Marina Kornati, Biograd na Moru, Croatia
In organisation: Ilirija d.d., Biograd na Moru
Date: 26-30/10/2022 

This year Central Europe’s in-water show broke all records, with more exhibitors, boats, premieres, exhibition area and attendance!  It event broke temperature records with sunny sky and mid 20’s temperature for all 5 days. Official attendance figures were 20,370, but many more guests attended, including more than 2000 charter guests that checked in and out during the show. More than 350 exhibitors and 300 boats were on display. 

More Vessel Premieres than Ever

Journalists recorded more than 78 debut vessels including World premieres ranging up to 22 m.  40 were catalogued and are presented in the Dropbox below.  There were many more smaller vessels and personal watercraft that made their debut but were not recorded. All vessel segments saw increase in vessels, with the luxury motor yacht segment seeing the biggest gains. Many new Croatian built models will be on display including the World Premiere of the Monachus Issa 45 Fly and was joined by the new Monachus 70 Fly, which is the largest production yacht in the history of Croatian boatbuilding.    

Strong Sales Reported

Many exhibitors reported extremely strong sales, sighting supply restraints at their limiting factor, not market demand.  Strong growth in boats for tourism purposes, including  luxury transfer boats, rental boats, and charter vessels.

B2B Gains Serious Traction 

The Biograd B2B networking event recorded its biggest expansion yet with over 470 companies registering on the Biograd B2B business platform where they present their offerings and book meetings with other participants.  

The Croatia Charter Expo B2B event drew record attendance, with over 300 participants and 3000 Charter yachts directly represented at the event.  All participants were treated to a private lunch buffet and an evening party full of passion.

The 6th Croatian Nautical days Congress sponsored by the Croatian Chamber of Economy is in full swing beginning with meetings of the Yacht Charter and marina association.

Changes in the show Layout 

Hall B in Marina Kornati West saw the introduction of a new 600m2 “Pop Up Megastore” operated by Marina Stores which was a big hit, offering direct sales to the public.  The Croatia Charter Expo will be the biggest ever, with a new expanded Hall D location in Marina Kornati North, closer to the exhibiting charter vessels and the Captain’s Club meeting facilities.  New investments in the show included a second pontoon bridge in Marina Kornati North linking the main pier with pier 6  for easy access and better traffic flow, as well as a widening of the main pontoon bridge linking the north and west marinas.  

Full Entertainment Program Returns  

The legendary Biograd Boat Show entertainment program was a smash hit after the last two years of social distancing, with 6 live performances on site, and many more in town. The Headline Saturday program began with a spectacular fireworks show by Orion in front of Hall B followed by a concert by Neno Belan and the Fiumens, and ending with a special Samba and You After Party lasting until 4 AM.  On Friday night in Hall B, the “Get the Funk Out” night featured the very attractive Disco Magic Band with a top sound and light production, partnered with DJ Mario to lift the spirits of the lively crowds that faithfully make the Biograd Boat Show like no other.  The Marina Kornati Restaurant will also hosted music program each night.

Biograd B2B and the Croatian Chamber of Economy - As the largest gathering point for the Croatian nautical industry, the innovative Biograd B2B business to business networking event allows business visitors to interact with other B2B participants. At the core of the event, is the 6th annual Croatian Nautical Days from 26.-28. 10. 2022 organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, featuring industry association meetings, business presentations and networking social events.  As Part of Biograd B2B, the Croatia Charter Expo was bigger than ever and expands to a new Location in Hall D in the north Marina, with over 300 participants, where more than 3000 charter yachts which were directly represented to brokers and suppliers. This is the biggest Charter B2B event of any boat show.  The special terms and organization are made possible by generous support for the Croatia Charter Expo has been provided by the City of Biograd, Croatian Tourist Board, and the Chamber of Economy.

Festival of Authenticity

A popular feature of the Biograd Boat Show where artisanal vendors offered a curated selection of fine foods, natural cosmetics and handicrafts. 

Central Europe’s In-water Show 

This is Central Europe’s in-water show, attracting many visitors and exhibitors from neighbouring countries, and is 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 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 continued to work to provide a safe environment, and also revived the legendary entertainment program and social events in line with prevailing health conditions. It is important that both the boating industry and the boating public have an event that inspires passion and optimism for boating on the Adriatic… This is the Biograd Boat Show experience! 

Central Europe's Gateway to the Sea

Each year, Biograd plays an important role for domestic and international boaters.  Many people were introduced to Biograd throughout the year as one of the busiest marine transit destinations in Croatia and one of the world’s largest yacht charter destinations.  Others are introduced through its world class calendar of regattas and events, regardless, the international recognition and reputation of Biograd improves each year.

The Biograd Boat Show is a Member of the IFBSO

The Biograd Boat Show is a 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 is at the forefront of Business to Business activities.

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. 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 2023; Ilirija plans to build in its successes to improve its important role in setting a course for a brighter future for boating on the Adriatic.

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.