A Landmark Event for the Canary Islands
The Canarian Recreational Nautical Association (Asnáutica), a member of Femete, has given an overwhelmingly positive assessment of the first-ever Canary Islands Nautical Show. Held at the Tenerife Fairgrounds in late September, the event was organized by the Island Council (Cabildo Insular) in collaboration with Femete, ATI-COM, and Asnáutica, among other entities.
Impressive Figures and Growing Interest
According to estimates, the show attracted more than 5,000 visitors over its three-day run and generated a business volume exceeding €200,000 in sales of recreational boats, spare parts, and nautical accessories. “These figures reflect the sector’s dynamism and the growing interest of Canarian society in nautical activities, the sea, and all that it represents in terms of leisure, economy, and sustainability,” highlighted the President of Asnáutica, Carmen Fernández Ibars.
Forging a Vital Connection
Fernández Ibars emphasized that “the special collaboration between the Cabildo and the nautical sector in launching this initiative was met with great reception and impact from the very beginning. It became the essential meeting point for professionals, institutions, and the public, which we hope will continue and be repeated over time, establishing itself as an annual benchmark event for the entire archipelago.” She also extended her congratulations to the Tenerife Cabildo, and especially its Minister of Industry, Trade, Primary Sector and Animal Welfare, Manuel Fernández Vega, for his vision and firm support of the nautical community.
Unlocking the Blue Economy
The Vice President of Asnáutica, Emérito Rodríguez Frías, stressed that “the Canary Islands Nautical Show has demonstrated the real potential of this sector in the islands. Public interest, the quality of the participating companies, and the business opportunities generated confirm that recreational boating can and should play a relevant role in the island’s economy.” Rodríguez Frías added that “this type of event provides a stimulus to continue working on a common strategy that promotes the so-called blue economy, intelligently and sustainably leveraging our marine resources, thus diversifying economic activity and strengthening the historical and emotional bond that Tenerife maintains with the sea.”
Scale and Scope of the Show
The first Canary Islands Nautical Show featured 50 companies, 60 stands, and 10,000 square meters of exhibition space. The event was complemented by a full program of conferences, workshops, and informative talks on various aspects related to nautical and maritime economics.
A Touching Tribute
Asnáutica also applauded the Tenerife Cabildo’s gesture in dedicating the name of this first edition to Iñaki Domínguez. This was a posthumous tribute in memory of the former manager of the Tenerife Fairgrounds, recognizing his outstanding work and commitment to organizing innovative events.
