Piscina Barcelona: the new international hub of the aquatic sector

After two decades and ten previous exhibitions, Piscina Barcelona (the Barcelona International Aquatic Exhibition) is now expanding beyond being Europe's leading event for not only residential pools, but also for commercial aquatics, recreation and sport and the therapeutic use of water.

Set to be held from 15th to 18th October, at Barcelona's Gran Via Exhibition Centre, the 2013 event will feature three distinct exhibit areas: Piscina Barcelona, Leisure and Sports Facilities, and Wellness Barcelona (featuring the Wellness & Spa Experiences congress an event featuring leading international wellness experts).

Since its first show in 1994, Piscina Barcelona has contributed to boosting one Spain's most solid markets. With a stock of over 1.1 million private family swimming pools, Spain accounts for 7% of the world market, being ranked fourth in the world (and second in Europe) for total pool numbers.

The Spanish market includes 2,000 companies, employing 51,000 workers and, in the last financial year, Spanish companies reached a turnover of EUR 1,190 million ($1,658 million) Euros, EUR425 million ($592 million) of which came from exports.

At Barcelona's Gran Via Exhibition Centre, one of the recreational water industry's most consolidated shows and a leading international benchmark event.

Expanding the event, Piscina Barcelona is this year partnering with fitness equipment exhibition Body Life, which will coincide and continue the event from 17th to 19th October, also at the Gran Via Exhibition Centre.

The two shows, which will have separate tickets and entrances, will offer a unique opportunity to obtain a full view of the world of wellness.

High participation of international trade visitors
In 2011 the sector's most important companies exhibited at the show. Over 61% of exhibitors were international, in all 22 countries were represented. There were over 19,000 trade visitors, with an international participation of 45% coming from 127 countries, including France, Italy, UK, Sweden, Israel, Turkey, Russia, Germany, USA and Brazil.

According to the Show Director Isabel Piñol "the new water culture encompasses all aspects of this natural resource that, in our society, has become an irreplaceable instrument of wellness, sport, leisure, pleasure and health.

"Piscina Barcelona has evolved into a show that integrates all water-related markets, such as residential swimming pools, wellness and sports and recreational aquatic facilities, under a brand new concept: Barcelona International Aquatic Exhibition. From the 2013 edition we will concentrate these three areas in a single event in order to multiply the synergies that exist between them and, thereby, contribute to boosting the market."

While Spain has been affected by the GFC, companies in Spain's aquatic sector have had to change production and sales strategies.

As Show President Eloi Planes explains "after almost two decades of growth, the swimming pool industry is facing the current climate with a new viewpoint.

"(In 2013 the show will be) focusing, above all, on the renovation and maintenance of the existing stock of swimming pools in mature markets, such as the Spanish one, and on the development of new facilities in countries with emerging economies."

Here Planes highlights the "the dynamics and growth patterns of ... North African and Asian countries" along with countries such as Brazil, a market that combines "maintenance, renovation and construction."

An International Congress
Piscina Barcelona not only offers trade visitors the opportunity to see the latest products on the market or to make contact with purchasing decision-makers from around the world, but also the chance hear from leading experts in the market at its conference presentations.

For more information go to www.salonpiscina.com

Image courtesy of Zoggs.