Multi-billion dollar investments in tourism, marine facilities and leisure are taking place all across the Middle East to address the growing demand by marine sports enthusiasts further prompted by the growing economies of the region. The Middle East loves pleasure boating and nowhere is this fact more evident than the number of the new marinas across the region both completed and under construction. Actually, the Middle East captures over 30% of market share of all boats, yachts and super yachts sold worldwide, with 20% of the world’s super yachts having Arab owners.
These facts led Germany’s Messe Düsseldorf, organizer of the world’s number one boat show, and International Fairs and Promotions IFP, the largest international events organizer in the Middle East to combine efforts since 1999 in bringing the world’s largest boat show Boot Düsseldorf to Beirut under the name Beirut Boat Show. The show came to Lebanon for the first time in June 2000 and was welcomed by Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA) that conveyed its accreditation and support to the show.
Lebanon is a major marine market whose scope is larger than the country. Lebanon’s location at the heart of the Middle East, its proximity to Europe, Africa and the Gulf and the existence of well-established Lebanese communities in those areas, its transportation network, its finest international hotel chains and superb restaurants and nightlife have convinced the organizers of the key role that Lebanon could play as the ideal venue for the show.
In addition, Beirut, the leisure capital of the Middle East, sits at the core of the surging maritime market with thriving waterfront facility development in the country. Besides, Lebanon’s geographical location and climate ideally suits the marine industry. More importantly, Lebanon offers excellent marine facilities on a 220 km coastline that runs from north to the south on the eastern part of the Mediterranean providing an access to the waterfront loving Middle Eastern countries.
The eight editions of the Beirut Boat Show between its debut in 2000 attracted more than 200 thousand visitors. More than 600 Lebanese and international companies from 25 countries showcased boats, yachts and super yachts displayed in water an on land. Beirut Boat succeeded in securing major deals for many participants, during and long after the shows was over. Beirut Boat Show had become the centerpiece of a booming regional marine industry, attracting the world’s top boat and super yacht builders and those in the market to buy them.
Many companies participated repeatedly in the past editions of the show while each year new companies from different countries joined the exhibition. Renowned names included Azimut, Abeking & Rasmussen, Lursse, Blohm & Voss, Feretti, Benetti, Fairline, Feadship, Amels, Sealine, Princess, Pershing, Gulf Craft, Genmer Group, Regal Marine, Shama Marine, Sunseeker and Riva, just to mention a few.
Beirut Boat Shows included countries like Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Kuwait, the Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, USA, Egypt, UAE, Cyprus, Brazil, Greece and Lebanon.
The shows were supported by the Italian Boat Building Association – UCINA, one of the most important marine industry associations, the German Federation of Water Sports Industry (BWVS), the Hellenic Marine Industry Association, (SECAPLAS-PEEY) and AMIA – the Arab Marine Industries Association confirming the high level of professionalism and the importance of the show.
Held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman, this year the show will take place at the Port of Beirut’s Pier 1 from 14 to 18 May 2014.
In its 9th edition, Beirut Boat show will feature about 200 leading brands from over 10 countries. The represented countries include Brazil, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UAE. In addition, the on-land exhibition will include a number of internationally renowned companies for maritime manufacturing, presenting equipment and accessories for different marine sports, including diving, fishing and water skiing gear. In addition, there is a wide display of luxury goods from fashion and accessories, to jewelry, watches, and much more.
ifpinfo
13 May
