Lupi opens 54th Genoa Intl Boat Show

(ANSA) - Genoa, October 1 - The 54th International Boat Show opened Wednesday in the northwestern port city of Genoa to the strains of Italy's national anthem and a raising of the flag.
    Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi was on hand to give the government's blessing to the showcase of 760 marques and 1,000 vessels in a sector that analysts said is giving signs of recovery after years of decline, in which sales volume dropped from 6.4 billion euros in 2008 to 2.4 billion in 2013.
    Overall turnover looks set to rise by 5.5% this year, analysts said.
    "Boating must continue to be one of our sectors of excellence, and the government will help as well," Lupi said.
    "This sector is a resource, and pleasure-boat owners are not to be called tax evaders".
    "You have restored hope to our associates," said Massimo Perotti from UCINA, Italy's professional yachting industry association. He cited the fact that the government lowered VAT taxes on marina transit duties as one of the measures that have given the sector a breather.
    Junior Industry Minister Carlo Calenda was critical of the way the boat show was being run.
    "The government has given the salon 1.8 million euros and we would have no problem reaching 3 million next year," said Calenda.
    "But the sector needs a plan written by industry, for industry. If there's a plan, the government will be there, otherwise we'd rather spend money helping firms participate in other boat shows around the world". The opening also attracted three sets of protesters.
    The anti-immigrant, separatist Northern League party demonstrated against Italy's Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) migrant search-and-rescue operation, SAP law enforcement union gathered signatures in favor of merging Italy's seven different police forces, and workers from Arredo Porto, a firm specializing in nautical interiors, demonstrated against the possibility their company might shut down.
    Next to the Boot Düsseldorf trade fair, the Genoa International Boat Show is regarded as one of the world's largest boat shows. Every year, it showcases luxury yachts, motor yachts, catamarans, sailboats, and maxi yachts built by Italian and international manufacturers. The spectrum of industries includes all types of vessels, ship components, accessories, motors and electronics as well as water sports equipment and yacht leasing and financing.