Prospects of boating in Italy

This paper aims at focusing the prospects of boating in Italy, and, particularly, the economic advantages arising from the development of one or more boating tourist resorts properly equipped for mega yacht berthing. At first, the present worldwide boating development is briefly outlined; the growth possibilities in this field as well as the mega yacht percentage on the total fleet are valued. Then, the paper checks if high-quality structures for mega yacht berthing and laying-up are available in the Mediterranean, stressing that the tourist boating steady demand is not actually met and that the construction of new tourist ports will be fully justified by the growing capacities of this sector. The authors propose consequently the implementation of one or more boating centres in Italy which is advantaged by its huge coast extent, by its central position inside the Mediterranean, and by its tourist vocation. The paper evaluates the required investments and their profitability as occupational spin-off and wealth for the territory.