As of yesterday, on the eve of the opening of the CROYA Yacht Charter Show 2025, Split’s Western Waterfront was in the final throes of preparation. Luxury yachts were taking their berths, chefs and captains held briefings, exhibitors put the finishing touches on their stands, and the first guests were already arriving for pre-registration. The atmosphere in Split made it clear that everything was ready for the start of this yachting spectacle, which runs from 29 September to 1 October.
More than 500 metres of red carpet today becomes a promenade for key figures from the world of luxury yachting. The prestigious CROYA Yacht Charter Show 2025 opened today, 29 September, and over the next three days will host nearly 50 yachts, more than 250 charter brokers from around the world, as well as numerous exhibitors and visitors.
It is the only B2B event in Croatia entirely dedicated to luxury charter, with a focus on what matters most — international charter brokers. They are the key intermediaries in the selection and booking of yachts for high-spending clients, and Split is where first impressions are formed, preferences revealed and decisions made for the coming seasons.
This year, special attention is drawn to some fifty luxury motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans which — thanks to their size, equipment, design, attention to detail and professional crews — offer a top-tier showcase of the elite segment of nautical tourism. Once again, CROYA demonstrates just how much Croatia can offer in the luxury charter space.
As a country with one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, Croatia is firmly on course to position itself as a top destination for the most demanding guests worldwide.
“CROYA is not only an exhibition but also an educational and competitive event. Throughout the show there will be expert talks and workshops, as well as crew competitions — opportunities to demonstrate the skills that often tip the scales when choosing a vessel”
“Chefs will compete in reinterpretations of dishes inspired by tradition and the warmth of home cooking. In the table-decorating competition, the theme is ‘Feel at home’, giving crews a chance to show how luxury yachts can provide a sense of home — far from home. Alongside a yacht’s luxury and aesthetics, it is the crew that is key to creating the experience charter guests remember.”
Zlatko Vodanović, member of the CRO.Y.A. Board and of the CROYA Yacht Charter Show organising committee
Stipe Petričević, President of CRO.Y.A., expressed his satisfaction that the very first CROYA Yacht Charter Show, held last year also in Split, attracted tremendous interest from the professional public, shipowners, exhibitors, as well as the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, the Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian National Tourist Board and many other tourism stakeholders:
“Encouraged by last year’s success and the many compliments on the organisation of the inaugural show, CROYA has approached this year’s edition with even greater enthusiasm, with a clear vision of making the event a tradition that attracts ever more charter brokers, yachts, exhibitors and sponsors year after year — all with the aim of further positioning Croatia as one of the leading destinations for luxury services in nautical tourism.”
Stipe Petričević, President of CRO.Y.A
The event is held as part of the Split Sailing Festival, under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia. Partners in delivering CROYA include the City of Split, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, the Split Tourist Board, the Split-Dalmatia County Port Authority, ACI Marina Split and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
What gives this show its special character is Split’s late-summer atmosphere — the moment when another yachting season draws to a close, and on the Western Waterfront new acquaintances, business partnerships and stories are born that will shape the charter industry in the years to come.
