Spanish boat market rebounds as registrations rise 11.2% in early 2026
Barcelona Boat Show returns in October The Spanish boat market has shown positive resilience in the first part of 2026, recording an 11.2 per cent increase in new recreational craft registrations to reach 3,105 units. This follows a challenging 2025 for the sector, when 4,992 new vessel registrations were recorded, down 0.9 per cent compared with 2024.
The Spanish National Association of Marine Industry Companies (ANEN) notes a growing demand for skipper qualifications and the continued strength of the country’s marine tourism sector, which now generates an economic impact of more than €6.2 billion.
Economic impact of boating in Spain
Boating continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing leisure activities, particularly during the summer holiday season. In 2025, more than 5.7 million boating-related trips were taken in Spain, generating an economic impact of €6.2 billion – 15 per cent higher than in 2024 – according to the Sports Statistics Yearbook published by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports.
Domestic travellers accounted for nearly 80 per cent of total trips and expenditure, while rising interest led to more than 57,000 skipper licences being issued in 2025, highlighting the continued appeal of recreational and leisure boating across the country.
However, international visitors were the main driver of growth. The number of boating trips by overseas tourists increased by 45 per cent, surpassing one million journeys along the Spanish coast and generating more than €1.6 billion in economic activity.
Reflecting the industry growth, Freedom Boat Club has announced its expansion in Spain with the opening of two new locations in Cádiz and Mazarrón, while Marina Port Valencia continues with redevelopment.
Spain has 7,900 kilometres of coastline, a network of 375 marinas and over 134,700 berths.
President of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Luis Conde, comments: “Boating is a major driver of economic activity in Spain, a country that has all the ingredients needed to become a global benchmark for the industry. Now is the time to maximise its opportunities, encourage new experiences, attract new audiences and move towards a more sustainable boating sector that protects the sea on which it depends.”
Barcelona International Boat Show strengthens industry
The leisure marine industry will gather at the Barcelona International Boat Show, held from 14–18 October 2026, to showcase commercial activity and support the ongoing growth of the Spanish boat market.
The leading event in the marine industry in Spain, organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with ANEN, the show is will showcase 200 exhibitors representing the sector’s leading brands.
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