VENEZIA – «The strengthening of the offer for the yacht market is in line with the tourism we want in Venice, capable of generating quality jobs». In his first public appearance as mayor of Venice, although still mayor-elect and not yet installed, Simone Venturini already has clear ideas: the city will focus on boating.
Proof of this came during the inauguration of the seventh edition, held today at the Venice Arsenale, when he reiterated: «We will carry forward a celebration of the city and of the Region. The Boat Show will continue, hopefully for at least half a century».
On the stage, where outgoing mayor Luigi Brugnaro, the president of the Region, Alberto Stefani, the president of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, and Squadron Admiral Stefano Barbieri, delegate of the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy and Commander of the Italian Navy Schools, were also present, the handover took place in the name of continuity. A continuity that Venturini has taken seriously, reserving the port affairs delegations for himself. The endorsement from the Region came from Stefani, who made clear that «The Veneto Region will stand alongside Venice every day. Boating is a resource for the territory».
Finally, national politics paid tribute to what has been created from scratch in recent years: «This Boat Show, now in its seventh edition, I confess that in Liguria they looked at it with suspicion, but we understood that it does not overshadow Genoa or anywhere else. This Boat Show is moving forward well with the help of all the players who wanted it, who are strengthening it, and it enhances the sea, which is fundamental for Venice and for Italy», La Russa said.
The edition has therefore got under way, offering a maze of opportunities for those who want to populate the sea. From engines to hybrid systems, from hulls to large yachts, traditional boats, including miniature models, as well as ports, marinas, services, clothing and insurance. For a few more days, Venice will be at the centre of the global debate among industry professionals and boating enthusiasts.
