The First Superyacht Show in Croatia

How a superyacht show can be a catalyst for
a whole destination

Croatia has established itself as a bareboat sailing destination, shoulder to shoulder with Greece, Italy, Turkey and Spain. But these destinations have another thing in common – they are also superyacht destinations, while Croatia is not one, yet.

With over 4000 bareboat charter yachts, the Croatian coast and archipelago have adapted to the bareboat customer, who pay on average Eu 1,000 per person, per week for a yacht. The additional expenditures are usually about the same. The infrastructure, the restaurants, the bars, the shopping areas, all catering to a certain type of client. The pizza and bakery businesses are booming, marinas are set up to accept mostly yachts of up to 60ft, the restaurants are mostly large and crowded. Discretional spending is mostly on drinking and dining, there is not much else offered.

A stroll through the historic cities will offer souvenirs, fast food and occasionally fine dining, but rarely there will be an opportunity for a shopping spree. And especially rare will be the opportunity to spend some serious cash on clothing, shoes, or accessories.

Croatia Yacht Show - Zadar

It regularly happens that clients disembark their charter yacht in Croatia, but then fly or drive directly to Venice, for the shopping and fine dining. Croatia is developing fast, but all transitions take time. This is why a superyacht show is maybe the best catalyst they can use.

It’s not enough to 'park' some yachts on a dock and invite brokers to view them. There’s a reason why they call it a “show”. The show is supposed to present everything the brokers need to know to personally recommend to their clients to book in Croatia.

The arrival of brokers represents a 'first impression': Croatia Yacht Show made sure that the show is accessible from all over the world. The event is held next to Zadar airport, well connected to international travel hubs. 
Upon arrival, complementary transfers will take the brokers to the Falkensteiner hotels, three of which are booked for visitors to CYS. Being coastal hotels, during the show, speedboat transfers will bring everybody to the show and back. The goal is to show the brokers that Croatia can be a well-organized and accessible destination that will take good care of their clients.

TZ Zadar - by Fabio Šimićev

Even though the public will have limited access to the show, it’s still a B2B event. Access to boats will be regulated by a small army of well-dressed and extremely professional security personnel. An app will additionally aid viewings and meetings, so brokers can make the best use of their time. Other than meetings and viewings on the yachts, several business lounges will be available. Snacks and refreshments will be served to brokers, while they open their laptops and manage their emails. The goal is that brokers manage their tasks efficiently, but do so in a relaxed and caring environment, just like their clients will later experience.

Other than catering in the professional area, there will be a food-truck village for those looking for some variation, with a choice of freshly prepared, local food available. A big cook-off is also organised between five of the best nautical restaurants in the Croatian Adriatic: they will serve three-course meals to brokers, to present the local cuisine.

Three famous Croatian designers will present a line of superyacht designer uniforms, made from recycled materials – used fishing nets that would otherwise be polluting the seas. Owners and proprietors of superyachts will be able to secure unique and stylish uniforms for their crew. Creativity is a big part of the yachting experience - bringing a new and unique feature to a yacht show proves that the team organising this show is taking nothing for granted.

Cavtat, Croatia by Conor Rees

All clients arriving in Croatia require transfers from an airport to their yacht: a first impression of their chosen destination. An exhibit of all the major transfer providers will be at CYS, showcasing helicopters, luxury cars and people carriers to choose from for future bookings.

In a world dominated by social networking and photo opportunities, the Croatia Yacht Show Sunset Party held on top of the cruise terminal, with a perfect view of the port, the yachts, and the sun setting on the horizon, will be a spectacular end to showcase what is available in this part of the Adriatic.

Organizing a superyacht show requires a lot of hard work, dedication to excellence and the use and backing of significant resources. The hope is to offer charter brokers and key stakeholders in the yachting industry an exceptional experience, showcasing all Croatia has to offer so that they can recommend this Mediterranean destination to clients.

Croatia's coastline truly is a kaleidoscope of culture: balmy summer days, clear sapphire waters, a coastline dotted with over a thousand islands and islets, sleepy fishing villages to exquisite seafood restaurants, olive groves and family run wineries, ancient walled towns of terracotta rooftops, baroque cathedrals in cafe filled squares, the attraction to this Adriatic oasis goes on - the best you can do is venture to Croatia yourself! 

Yacht Lady Gita by A. Kevin

For more information visit the Croatia Yacht Show website...click on the logo below
1st - 3rd October 2024

In Pictures