Singapore voted Best Asian Maritime Capital

by YP Loke on 21 Apr 2009 Singapore bagged the Best Asian Maritime Capital Award at the Asia Boating Awards 2009, beating other cities in contention that included Dubai, Hong Kong , Phuket and Qingdao. Singapore’s Consul in Shanghai, Ang Choo Pin, represented the Republic to collect the Award at the Gala Dinner hosted in Shanghai, on Friday 17-April. This year the event was was held alongside the China International Boat Show.

A number of factors contributed to Singapore’s win. Earlier this year, it hosted a stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, raising its stature in the world of sailing. It is a regular stopover for the Clipper Around the World Rally, but more than that, Singapore Tourism with corporate sponsor Keppel Corporation sponsors a yacht, Uniquely Singapore, which helps brand Singapore from a yachting perspective. It’s recently formed Superyacht Singapore Association is embarking on initiatives to promote Singapore and the region as a superyacht destination.

Looking ahead, Singapore recently made a successful pitch against Venice to become the first Asian host for the World Marina Conference. This triennial conference will run in May 2011 and will see a gathering of the world’s marina industry to talk about marina development. The conference attracts both developers and operators. Anchoring the conference in Singapore allows the conference to major on the needs of the developing Asian and Middle East markets where boat ownership and nautical tourism are growing economic sectors.

Other Singapore wins at the Awards were One15 Marina Club, which walked away with the Best Asian Marina Award, while Singapore-listed yacht builder Grand Banks took the Best Asian Motor Yacht Builder Award in the category for yachts between 51 and 85 feet.