by InTrieste
The eighth edition of the Lignano Boat Show, a showcase dedicated to small recreational boating, will take place over two weekends — March 21–22 and March 28–29 — at the marina of Darsena Porto Vecchio.
The event was presented Thursday in Udine by regional officials and organizers, who highlighted the growing importance of the nautical sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia, both economically and as a driver of tourism along the region’s Adriatic coast.
According to Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councillor for productive activities and tourism, recreational boating has become an expanding sector in the region, contributing to employment, innovation and new business opportunities. He noted that the regional government has recently strengthened its support through legislation aimed at promoting the development of the nautical industry, which came into force in 2025.
Under the law, approximately €3 million were made available during its first year to support companies in the sector and boat owners. Additional funding is planned for 2026, with new grants totaling about €1.85 million intended to help nautical businesses expand services, innovate and strengthen competitiveness.
The marina hosting the event is also undergoing redevelopment. Regional authorities have allocated €5 million for improvements to Darsena Porto Vecchio, part of a broader effort to enhance the appeal of Lignano Sabbiadoro as both a nautical and tourist destination.
Organizers said the event will also place greater emphasis on education this year. Students from several institutions — including Isis Enrico Mattei, the Istituto Nautico di Trieste and the Accademia Nautica dell’Adriatico — will participate in training activities connected to the exhibition, reflecting an effort to introduce younger generations to maritime professions and environmental stewardship.
The event is held under the patronage of the municipalities of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Latisana and Marano Lagunare.
During the presentation, officials also referred to a regional program promoting the nautical sector, approved by the regional government and managed by PromoTurismoFVG. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s “blue economy,” promote sustainable development and innovation, and present a unified nautical destination encompassing the coast, lagoons, rivers and inland waterways.
With roughly 96 kilometers of coastline stretching from the Tagliamento River to Punta Sottile and more than 15,400 boat berths across 25 marinas, Friuli Venezia Giulia is considered the largest tourist port system in Italy. The sector supports about 2,000 jobs, including direct and indirect employment, and continues to attract recreational boaters from across Italy and Central Europe.
