The announcement was made last October by the CEO & Founder of BTM Italia, Nevio D’Arpa, during SNIM 2025 in Brindisi.
Today the confirmation: at BTM Italia 2026, taking place in Bari (Fiera del Levante) from February 25 to 27, the Area dedicated to Nautical Tourism debuts, in collaboration with SNIM – Salone Nautico di Puglia, the reference event for Italian and Mediterranean boating.
A significant step aimed at creating a stable platform for dialogue, capable of generating synergies between the world of boating and tourism, enhancing local skills and promoting a sustainable and innovative vision of the marine economy.
It all starts from an awareness: nautical tourism continues to grow and evolve, becoming one of the most dynamic sectors of the entire national tourism landscape. This is particularly true for Puglia, where the work done through SNIM is significantly contributing to enhance the sector, thanks also to a vision of recreational boating as a truly strategic sector for Puglia, projected to become a real alternative to the current economic reality, a driving force capable of generating new employment, new skills, and a sustainable and innovative development model.
And at BTM Italia, this evolution takes shape in a new area entirely dedicated to the sector. A true thematic hub designed to tell, enhance, and promote all the opportunities offered by the world of the sea and the way of traveling that allows for contact with nature.
Focus on various aspects related to this universe of a thousand resources, starting from nautical charters, which represent an absolute strength. Increasingly requested by travelers, they allow for completely personalized itineraries, choosing stops, rhythms, and navigation methods. For operators, this is a strategic segment: it allows for the offering of exclusive packages, generating concrete contracts, and intercepting an ever-growing international audience, increasingly oriented towards unique and authentic experiences.
Space also for taxi boats, a concrete example of exclusive mobility. The section will highlight innovative solutions for quick, comfortable, and flexible transfers. These means are no longer just a transport service, but become real discovery tools, perfect for creating tailored experiences in coastal and insular destinations. For companies in the sector, taxi boats represent a concrete opportunity to expand their portfolio, establish collaborations with national and international buyers, and generate new commercial opportunities.
And then, great emphasis also on sea excursions. Always in the dedicated Area, the spotlight is on a form of activity that combines adventure, nature, and culture. Whether exploring hidden coves, reaching lesser-known islands, or discovering maritime routes rich in history, nautical excursions offer immersive and sustainable experiences. Again, for operators, a fertile market opens up: exclusive packages, strategic collaborations, and contacts with qualified buyers are just some of the opportunities generated by this segment.
The Nautical Tourism Area has been designed with a modular approach, capable of putting operators in ideal conditions to present their offerings in a targeted manner. From itinerant to premium clientele, every target will find reserved proposals, while exhibitors and professionals can gather immediate feedback, engage with industry specialists, and enhance their excellences.
In a context where supply and demand evolve rapidly, this new area represents a fundamental connection point. Here, operators will be able to meet national and international buyers, forge agreements, explore new opportunities, and shape an increasingly rich future for nautical tourism.
