First Canary Islands Boat Show Hailed a Success
The first Canary Islands Boat Show in Tenerife attracted over 5,000 visitors and generated more than €200,000 in sales, receiving a very positive review from Asnáutica for highlighting the active boating sector and growing interest in sea activities.
The Canary Islands Recreational Boating Association (Asnáutica), part of Femete, has given a very positive review of the first Canary Islands Boat Show. Held at the Tenerife Exhibition Centre in late September, the event was organised by the Island Council with support from Femete, ATI-COM, and Asnáutica, among other groups.
Over its three days, the show attracted more than 5,000 visitors. It also generated over 200,000 euros in sales of leisure boats, spare parts, and marine accessories. Asnáutica's president, Carmen Fernández Ibars, highlighted that "these figures show how active the boating sector is and the growing interest people in the Canary Islands have in sea activities, the ocean, and all it offers for leisure, business, and sustainability."
Ms. Fernández Ibars emphasised that the special partnership between the Island Council and the boating industry to launch this event was "very well received and made a big impact from the start." She added that it became "an essential meeting point for professionals, official bodies, and the public." She hopes the show will "continue and be repeated, becoming a key annual event for the entire archipelago."
The president also congratulated the Tenerife Island Council, especially Manuel Fernández Vega, the Island Councillor for Industry, Commerce, Primary Sector, and Animal Welfare. She praised his "vision and strong support for the boating community, as well as his friendly approach and dedication to business associations." She concluded that the show "has been, is, and will remain a wonderful chance for people in Tenerife to reconnect with the sea, to remember its importance to our identity, and to keep sailing together towards a more sustainable and prosperous future."
Emérito Rodríguez Frías, Asnáutica's vice-president, also pointed out that "the Canary Islands Boat Show proved the true potential of this sector in the islands." He stated that "the public's interest, the quality of the participating companies, and the business opportunities created all confirm that recreational boating can and should play a significant role in the island's economy."
Mr. Rodríguez Frías added that "events like this encourage us to keep working on a shared plan to promote the 'blue economy.' This means using our marine resources smartly and sustainably, which will diversify economic activity and strengthen the long-standing emotional connection Tenerife has with the sea."
The first Canary Islands Boat Show featured 50 companies, 60 stands, and 10,000 square meters of exhibition space. It also offered a comprehensive programme of conferences, workshops, and informative talks on various aspects of boating and the maritime economy.
Finally, Asnáutica applauded the Tenerife Island Council for dedicating this first edition to Iñaki Domínguez. This was done in memory of the former manager of the Tenerife Exhibition Centre, who passed away a few months ago, recognising his excellent work and commitment to organising innovative events.