, resulting in long-term success. In 2020 similar measures were used to address the challenging environment, focusing on Ilirija’s strength in providing safe holiday and event experiences in hospitality, food and beverages, and event planning. For the 2021 show, the company plans to build in its successes to again play an important role in setting a course for a brighter future for boating.
The Biograd Boat Show is Gold Member of IFBSO
The Biograd Boat Show is a Gold Member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers, adopting the high standards of the organization and participating in its further development by sharing its unique business model, and innovative touches such as the 360 degree virtual reality tour, and Biograd B2B. More information is available on the website www.bbs.com.hr
