Shangai Boat Show attracted strong attendance
The recent China International Boat Show (CIBS) in Shanghai attracted 37,000 visitors and nearly 600 exhibitors. Organised by Sinoexpo Informa Markets, the 25th running of the show covered an area of 44,000㎡ in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, and took place alongside the Tourism Plus Shanghai exhibition, considered one of the signature events within the tourist industry in Shanghai. This combination is seen as mutually beneficial given the close alignment of the tourism industry with boating in China.
A well-established figure in China’s boating market, Tan, delivered IBI’s overview on the global industry during the show’s conference programme Under its medium term plans the Ministry of Culture and Tourism predicts that China is likely to expand rapidly its already, in normal times, substantial inward tourism market - that should have a positive knock on effect for the marine leisure market as demand increases.
At this year’s CIBS domestic products took pride of place. Chinese companies such as the Jiangnan Shipyard Group; Blue Whale; Huanzhu; Haoyun; USAIL; Smart Gen brought their new products to the show, ranging from micro diaphragm water pumps to variety of new boat introductions.
Leisure fishing boats have become a main force in the Chinese market in recent years. For a long time, CIBS has been the first choice for internationally renowned brands to enter China. During the three-day exhibition, fishing boats such as the 485 SC and 705 HT from Shuangyi, the Parker 790 Explorer and the Parker 660ph from Dah Chong Hong, proved popular. The Polish company Parker was making their first appearance at the show and Mercury introduced its new V12 600 HP Verado on the first day of the event.
Chen Xian, Human Resources Director of Mercury Asia Pacific, said, “As a faithful exhibitor as well as partner of the show, we have participated in CIBS since its first edition. Throughout the past 25 years we have supported and promoted each other, during which time Mercury has witnessed CIBS advance greatly from a local exhibition to the largest boat show in Asia.”
This year’s CIBS also included a conference programme with over 20 topics including ”The current status of the Global Boat Industry presented by IBI’s Cynthia Tan, and the measures taken under Covid-19 by GMBA’S Juoko Huju. Designer Tony Castro spoke on future development trends in yacht design and material application.
CIBS launched a matchmaking service to build a bridge between exhibitors and overseas purchasers. Professional buyers more than five countries availed themselves of this opportunity with some of them accomplishing purchase agreements during their video meetings. Mr. Rosario from Italy said he has been visiting CIBS for more than 10 years before Covid-19, and thanks to this online matchmaking he could still take part in the show and see his old friends.
Wu Qiang, executive vice president of the China Association of Shipbuilding Industry said, “In the past year, the boat industry has shown strong resilience in dealing with exceptional shocks and has achieved extraordinary results. By creating a professional platform for the boat industry, CIBS can strengthen cooperation and development, but also become a window for an increasing number of people to understand and love boats.”
The next CIBS will be held in Shanghai from March 31st - April 2nd 2022.
Source: IBI News
