Italy's maritime sector expands with tourism surge, sustainable yacht partnership and industry boost

Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo announced a strategic partnership with BYD Energy Storage to develop next‑generation battery and energy‑storage systems for more sustainable, quieter yachts. Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti highlighted the collaboration as part of Sanlorenzo’s “Road to 2030” sustainability roadmap.

The CNA nautical report presented in Porto Santo Stefano showed the Italian boat‑building sector outpacing national averages, with exports up 2.6% in 2025 and a turnover increase of 18.7% in 2024. The industry comprises over 4,000 firms, employs roughly 17,000 workers and generated about €2.4 billion in revenue.

A consultancy study on Adriatic Sea tourism projected a continued rise in maritime tourism for 2026, with cruise passenger numbers expected to reach 5.7 million (a 6% increase) and ferry traffic climbing 2.1%. Italian ports account for 37.3% of total Adriatic traffic, with Trieste handling 400 000 passengers and forecasting a 4.6% growth.

Travel‑search data from Booking.com indicated Italy as the world’s most searched summer destination for 2026, led by the Puglia region. Domestic tourism trends point to shorter, more frequent trips and growing interest in authentic experiences such as slow‑travel in historic villages and coastal bike routes.