Inauguration of the Genoa Boat Show: Meloni Attends, Controversy Over Salis's Absence

Giorgia Meloni participated in the inauguration of the 66th edition of the International Boat Show, taking place from October 1 to 6, 2026, at the Waterfront of Levante in Genoa. The ceremony began at 11:30 AM with the traditional ribbon-cutting and a meeting with industry participants.

During the event, the success of the Italian boating industry was highlighted, having recorded revenues of 8.72 billion euros in 2025, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year. This sector continues to maintain a leading position in the global market, despite some challenges in the medium and small boating segments.

Meloni's presence has generated controversy, as the mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis, was not invited to attend the stage. Salis stated that despite her absence, it would not compromise the visibility of the event and received a phone call from Meloni expressing surprise and disappointment at the situation.

Sources from Palazzo Chigi reported that Meloni was unaware of Salis's absence during the ceremony. Following the event, members of the Ligurian Democratic Party called for greater transparency regarding the organizational dynamics.

The Genoa Boat Show welcomes over a thousand boats and hosts various events related to innovation and sustainability within the sector. Despite the controversies, the event continues to be a significant occasion for the Italian nautical landscape, focusing on topics such as new technologies and environmental change.

The inauguration featured the presence of political figures and industry representatives, underscoring the importance of the Show as a showcase for the Italian industry. The ceremony attracted media attention both for its economic significance and for the controversies surrounding the participation of local representatives.