EXHIBITORS REPORT ON-STAND DEALS IN EXCESS OF AED 36 MILLION
Organisers Dubai World Trade Centre announced that the Dubai International Boat Show which concluded yesterday (March 20th) at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, was a grand success with over 92 boats in addition to 10 yachts being sold during the four-day event.
Reactions from across the show floor were positive, with both exhibitors and visitors expressing satisfaction from their participation at the show, which is by far the most comprehensive maritime exhibition of its kind in the greater Middle East and North Africa region.
In fact so successful was the show from the exhibitors point of view, that they reported in excess of AED 36 million (US$9.8 million) in on-stand deals at the event, much more than most expected. The show set new records as far as the number of visitors went, with more than 17,900 going through the gates during the four-day event, which featured exhibits from leading manufacturers worldwide as well as a panoply of marine equipment, fixtures, fittings, fishing tackle and most everything to do with the maritime industry.
“We have sold around 17 boats valued at approximately AED 10 million,” said Stewart Burke, Production Manager of Al Hareb Marine. “The show has been excellent and the quality of visitors exceeded our expectations. We expect the show to increase our sales dramatically as we have had the chance to meet with high-ranking visitors,” he added.
For first timers Wally Company it was an introduction to the lucrative Middle East market. “Though not as big as some of the bigger shows, the Dubai International Boat Show has the feel of a major international show,” said Piero Consoli, Sales Director. “We feel our participation has increased our potential to tap a growing market,” he stated.
Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager of Gulf Craft was another satisfied participant. “So far we have sold 10 yachts at a total value of approximately AED 18.25 million (US$ 5 million). The show has attracted a great crowd, with an amazing turnout on the first two days considering the rainy weather. The organisation has been very good,” he said.
Both sales and response were good for Nizar Anik, general Manager of Al Yousuf. “The show has not only attracted high-quality visitors but has been well promoted in the region and beyond. I saw posters at some of the marinas in India, where I visited last month. We look forward to a far bigger and better event next year,” he said.
The show featured big name boats and yachts from leading manufacturers including AS Marine, Azimut, Baia Luxury Yachts, Bavaria, Beneteau, Du Sail, De Birs, Edmiston, Fairline, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Pershing, Princess, Riviera Pool and Wally among others, with a vast variety of cruisers, high-performance racers, inflatables, jet skis, personal watercraft, motoryachts and sportfishing boats also vying for attention.
The growing worldwide interest in the fast growing Middle East market was reflected in the international participation at the show which was up by 62.16% over 2003 with participating exhibitors coming from 21 countries compared to only nine last year (up by 133.33%).
There was also been remarkable growth in nett area sold for the exhibition which went up from 2,608 sq.m. last year to 5,247 sq.m. this year (up by 101.19%) and the number of boats on display in-water from only 19 last year to 54 this year (up by 184.21%).
Size and scope apart, this year’s edition of the Boat Show was different in other aspects too. A successful effort was made to present it as an event for everybody and not just the diehard marine enthusiasts, with a host of lifestyle features being introduced to give it an overall more complete and well-rounded look. This resulted in the show this year turning int an event that offered a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
Dubai World Trade Centre
Corporate Communications Division
Ajay Rajguru
Tel: +971 4 308-6079
Fax: +971 4 331-4853
E-mail: Ajay.Rajguru@dwtc.com
Ashok Thomas
Tel: +971 4 308-6083
Fax: +971 4 331-4853
E-mail: Ashok.Thomas@dwtc.com
© Press Release 2004
