The Malta Boat Show: Nurturing a global yachting hub in the Mediterranean

Malta has always been a seafaring nation, with harbours that have welcomed traders, navies, fishermen, and adventurers for centuries. In recent times, the island has also experienced increased yachting activity, firmly establishing the sector as a key pillar of Malta’s economy.

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For a country with such a deep maritime heritage and a modern economy increasingly reliant on the sea, the absence of a flagship boat show became ever more noticeable. It was this gap that prompted Yachting Malta Ltd to step forward.

In 2024, the organisation launched the Malta Boat Show – a fresh, ambitious platform that showcased not only Malta’s yachting lifestyle but also its strategic importance in the global maritime sector.

Following the success of that first edition, the Malta Boat Show is now returning bigger, broader, and stronger. At the helm of this growth is Michael Mifsud, CEO of Yachting Malta Ltd, who shares how the event has evolved and why it is vital for Malta’s future.

Michael, Malta has had boat shows in the past. Why was it essential for Yachting Malta to revive the concept?

It’s true, Malta has hosted boat shows before, and they served a crucial role in their time. But for several years, no event brought the industry together in a structured way. For a country like ours – an island with one of the largest ship registries in the world and a maritime tradition that runs deep – the lack of a dedicated boat show simply didn’t make sense.

That’s why Yachting Malta took it upon itself to revive the idea. We felt it was imperative. We wanted to create a modern, international-standard event that not only celebrates the local industry but also positions Malta as a serious player on the global stage. The Malta Boat Show fills that gap, and the response so far proves that demand has always been there.

The inaugural edition in 2024 was widely seen as a success. How has the show grown in just one year?

The first edition exceeded our expectations, but it also gave us a clear picture of the potential. We knew immediately that the Malta Boat Show had to grow – and it has. Exhibitor numbers are up, we’ve expanded the diversity of products on display, and there is a much stronger international element.

This growth didn’t happen in isolation. Over the past few years, Yachting Malta has worked diligently to represent Malta abroad at significant events, including Palma, Cannes, and Dubai. These shows are where we made the international connections that are now bearing fruit here. Many of the exhibitors and partners we met overseas are interested in participating in the Malta Boat Show. So, it’s a direct result of Malta taking its place within the global yachting circuit.

What can visitors expect to see at this year’s edition?

One of the show’s strengths is its range. Visitors can expect to see everything from entry-level water sports equipment – stand-up paddles, kayaks, jet-skis, and water toys – to luxury sailing yachts and superyachts.

But it doesn’t stop there. We’ll also have exhibitors specialising in marine technology, accessories, and services like financing, insurance, and training. The goal is to present the entire yachting lifestyle in one place, so that whether you’re just starting or looking for your next significant investment, there’s something relevant for you.

How significant is government involvement in making the show a success?

Government involvement is absolutely crucial. Yachting Malta is a public–private partnership, so by nature, we bring together different stakeholders. At the show, entities like Transport Malta, Visit Malta, and other government agencies play a key role.

Their presence demonstrates that yachting is not just about private leisure – it’s an integral part of Malta’s economy. The government has been transparent in identifying yachting as a pillar of growth, alongside shipping and other maritime industries. Having these entities on board enables us to demonstrate to the international community that Malta is a serious, structured, and supportive partner in developing the sector.

This year marks the launch of the Enemed VIP Area. What makes this addition special?

The Enemed VIP Area is more than just a lounge. It’s a dedicated space where exhibitors and prospective clients – or as I prefer to call them, future owners and partners – can connect in a more exclusive and comfortable setting.

We wanted to provide a complete hospitality package that encourages meaningful discussions, whether about acquiring a vessel, exploring services, or developing partnerships. It elevates the whole show by offering a premium environment for relationship-building, which is essential in an industry as personal and trust-based as yachting.

Media exposure is clearly a priority. How are you encouraging coverage at home and abroad?

The media plays a central role in the show’s success. This year, we’re investing in a fully equipped on-site media centre, ensuring journalists have everything they need to work efficiently. We’ve also extended invitations to international yachting media and lifestyle outlets, encouraging them to cover Malta from a fresh perspective.

International coverage is vital because it doesn’t just highlight the show – it positions Malta as a destination. Every article, broadcast, or feature creates ripple effects, resulting in more exhibitors, visitors, and opportunities in the years to come.

The Malta Boat Show is staged at Dock 1 in Cottonera, a venue with deep historical roots. How does this setting add to the show’s identity?

Dock 1 is more than a backdrop – it’s part of the story we want to tell. This harbour has been at the heart of Malta’s maritime life for centuries, from shipbuilding to naval history. By holding the Malta Boat Show here, we’re paying tribute to that heritage while also showing how it evolves into the future.

Visitors will not only see today’s innovations in yachting but also feel the presence of Malta’s long-standing maritime tradition. It’s a blend of old and new – and that’s precisely what makes Malta unique as a maritime hub.

How does the show fit into Malta’s long-term vision for the yachting industry?

The government has made it clear that yachting is an essential pillar of the economy. It’s not just about superyachts – although they are important – but about the whole ecosystem: marinas, maintenance, crew training, hospitality, and tourism.

The Malta Boat Show is a showcase of this vision in action. It demonstrates Malta’s capabilities, attracts new business, and inspires local players to raise their standards even higher. It also shows our young people that there are real career opportunities in this sector, ranging from engineering and design to service and management. In short, the show is both a shop window and a catalyst for growth.

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking of visiting the Malta Boat Show this year?

I would say: don’t miss it. Whether you’re a family curious about water sports, a professional exploring opportunities, or a yacht owner looking for your next step, the Malta Boat Show has something for you.

It’s more than boats – it’s about lifestyle, innovation, and heritage. It’s about seeing how Malta is positioning itself for the future while staying true to its maritime roots. I believe that anyone who visits will come away with a renewed sense of what Malta has to offer, both as a destination and as a yachting hub.

Closing note

The Malta Boat Show is not starting from scratch – it is building on the legacy of past shows while raising the bar to international levels. With a broader range of exhibitors, increased government involvement, a stronger media presence, and a venue that embodies Malta’s maritime heritage, the second edition underscores why this event is both necessary and timely. As Michael Mifsud explains, Yachting Malta’s vision is clear: to ensure that Malta’s maritime tradition continues to evolve into a modern, competitive economy where yachting stands as a key pillar.

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