MWSYG holds first superyacht meeting
By IBI Magazine
Australia's Mackay Whitsunday Super Yacht Group (MWSYG) held its first meeting in Airlie Beach last week to help promote opportunities in the superyacht sector.
Rebecca Andrews, CEO of Whitsunday Development Corporation (WDC), and Narelle Pearce, CEO of Regional Economic Development Corporation, introduced the evening by highlighting the importance of the industry to the region.
"In recent years the superyacht industry has shown enormous growth with over 7,000 superyachts now in existence," says WDC, which hosted the event. "With more and more boats being launched each year owners and captains are on the lookout for new places to explore. Over the last three years more than 200 superyachts have visited Australia of which over 55 yachts visited the region."
Other speakers included Peter McCulkin and Ryan Skehan from Marine Industries Queensland Government, Lance Cushion, CEO of Super Yacht Base Australia (SYBA), and Kelly Stannard, business development manager for the Super Yacht Project, Mackay/Whitsundays.
During the event, the speakers outlined the importance of the Super Yacht Group project and the benefits for the regional economy including the opportunities for small business.
It is thought that a superyacht valued at £50 million (around AU$125 million) would typically inject up to AU$12.5 million into the Australian economy. Apart from maintenance and refits, yachts spend money in other areas including "navigational equipment, fine wines, beauty products, private jets, flowers, safety equipment and security to name but a few," claims a WDC statement.
For more information on the Super Yacht Project and the Mackay Whitsunday Super Yacht Group, including how to benefit from the opportunities that superyachts in this region represent, contact Kelly Stannard on Tel: 61 4946 1877 or email superyachts@whitsundaydevelopment.com.au.
(29 April 2008)
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