Superyacht Australia focus on Asia at Singapore Superyacht Conference

by AIMEX on 1 May 2013 A number of key Australian superyacht industry players together with Superyacht Australia were present at the recent Singapore Superyacht Conference highlighting the importance of Asia to the Australian industry.

The conference was held immediately prior to the Singapore Yacht Show and was an excellent platform for key industry stakeholders to share information.

Superyacht Australia CEO MaryAnne Edwards who was a presenter at the conference said 'It was refreshing to listen to presentations regarding what is happening in the Asia region that truly told it how it is. There can be so much misinformation that gets circulated but I have to say this conference was one of the best yet.'

The conference contained some key presentations about the superyacht industry in Indonesia, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Borneo, Japan, Australia and many other Asian countries. It highlighted the skills, capability and cruising destinations within the region and certainly proved that the superyacht industry in this region is coming of age. MaryAnne Edwards spoke on the growth of the Australian superyacht market, emphasising its capability, quality, skills and iconic cruising grounds.

The fifth annual conference was hailed a resounding success after much anticipation in the lead up to the event. With more than 100 delegates present, the conference covered the regions charter regulations, a presentation on the concentration of HNWI in the region and what we need to be doing to target these individuals. The resounding comment throughout the conference was the need for all countries to lobby their governments regarding the tourism value of the industry and the significant economic return this industry provides. There was a strong call for the region to collaborate to market its idyllic cruising grounds and its superyacht industry capability to the rest of the world.

Following the conference was the third annual Singapore Yacht Show with more than double the number of exhibitors as last year and many exciting brands and vessels making their Asia debut at the event.

Edwards commended the Managing Director of Singapore Yacht Events, Andy Treadwell, for delivering a yachting and boating event that has all ingredients to be the stand out show for the superyacht sector in the Asian region.

She said she was impressed by his dedication over the past few years to ensure this event succeeded and grew into an event that would service the needs of the region and be a showcase for how it should be done. 'I will certainly be recommending to our superyacht members that they look to participate in the conference and the show next year.'

The show has more than doubled their on-water display with a world-class line-up of vessels and brands.
Edwards was also complimentary of the amazing facilities that Marina One15 has to offer, 'I have been able to see a dream become a reality' she said.

'The W hotel and the significant selection of restaurants seem to have sprung up overnight. This is the perfect venue for a superyacht show, congratulations to Arthur Tay and Andy Treadwell for their foresight to drive this event for the region.'

More at www.aimex.asn.au and www.superyacht-australia.com