Mumbai International Boat Show
Mumbai International Boat Show doubles in size and
success.
The second Mumbai International
Boat Show proved to be bigger and better than before. With visitor
numbers approaching 10,000, the Show hosted almost double the
number of exhibitors and boats on display, including 20 on-water
vessels.
The Show enjoyed an abundance of
press attention, with particularly heavy coverage displayed in the
BBC Today Magazine and online article, 'Times of India' and local
CNBC TV channel. A VIP preview evening entertaining Bollywood Stars
and a Vice Admiral enticed plenty of TV crews and sizable
entourages.
British Marine Federation, and its
subsidiary National Boat Shows, has had a large involvement in this
event, as well as first helping to develop the Show and the Indian
Marine Federation. NBS, a strategic partner of the Show,
provided both operational and marketing support, while the BMF took
a stand at the event promoting British Marine excellence and also
organised the India Boating Conference.
Joining the BMF in Mumbai were UK
companies ranging from boat builders Avon Inflatable Ltd, Princess
Yachts International, Fairline Boats Ltd and Sunseeker
International Ltd, brokers Oceanstyle Yachting Ltd, Cavandish White
Ltd and International Yacht Sales plus Marine Track Ltd.
Sarah Dhanda, Director of
International for the BMF, said on the UK influence: "The Show,
which is highlighting the leisure marine industry to the growing
middle class in Mumbai and India, has provided a good opportunity
for UK companies to establish partnerships and relationships with
Indian companies.
So far, the BMF has helped to
introduce 20 companies to this rapidly developing leisure marine
market and we are confident that they are laying good foundations
for future growth."
Richard Lambert of Oceanstyle, a
Nigel Burgess Group company said: "An incredibly useful event
allowing us to get a true insight into the up and coming yachting
market in India. The show exceeded our expectations and was an
excellent launch for yachting in the Indian market. A very positive
experience that was enhanced by the excellent support from the BMF
and UKTI."
Marine Track also reported
positively, returning for the second year:
"We had a very good show in 2007
and came away with some good contacts and a lot of potential for
growth. Returning in 2008 we have found a better educated and more
mature market. The show has been a success; we have taken orders,
signed a local reseller and made some contacts and friends along
the way. We are confident that bigger things are to come from
India."
India is seen as a key developing
market for Leisure Marine, with an ever increasing number of
billionaires as well as a burgeoning middle class. There is also a
growing interest in tourism in some of the southern Indian states
such as Goa and Kerala who are keen to make the most of the
fantastic coastlines for sailing and water sports activities.
David Goddard of Cavendish White
confirmed the overwhelming need for the development of boating
infrastructure in Mumbai: "Good effort by the show organisation and
we look forward to even better next year. We are pleased with the
demand for the 10 to 20 metre yachts in the market. Cavendish White
is in the large yacht market and so will need patience while India
builds its infrastructure for large yachts."
The BMF looks forward to further
partnerships in India and developing opportunities for British
companies to prosper.