Croatia Yacht Show, Zadar – the first superyacht show


The inaugural Croatia Yacht Show is set to make a significant impact on the nautical industry. Held at the picturesque Zadar International Passenger Port Gaženica from October 1-3 and organized by the Yachtmaster Group, this event marks Croatia's first superyacht show, showcasing over 50 crewed charter yachts that sail the Adriatic.

Every nautical show plays a role in promoting destinations, boosting the economy, and entertaining sailing and water sports enthusiasts. These events traditionally attract a diverse audience, all sharing a love for boats. 
 
Croatia, with its stunning coastline and extensive yacht charter fleet, also has a long-standing tradition of nautical shows. However, the number of these shows has been slowly declining recently, and last year didn’t look promising, except for a few well-established events
 
Fortunately, this season brings new nautical shows aiming to realize their full potential. Their goal is to elevate Croatia's status in the competitive world of nautical tourism, positioning it as a luxury destination. 
 
The Croatia Yacht Show fills a gap that the yacht market in Croatia didn’t even realize existed. Held from October 1-3 at the Zadar International Passenger Port, CYS will provide a much-needed platform to solidify Croatia's position on the global nautical market. 
 

Promoting Croatia as a premier destination 

The primary mission of the Croatia Yacht Show is to promote Croatia as a top destination for superyachts and highlight the importance of the growing crewed charter market
 
The event aims to connect central agents who manage yachts and individual owners of crewed charter yachts with the global professional charter community. 
 
Croatia Yacht Show operates with a business-to-business (B2B) model, where companies managing crewed yachts will have the opportunity to meet brokers from around the world. These meetings will take place on the yachts themselves, aided by state-of-the-art matchmaking software to ensure efficient and productive interactions. 
 
CYS will also show a variety of services related to luxury nautical charters; visitors can explore offers from suppliers, including yacht provisioning and management companies, luxury transportation providers (land, sea, and air), yacht tenders, water toys, and various other suppliers and service providers essential to this industry. 
 

Sectors and participation options at Croatia Yacht Show 

While a designated area is reserved for B2B meetings, the Croatia Yacht Show will also open its doors to the public. Boating and luxury enthusiasts can experience luxury vessels, numerous nautical innovations, and various events, all within the unique setting of Zadar's Gaženica Port. 
 
For clients without agency representation interested in chartering or purchasing yachts, a special "VIP pass" will be available. This exclusive access allows entry to the special B2B section, offering a unique opportunity to explore luxury yachts up close. 
 
You can still register to participate as an exhibitor or business visitor if you are part of the three main sectors within the charter industry: 

  • Retail brokers: who mediate charters but do not own or manage charter yachts can participate as exhibitors at stands or as business visitors. 
  • Central agencies: companies that own and manage charter yachts or act as charter agents can join as yacht exhibitors, stand exhibitors, or business visitors. 
  • Vendors/suppliers: companies selling products or services to the charter industry can participate as stand exhibitors or business visitors.

 

Why is CYS held on October 1-3? 

The timing of the Croatia Yacht Show, immediately following the Monaco Yacht Show, is no coincidence. CYS is a strategic decision designed to make the most of the international charter community’s presence. 
 
Smart planning allows brokers and professionals from around the world to transition from one event to another, maximizing travel efficiency and exposure to various charter markets. For this event, the organizers have specifically arranged charter flights and accommodation for brokers and other visitors, emphasizing the convenience of air routes between Monaco and Zadar. 

 

A milestone for Croatian yacht charter 

The Croatia Yacht Show is ready to become a milestone in the European and global nautical event calendar. 
 
Highlighting the beauty of Zadar, its region, and coastline and offering insights into the world of luxury chartering, CYS aims to solidify the Adriatic’s position as a must-visit destination for superyachts and a centre of excellence for crewed charters. 
 
Mark your calendars for October 1-3, 2024, and get ready to experience the best of the best in Zadar
 
The Croatia Yacht Show promises an unforgettable event for professionals and enthusiasts alike. 

  • Share:


Categories of trends


Newsletter

Sign up for the newsletter and receive the latest trends and tips straight to your inbox

Latest trends

You know what premium service takes. But do you know why you still don’t have it?
You know what premium service takes. But do you know why you still don’t have it?

In this column, Andreja Fazlić explains why premium service in the yacht charter industry is not created simply through better yachts, smoother communication, or a new CRM. It requires changes in the way teams operate, make decisions, and think about service itself. The article explores why business transformation often breaks down precisely where technology ends and human habits begin.

You No Longer Have the Luxury of Doing Things the Old Way
You No Longer Have the Luxury of Doing Things the Old Way

The Croatian yacht charter industry no longer has the luxury of doing things the old way. In her latest column, Selma Ćubara explains why digital marketing, clear strategy, and stronger processes are becoming essential for more sustainable and competitive business operations.

How Local Tourism Can Increase Charter Bookings
How Local Tourism Can Increase Charter Bookings

Today’s guests are no longer looking for just a yacht, but for a complete travel experience. This is exactly why collaboration between charter companies and the local tourism sector is becoming increasingly important. Through quality partnerships with restaurants, concierge services, private guides, transfers, and authentic experience platforms, charter companies can increase the value of their offer, create a better guest experience, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

OTA Platforms vs. Direct Bookings: How to Find the Perfect Balance in 2026
OTA Platforms vs. Direct Bookings: How to Find the Perfect Balance in 2026

OTA platforms or direct bookings? That is the wrong question. The real question is whether you know how to make booking platforms work for your business instead of against it. The yacht charter industry still operates under many unwritten rules from the old agency model, from direct guests paying more than agency guests to operators refusing repeat direct bookings “so they do not upset the agent.” While the hotel industry has long rewarded direct guests with exclusive pricing and loyalty programmes, yacht charter is still protecting a system that made sense before the rise of OTA platforms. It is time to rethink that approach.