The Hong Kong Cruise & Yacht Industry Association and the organisers of Singapore and Thailand Yacht Shows (SYS and TYS), have confirmed the launch of a new jointly-organised Hong Kong Yacht Show.
Providing that the new political clampdowns muted by China do not materialise the show will take place at Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter adjacent to the Kai Tak Runway Park Promenade from November 19-22, and annually thereafter.
The showcase will include custom-built superyachts to cater for the aspirations of the many mega-wealthy people in this part of the world (latest figures show that 35% of the world’s top 50 billionaires are from Asia) as well as family-sized weekend boats, sailing yachts, and water sports run-arounds to suit every budget.
The organisers’ objective is to promote and develop the yachting industry in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area).
By common consent, this will bring prosperity and positive economic impact to local businesses and the supply chain throughout the China market, as well as positive international PR, inward investment, maritime education and protection of the oceans to support the Hong Kong yacht industry, together with the creation of employment.
It seems there may be a silver lining for the yachting industry behind the very dark COVID-19 clouds currently darkening everyone’s horizon. Dealers and brokers around the region are reporting a significant recent uptick in interest in owning a boat – perhaps not surprisingly, people are sensing the attraction of life on the open sea, discovering quiet, uncrowded bays and beaches, and getting away from it all with family or a few best friends.
Perhaps it’s good timing for Hong Kong – the centre of the most mature market for yachting in Asia – to finally get a new international boat show, something the well-established industry players there have been yearning for these past three or four years.
It is generally agreed that the collective governments in Asia have managed the COVID-19 crisis far better than most, with timely interventions and sensible, if undeniably tough, restrictions so as to avoid the worst, and most pundits believe that the majority of the Asian economies will be back up and running by the time the show comes round in the penultimate month of this disastrous business year.
As the HKYS continues to grow and develop over the coming years, it will the organisers hope, play a significant role on the international boat show calendar, with the aim of establishing itself alongside the Singapore Show as the principal marketing platform in Asia for the global yachting industry.
Strategically placed in the Greater Bay Area, exhibitors at HKYS will be able to connect with HNWIs looking to buy or charter a boat, as well as new potential equipment suppliers, retailers, and importers.
The number of berths (around 35-40) and the amount of exhibition space available is relatively limited in this first year, so interested parties are encouraged to confirm their participation immediately.