Published in October 2025
Linked to Fira de Barcelona for several years, brilliantly performing his duties in the organisation and management of major events, in January 2021 he took over as director of the Barcelona International Boat Show.
His enormous capacity for work and management, together with his innovative strategic vision, enable him to direct other leading events in Barcelona, such as the Used Car Show or the International Caravaning Show and NiceOne.
Q.- What are the objectives of this new edition of the Barcelona International Boat Show compared to previous editions?
A.- As a result of the Strategic Plan we have drawn up following last year’s hiatus due to the Copa América, in 2025 we will embark on a new phase in which we intend to bring together a larger and better commercial offering while improving the shopping experience.
Q.- What surprises or new developments will mark a turning point?
A.- There are several, but I would highlight the participation of large vessels, which requires us to open the Barcelona dock, and the new Village with the offerings of the prestigious Seville chef Rafa Zafra. We have opted for a more premium exhibition model, something that will begin to be seen in this year’s edition.
Q.- What is the target audience for the fair?
A.- Our objective is to reach a more professional audience with greater decision-making and purchasing power. And for this, it is essential to have a higher quality offering. This explains why we have committed to improving our offering and content. To attract a premium audience, we must offer a premium lounge.
Q.- In terms of infrastructure, what changes will there be compared to previous editions? Will Barcelona's coastline improve in any way?
A.- Barcelona’s port facilities have undergone significant improvements with the refurbishment work that had to be carried out for the last America’s Cup. Therefore, Port Vell already has first-class infrastructure. In this regard, I would like to point out that Barcelona has a picture-postcard coastline.
Q.- Tell us about the Hosted Buyers Programme and the Ambassadors Programme.
A.- To ensure the success of an event such as the Barcelona Boat Show, it is essential to have a significant national and international promotional programme in place to reach a large number of potential visitors who may be interested in what is on offer at the show. That is why we have launched this Guest Buyers and Ambassadors Programme to promote the event among sailing enthusiasts.
Q.- How will the Barcelona International Boat Show promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable models of sailing without losing the essence of exclusivity?
A.- Sustainability has been a central theme of the Boat Show for many years. Therefore, hybrid and electric boats will once again be seen in Barcelona, as well as engines that use biofuels or hydrogen. Likewise, the very design of the show, which uses recycled tents and restricts the use of paper and plastics, is a sign of our commitment to more sustainable boating.
Q.- What can you tell us about the Boatique concept that will be introduced in the 2025 edition?
A.- As I mentioned earlier, we have undertaken a process of reflection to design a new exhibition model that combines a wider commercial offering with an improved visitor experience. Hence, the concept of Boatique was born, a combination of Boat and Boutique.
Q.- What we might call recreational boating is a growing market in Spain. Which countries are the main consumers?
A.- With 8,000 kilometres of coastline, the Spanish nautical market has enormous potential for growth. Data provided by the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), which collaborates each year in organising the show, shows that the Spanish nautical sector, following the post-pandemic boom, is experiencing a period of stabilisation in sales, reaching 4,000 registrations between January and August this year, representing a decrease of 5.3% compared to the same period last year. However, I would like to point out another variable. Spain welcomed 3.4 million nautical tourists in 2024, particularly from Germany and the United Kingdom. And this is an international audience that the Fira de Barcelona Boat Show needs to reach more intensely.
Q.- This luxurious atmosphere also reaches the palate thanks to chef Rafa Zafra. What does his proposal consist of?
A.- We chose Rafa Zafra because he is the true chef of the sea. Zafra has designed an exclusive six-course tasting menu featuring seafood as the star attraction for those visiting the Village at the show. Beans with tuna belly and Iberian pork jowl, hake with cocochas and pilpil sauce, or roasted leeks with Roses prawns are just a sample of what Zafra has to offer. In addition, during meals, a marine biologist will accompany the service, explaining details of each dish to customers.
Q.- Is there any estimate of the economic impact that this new edition and format of the Barcelona International Boat Show will have on the city?
For reasons of confidentiality, exhibitors do not disclose the results of their commercial operations within the framework of the exhibition… However, I can assure you that a high percentage of the sales recorded in Spain throughout the year are made at our event. The Barcelona Boat Show is a great business opportunity.
