Boating: An €8.6 Billion Engine for Italy in 2025

Recreational boating continues to be one of the strongest driving forces of Italy’s blue economy. According to an analysis by the North-East Sardinia Nautical Operators Association, based on data from Confindustria Nautica (2023–2024 Report), Assomarinas (2025 Observatory), and Unioncamere (Blue Economy Observatory), the sector is expected to close 2025 with a turnover of €8.6 billion.

This comes as no surprise: Italy is the world leader in superyacht construction, accounting for over 50% of global orders, and is seeing steady growth in port services, with a +1.5% increase in berth sales and +3.2% in transient moorings.

The Blue Economy: A €216 Billion Giant

Looking beyond boating alone, the XIII National Report on the Blue Economy 2025 estimates the total value of Italy’s blue economy at €216 billion, with 230,000 companies and 1.1 million employees. This sector is expanding at double the pace of the rest of the national economy: +16% compared to +6.6% GDP growth.

“The wealth generated by the marine supply chain is a resource that drives employment, tourism, and Made in Italy. It is a heritage that must be protected and enhanced with clear rules and shared strategies,” comment analysts from AssonauticiSardegna.org.

The Regional Map of Boating

Although there is no official breakdown of revenues by region, the Association has developed an estimate using two key indicators: available berths and the number of active “blue” enterprises.

The results place Liguria at the top (€1.289 billion, 14.99% of the total), followed by Sardinia (€1.210 billion, 14.07%) and Friuli-Venezia Giulia (€873 million, 10.16%). Next are Campania, Sicily, Tuscany, Apulia, Veneto, Lazio, and Calabria.

This map highlights that recreational boating is not a localized phenomenon, but a widespread resource along all Italian coasts, with peaks of excellence in several regions.

A Sector in Continuous Transformation

The growth of recreational boating is not only quantitative. Technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and quality services are reshaping the offerings of marinas, shipyards, and charter operators.

From production to port management, maintenance, and refitting, the supply chain remains a strategic asset for tourism and the national economy. And prospects for the coming years suggest further growth potential, especially thanks to international demand and the Made in Italy brand’s ability to attract new investment.

Discover Boating at Pescare Show 2026, from February 13 to 15 at Rimini Expo Centre (Italy)!

Sources:

SardegnaImpresa

Alessandria Today