Mallorca consolidates itself as the seamanship’s global capital with the ICOMIA and IFBSO congresses

A hundred representatives of the main nautical organizations and international shows have participated this week in Palma in the annual congresses of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) and IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organisers), celebrated for the first time in the Balearic capital from May 25ht to 29th.

During five intense sessions, Mallorca has hosted leaders from the field from countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Turkey and a wide area of Europe, as well as directors from highlighted shows like Düsseldorf, Mets, Cannes, Miami, Palma or Barcelona. The event has combined general assemblies, technical sessions, collaborative workshops, professional visits and social activities.

One of the key moments has been the election of the new ICOMIA’s president: Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA’s president  (National Marine Manufacturers Association), who will direct the Council during the next two years. In addition, ANEN, the Spanish organization represented by José Luis Fayos, will join the International Directive Board, reinforcing the Spanish field’s weight on the global scene. 

The event has been organized by ANEN with the support of the Employment and Energy Counselling, through the Regional Development Agency (ADR Balears), with the aim of showing the world the quality of the nautical Spanish and Balearic field, and consolidating Palma as a strategic enclave of the Mediterranean.

The participants were impressed after visiting key facilities such as Alcudiamar, Puerto Portals, Port Adriano, Astilleros de Mallorca, STP, Club de Mar and el Palma’s Port. Darren Vaux, ICOMIA’s retiring president, has expressed that “Palma is an extraordinary place, with a unique combination of modern facilities and an old centre full of history”, and has highlighted that “this encounter has allowed collaborating and sharing knowledge to generate positive results for the whole nautical industry."

Niels Klarenbeek, IFBSO’s president and Metstrade’s show director, has pointed out that “reuniting in Palma with such an inspiring atmosphere near the port, has been truly exceptional” and has praised Palma International Boat Show’s work, “especially with its growing focus on the superyachts’ field.”

Frank Hugelmeyer has reminded that “the American nautical industry generates 230.000 million dollars a year and many of those huge yachts sail through the Mediterranean, mooring and and carrying out the maintenance in Palma.”, highlighting too “the warm local welcome and the enthusiasm with which the city has received the whole global nautical industry.”

José Luis Fayos (ANEN) has highlighted the high level of participation and compromise in a congress that has addressed crucial issues such as sustainability, new users acquisition of the lack of qualified personnel. “We share a lot of issues between countries and these sessions have allowed us to find union points.”, he has affirmed.

On his behalf, Jordi Carrasco, ANEN’s general director, has valued that “some assistants knew Palma and others didn’t, but everyone has been impressed with the quality of our marines, services and variety of boats’ lengths. We have shown that the Balearic Islands and Spain are an ideal destiny for nautical tourism as well as boats’ maintenance.”