Deloitte Values Italy's 2025 Yacht Tourism at €5.7bn

A large total reveals where yachting money goes

Deloitte's analysis for Confindustria Nautica estimates €5.7 billion of direct economic activity associated with yachting tourism in Italy in 2025. About €3.6 billion, or 63 per cent, came from operating expenditure, while €2.1 billion, or 37 per cent, related to visitor spending ashore. The findings were presented at the Genoa International Boat Show against the background of debate over marina investment.

The distinction between these streams matters. Operating expenditure can include berthing, fuel, maintenance and services required to keep yachts running, whereas shore spending reaches hotels, restaurants, shops, transport providers and local attractions. The figure is a direct-impact estimate for the wider yacht-tourism sector, not simply revenue collected by marinas.

Superyachts account for far more value than their fleet share

Yachts above 24 metres represent approximately three per cent of Italy's active leisure fleet but are credited with about 42 per cent of its direct yachting-tourism impact. That concentration reflects the number of specialist services and people associated with each large yacht, from technical operations to guest hospitality.

When Deloitte includes yachts between 18 and 24 metres, the broader premium segment reaches around seven per cent of the active fleet and 55 per cent of the impact. The two categories must be kept distinct, however: the additional smaller yachts are not superyachts under SYG's over-24-metre editorial boundary.

The study describes seasonal and resident yachts separately

Industry material associated with the report identifies around 1,200 seasonal visiting superyachts spending an average of 23 days in Italy and visiting approximately seven locations. The roughly 960 superyachts classified as resident or regularly based in the country spend much longer there, averaging approximately 193 days and operating over more than eight months of the year.

These patterns help explain why summer itineraries and year-round technical services are separate infrastructure markets. Seasonal yachts create intense demand for short stays in a limited number of destinations, while long-term vessels need dependable maintenance, crew support and winter services.

Only two per cent of berths suit the largest yachts

Despite the sector's economic contribution, only around two per cent of Italy's marina berths are designated for vessels longer than 24 metres. Liguria and Tuscany together hold roughly half of the capacity serving this segment, creating a geographic concentration in addition to the national shortage.

Yachts also need different berth dimensions, draft clearance and service arrangements. Adding a nominal berth without the necessary electricity, safe manoeuvring room or shore facilities may not answer the needs of an international yacht of 50 or 60 metres.

The study's implications are practical, not merely promotional

The researchers and industry representatives see opportunities to retain additional visitor spending by improving existing marinas, specialist services and administrative procedures. Coastal communities could benefit if spending is distributed beyond the most popular destinations and maintained outside the peak summer season.

These estimates support investment discussions but do not prove that any individual development is already authorised or financially viable. Owners, builders and marina operators should view the report as a picture of demand and an argument for careful infrastructure planning, not a guarantee of future growth.