All exhibitors and visitors expressed surprise, as no one thought that such a good show could be achieved during such uncertain times
Marina Kornati, Biograd na Moru, Croatia
In organisation: Ilirija d.d., Biograd na Moru
Date: 21-25/10/2020
Video link For Day 3
Video link For Day 2
Video link For Day 1
Link to Photos of Day 3
Link to Photos of Day 2
Link to Photos of Day 1
Link to BBS 2020 Catalog
BIOGRAD N/M – The 22nd Biograd Boat Show, organized and hosted by Ilirija d.d., opened its doors under sunny skies with over 250 registered exhibitors and only slightly fewer vessels that 2019’s record show despite the challenging environment. Held at Ilirija’s Four Anchor, Marina Kornati, Croatia’s third largest, it spans both the north and west marines joined together with a pontoon bridge, and displays vessels ranging from 2- 20 m.
The show was the third and last major boat to be held in Europe in the Second half of 2020, and showed remarkable resilience from both exhibitors and visitors, maintaining its status as Central Europe’s largest in-water show, and showcases the importance and strength of the Croatian nautical sector.
The strategy of extending the show over 5 days worked very well, as the new Wednesday opening day was well attended, while Thursday was the most attended Thursday in the show’s History. Through close cooperation with the Zadar County Civil Headquarters and the Public Health Department, Ilirija met all of the public safety criteria for a safe show, and added additional measures such as free masks for all participants, as well as making Covid 19 testing available to visitors. The lifting of German, Austrian, and Slovenian travel restrictions to Zadar County had a strong impact on increasing international visitors beyond expectations.
The Biograd "B2B", business networking event proved its importance during this challenging year, incorporating video chat meetings for digital visitors. The 4th Croatian Chamber of Commerce Nautical Days congress program was well attended with important meetings augmented by Zoom participants on video chat. The Croatia Charter Expo, located in Hall D at marina Kornati West, and on pier 14 received the most compliments, as its participants expectations were exceeded on all fronts. The pier 14 location for charter fleet providers that exhibited on vessels was extremely well received.
The Biograd Boat Show’s legendary entertainment program was essentially sacrificed for the sake of public health, so visitors had to deal with a regular boat show for this year, but be sure this will be made up in the future.
We thank all that participated and supported this event which breathed a fresh wind of optimism for the Croatia Nautical industry.
As a Gold Member of the International Federation of Boat Show organizers, Ilirija d.d. has taken the most professional health and safety measures, and would like to thank all visitors in advance for understanding and adhering to all epidemiological measures, which will be clearly provided at the show entrances.
Ilirija d.d.
For more information contact us at:
Ilirija d.d.
Tina Ujevića 7
23210 Biograd, Croatia
info@bbs.com.hr
Tel: +385 (0)23 386 147
www.bbs.com.hr
www.biogradb2b.com
www.croatiacharterexpo.com
Having recognized the exceptional potential of Biograd na Moru as a nautical town in the vicinity of Kornati archipelago, ILIRIJA d.d. built the first nautical harbor in Croatia back in 1974, the today's hotel harbor called Kornati, from which the nautical tourism started to develop systematically along the Adriatic coast. It also procured the first own charter fleet of 40 ELAN vessels, thus rightfully assuming the title of a pioneer of nautical tourism and turning the town of Biograd into the cradle of nautical tourism.
With the total sea area (maritime zone) of 91 912 m2 and the land area of 39 688 m2, today's marina Kornati is certainly one of the largest nautical harbors in the Zadar County and the only real driver of nautical tourism development at Biograd Riviera which, thanks to the boating potentials of the city itself and the vision and courage of ILIRIJA d.d., enabled Biograd not only to become the yachting city, but also the center for development of nautical tourism.
The maritime zone annually hosts more than 40 domestic and international regattas of all classes and over 30 flotillas, which are attended by up to 10,000 sailors from around the world. Therefore, the marina Kornati and Biograd na Moru rightly and proudly deserve to wear the title of not only a nautical, but also a regatta center of Northern Dalmatia.
Marina has retained its status of the leading charter center in Croatia with over 300 charter boats owned by 12 charter companies operating within the marina and selling the world's leading manufacturers' vessels, in addition to their charter business.
The Biograd boat Show is Central Europe’s in-water Boat show. The event has taken on an international flavor due to the importance of Croatia as a boating destination and the impressive facilities and management of Ilirija d.d. which include Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Favorable pricing for all services adds to the leisurely atmosphere, while a pontoon bridge links the main marina with Marina Kornati West, offering a unique and attractive in-water exhibition.
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 tour.