Positive feedback from Boat Asia 2004

Boat Asia 2004 concluded last week amidst positive exhibitor comments for Singapore's first on-water boat show in many years. During the four days of the event, a total of 4,000 visitors from 44 countries attended.

Boat Asia 2004, which ran from April 15-18, featured more than 75 exhibitors from 15 countries around the world, including leading names such as Azimut, Beneteau, Ferretti, Riviera, Sea Ray, Sunseeker, Abeking and Rasmussen, Lurssen, Mastervolt, Akzo Nobel, MTU, Maxwell Marine, Ocean Talk and Simrad.  

Suntec Integrated Media's Director Roel van Leeuwen said, "After taking over Boat Asia in 2002, we have set a new course of 180 degrees from anything ever seen in Asia before. The Sentosa Cove venue turned out to be the right location for us to establish a footprint in Asia for the integrated resort-boating lifestyle concept."

"It was also extremely satisfying to see so many happy exhibitors on board showing us their appreciation and already lending their support for Boat Asia 2005. We know now that we are on the right course and we look forward to further growing the show to promote the growth of the industry in the wider South East Asia region," concluded Mr. van Leeuwen.

One of the highlights of Boat Asia 2004 was a privately owned 35 metre Benetti Classic which gave select visitors to the show a taste of luxurious high-end boating. Other display boats included the Azimut 62, the Ferretti 480, the Pershing 43, a Riviera R40 Flybridge Convertible, a Lagoon 380 sailing catamaran and an Oceanis 423 Clipper. On-water activities included exciting jetski displays as well as the Boat Asia Seminar Programme, which took place aboard the historic charter vessel, MS Columbus.

Major exhibitors expressed satisfaction at levels of visitors, plus the wide exposure for their brands. Mr. Jyrki Jaamaa, General Manager of Simpson Marine S.E. Asian Sales said, "We were very pleased with the number of serious visitors to our world class in-water stand and the adjoining private tent complex. Visitors were excited about the show boats and our S.E. Asian team was extremely busy throughout the whole event. Our brands, especially Benetti and Azimut, got extremely good coverage in the media. The show gave us a solid platform for our continuous sales and marketing efforts of various brands throughout S.E. Asia."

Mr. Alessandro Diomedi, Managing Director for Ferretti Group in Asia, was also pleased with the level of exposure for the group's brands, "We were represented by four out of the five exhibitors present who were displaying show boats. Quality of visitors was good and we made some excellent contacts at this show; we have the perception that the Asian boating industry is definitely poised for an upswing. Ferretti Group was the only boat manufacturer to take a corporate stand, which is in line with our policy to have full representation and presence in Singapore and a real footprint in the Asian market. We look forward to Boat Asia 2005," concluded Mr. Diomedi.

Equipment manufacturers present at Boat Asia 2004 were also impressed with the new-look show. Said Maxwell Marine's Mr. Ron Czerniak, "It was very gratifying to see Boat Asia rise from the ashes this year. The organisers feel that they can bring Boat Asia back to the former prestigious status it enjoyed in the late 1990s. Next year's show deserves the support of all the marine companies doing business in South East Asia."

Mr Greg Pelini, Owner of Bob's Machine Shop (USA) said, "We attended this show with the hope of locating a distributor, meeting new customers and increasing our product and brand awareness in the market place. Our goals were met 110%."

Boat Asia 2005 will take place in Singapore from 14-17 April 2005.