Sailing Towards the Future: Luxury Yachting in the Marche Region Between Growth and Sustainability

The conference "Sailing Towards the Future – The Luxury Yachting Sector in the Marche Region" was a resounding success, held on February 28 at the prestigious Loggia dei Mercanti in Ancona. Organized by the Marche Yachting & Cruising Association, the event brought together key players from the yachting industry and institutional representatives for a forward-looking discussion aimed at strengthening competitiveness and fostering growth in the sector.

The Marche Region: A Key Player in the Global Yachting Industry
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a study conducted by the Polytechnic University of Marche, presented by Professors Valentina Giannini (DII Department) and Sara Corvaro (DICEA Department). The research confirmed Italy’s leading role in luxury yacht manufacturing, with a positive trend in employment and revenue. The Marche yachting sector employs over 10,000 people and is experiencing a significant increase in exports, particularly to the USA and non-EU countries. Projections for 2024-2026 indicate a 6% revenue growth, further solidifying the Marche Region's status as an industry leader.

Beyond production, the focus shifted to tourist ports, which are crucial for the expansion of the luxury yachting sector. With 180 km of coastline, the region is set to develop seven strategic ports, boosting refitting services and nautical tourism. The data is clear: the potential capacity for large yacht moorings ranges between 123 and 164 berths for vessels from 30 to over 80 meters, with an immediate availability of 61 berths for yachts between 30 and 80 meters.

Challenges for Businesses and the Role of Institutions
The conference addressed the real needs of industry players, with notable participants including Sandro Bruni (Palumbo Superyachts), Ennio Cecchini (Cantiere delle Marche), Daniele De Tullio (Italia Yachts), Gianluca Fenucci (CPN), Gioia Furlanetto (Furlanetto International), Fulvio Luise (Luise Group), Bruno Piantini (Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard), Fabio Fraternale (Wider), Alessandro Massari (Massari Design), and Francesco Pelizza (AMS Italia).

Key issues raised included:

Adequate space for yacht construction, reducing the need for outsourcing.
Specialized training to ensure a highly skilled workforce for an evolving industry.
Efficient infrastructure and logistics, including enhancing airport facilities and transport networks.
High-end tourism strategies to improve services for international clients and position the Marche Region as a top-tier yachting destination.
On this last point, Fulvio Luise provided compelling data on the region’s attractiveness for high-spending tourists, emphasizing the importance of targeted promotional strategies.

Political Commitments and Future Investments
Institutional representatives addressed these concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the luxury yachting industry. Among the key interventions:

Gino Sabatini (Chamber of Commerce of Ancona) confirmed new internationalization grants for 2024.
Stefano Aguzzi (Regional Training Department) stressed the importance of dual-track educational programs combining theory and practical experience.
Carmina Laura Giovanna Pinto (Regional School Office) proposed a restructuring of school curricula, shortening some programs to four years to accelerate workforce entry.
Giovanni Zinni (Deputy Mayor of Ancona) highlighted Ancona’s strategic role in luxury yachting, emphasizing the importance of a new zoning plan to support local businesses.
Yachting and Infrastructure: The Role of Ancona’s Port
One of the conference’s most anticipated topics was the development of Ancona’s port, with key insights from Vincenzo Garofalo (President of the Central Adriatic Port Authority). The new port zoning plan, currently being finalized, includes dedicated luxury yacht facilities and expanded berthing capacity. A detailed seabed and environmental impact assessment will guide future decisions, aiming to establish Ancona as a premier hub for yacht construction and luxury nautical tourism.

Furthermore, Hon. Ciccioli emphasized the strategic value of the Adriatic-Baltic trade corridor, which could significantly strengthen the regional economy. On maritime safety and organization, Admiral Vincenzo Vitale, Commander of the Marche Maritime Directorate and the Port Authority, confirmed full support for initiatives aimed at advancing the sector.

A Bright Future for the Marche Yachting Industry
This conference marked a significant step forward in solidifying the luxury yachting industry in the Marche Region. The Marche Yachting & Cruising Association remains committed to fostering a structured dialogue between businesses and institutions, implementing strategies to position the region as a global leader in luxury yachting.

With a clear vision and targeted investments, the Marche Region is on course to become a center of excellence in the luxury yachting industry. The future is set: sailing forward with style and innovation.

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