Nautical industry plots a course for future prosperity in the Balearics

The Balearics are leading the nationwide registration of yachts for recreation and rent for the current summer season, at present surpassing those - in percentage terms - of Barcelona, Malaga, Las Palmas and other coastal tourist destinations. The National Association of Nautical Businesses says that registrations in the first four months of the year rose by over a third and so represent an improvement in business.  The Balearics, Barcelona and Malaga are leading the way, but in the Balearics the trend was the most positive - by April the percentage rise was over 50%. The secretary-general of the Federation of Nautical Employers and Associations, Miquel Guarner, says that the figures up to April show that the nautical sector in the Balearics is undergoing a full recovery, albeit there is a significant trend in favour of smaller and less expensive boats. He adds that nautical tourism in the Balearics is growing considerably, something that was detectable during the recent Palma Boat Show with its increased level of participation.