Positive Fort Lauderdale show indicates market is stabilising

by Jeni Bone on 2 Nov 2010 Speakers at the opening conference at the 51st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show expressed their belief that the world yachting market is showing signs of a return to business. Consumers are emerging from the pall of the GFC and are back to spending. Now it's just a matter of reminding them of the great experiences to be had on the water.

FLIBS is coming to a close, and organisers are pleased and relieved with the feedback from exhibitors and numbers through the door.

Though to early to tell exact visitor numbers, the big boat brands are reporting strong sales and excellent quality leads for the year ahead.

The event opened Thursday 28 October and runs until Monday 1 (currently) over five locations in the city that claims to be 'the yachting capital of the world'.

Opening procedings last Thursday, a conference featured a handful of key industry speakers who noted the strength in the Florida marine industry and the growth of the global superyacht sector.

Efrem Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management, organisers of FLIBS, introduced speeches from Ron Klein, Florida Congressman, and Mayor of Fort Lauderdale Jack Seiler who spoke on the importance of Florida’s Marine Industry.

Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of leading Dutch shipyard Oceanco, noted on the growth opportunities within the superyacht market, saying, 'We are out of the crisis and on the way to recovery … 2009 was a low point for enquiries, but in 2010 we’re making up for lost time.'

Three billion dollars worth of merchandise hit the water for people to see and buy. But many visitors attend the show just for the experience of seeing a luxurious yacht or unique submarine up close.

'We've got boats probably from under $10,000 to well over $100 million,' said Andrew Doole, of Boat Show Management. 'I would say the submarines are pretty cool,' Doole said.

'You can go down on the reef and you got beautiful visibility, especially if you're on some sides where you have corals,' said U-Boat Manager Erik Hasselman.

The U-Boat sells for $700,000 and was just one of hundreds of unique items on display.

Florida, with 1,270 miles of coastline, and 50,000 miles of inland and coastal waterways, is home to numerous industries that revolve around the marine and leisure industries.

According to VISIT FLORIDA, the state possesses a dynamic marine and boating industry, with a total economic impact of more than US$18.9 billion.

Florida’s international boating sector is by far the nation’s strongest, contributing one-third of the nation’s total in exports, with more than US$670 million in sales of boats, yachts and ships in 2009.

More at www.showmanagement.com