Representing H.E. the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel Sleiman, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Fadi Abboud, launched the Eighth Edition of the International Boat and Super Yacht Show, Beirut Boat 2012, at La Marina Joseph Khoury, Dbayeh. Running from May 16 to May 20, 2012, this event is organized by International Fairs & Promotions in partnership with Messe Düsseldorf.
Abboud cut the opening ribbon in the presence of several diplomats, high-ranking officials, the representative of the Lebanese Army Chief, businessmen, prominent local and international figures, members of the Board of Administration of the Arab Maritime Industries Association (AMIA), directors of Messe Düsseldorf, in addition to numerous local and international reporters, and media representatives.
After visiting the various aisles, Abboud addressed the media, saying that: “The international presence we are witnessing today reaffirms Beirut’s significance on the international scene and represents a testimony of trust in the resources and potentials of our capital.”
He added, “We all know that Beirut enjoys a maritime heritage, modern infrastructure, and an exceptional geographical location in relatively close proximity to other international maritime ports. All these factors combine in making the city an excellent venue to host such an exceptional event as the Beirut Boat Show. A multitude of development projects for the marina and associated waterfront facilities in Lebanon are currently being constructed with the aim of attracting luxury boats and yachts. New harbors are, moreover, being developed in order to endorse Lebanon’s position on the map of luxury boat harbors in the region.”
This year’s edition gathers the different sub sectors of the maritime industries from around the world, and contributes in shedding light on the waterfront development projects such as the Waterfront City at La Marina Jospeh Khoury in particular. The event, moreover, highlights the development of the tourism sector in Lebanon, which seeks to endorse its position on the international scene of maritime sports. The Eighth Edition of Beirut Boat Show is expected to meet exceptional success, given its role as the region’s leading Boat Show. In fact, last year’s show attracted more than 30,000 visitors and showcased more than 130 exhibitors, and hundreds of internationally renowned names in the maritime industry.
This year’s event increased its surface area by 15% to now include world-renowned companies in various industries such as motor and sailing boat construction companies; anchors and maritime fronts developers; providers of maritime equipments; engineering consultancy services, yachts registration companies and agents; yacht designers; technical services and support; maritime systems providers; private yacht operators; and providers of maritime services, equipment, solutions, and designs; in addition to a large range of water sports accessories and equipment such as those used in diving, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, etc.
Mr. Albert Aoun, Chairman & CEO of IFP, discussed the event’s role in promoting the maritime tourism sector and marina leisure in Lebanon. He said, “The world and the region are witnessing a big development in the yachting and boating industries, which are considered smart and lucrative investments given that boats and yachts retain value in the long term. In fact, super yacht construction sites are currently witnessing significant development, evidenced by the operating requests that have booked production capacities until 2104. Consequently, the show clearly supports this industry at the local and regional levels given the extensive shoreline Lebanon enjoys, including the numerous services and facilities it offers.”
For his part, Mr. Abdel Rahman Adib, the Messe Düsseldorf representative, said, “Over the past few years, Beirut has endorsed its leading position as a prime destination for maritime leisure. Everyone agrees on the key role that the Beirut Boat Show plays toward advancing this position, a fact which is evidenced by the record number of participating exhibitors in this year’s edition and in the eagerness of leading international and regional yachting and boating construction companies to launch their latest boat designs during the show.”
Mr. Adib expected more than 30,000 visitors, who are passionate about sailing and the sea, to flock to the five-day show.
Press release
17 May
