Under the High Patronage of His Excellency, the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel AOUN, the 10th edition of Beirut Boat 2017 was officially inaugurated on May 20 at Beirut Marina, by the Minister of Tourism, H.E Avedis Guidanian, on behalf of H.E the President, in the presence of Deputy Ammar Houry, representing Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and other VIP delegates, members of the diplomatic community, and media representatives.
The opening ceremony was followed by a thrilling flyboarding show to mark the kickoff of an exciting event that went on for five days from 5 to 10 pm.
Mr. Edward Aoun, a member of the board of directors of IFP Group, said: “With ten successful editions, Beirut Boat has created a legacy for delivering Lebanon’s top-notch yachting and luxury experience for a crowd of thousands of maritime enthusiasts, elite society figures, lifestyle gurus, and VIPs.”
Lebanon’s advocate for tourism and Beirut Boat’s Brand Ambassador, Mr. Silvio Chiha, expressed his appreciation of the show and noted its importance on a macro level.
“I believe this event is very important for Lebanon, and I encourage organizing it each year as it sheds lights on the role of Lebanon in the region, and helps with the goal of attracting the largest number possible of tourists, and reviving the tourism industry and the economy as large.”
Welcoming 45 exhibitors from Lebanon, UAE, Cyprus, Turkey, United Kingdom, and The Netherlands, Beirut Boat featured a diverse array of boats, boating gear and accessories, outdoor furniture, sports and leisure equipment, luxury cars, and high-end products.
Commenting on his company’s participation at Beirut Boat 2017, Mr. Robby Binni, Sales Manager at Speed Marine S.A.R.L, said: “Outstanding service and very friendly staff. Thanks for going the extra mile to make our stand very special – We look forward to doing business with you next year.”
On his part, Jean Louis Z Rodriguez, Technical Director at the Lebanese Yachting Federation, said: “Thank you very much for this Boat Show 2017, we had very nice exposure at our stand of the Lebanese Yachting Federation and people and our sailors have grandly appreciated the event. Next year, it will be greater because it has shown a great positive impact on all sailors in the market.”
The show attracted thousands of visitors looking for networking, business opportunities, and sourcing high-end products on display, or simply looking to explore exhibits and enjoy the luxurious setting and uplifting entertainment program.
Among the highlights of the show was the newly introduced ‘The Art Gallery’ that pays homage to Lebanese artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, as well as home décor among other exhibits.
Another new-comer to the show was the ‘Maritime Historical Exhibition’ that took visitors on a historical journey to discover the wreckage of the renowned HMS Victoria, along with a display of tools, equipment, and outfits that were employed to lift the shipwreck from the seabed.
A diverse entertainment program throughout the show delivered feel-good vibes. Visitors enjoyed a daily flyboarding show and uplifting sets by DJs Roland Ragi, Ziad Nawfal, Jack the Fish, Princess Yaya and Serge Yared, as well as spellbinding live performances by “Roya and her band”, “Marilyn,” and “Ralph Asfour and his band.”
ifpinfo
26 May