Korea show aims for international status
By IBI Magazine
The 3rd Yacht and Boat Korea event in the leading shipbuilding province of Gyeongsangnam in South Korea is expected to attract 150 companies from 20 countries from October 29 to November 1, 2009.
It's the first time that the event is being marketed to a truly international audience — in 2008 Yacht and Boat Korea entered into a co-operative agreement with Sanctuary Cove (organisers of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show) in Australia, to promote the show internationally.
Encompassing a four-day boat show at Danghangpo (Danghang Port) and the 3rd Admiral Yi Soon-Shin Cup International Yacht Race at Tongyeong Donam Port zone, last year's event drew 10,000 people. Both events are situated close to the city of Goseong which is accessible by air, road or rail from Seoul or the city of Busan.
"The Korean government has placed a substantial effort in creating an improved trade and investment climate which has brought real GDP growth of 4.1 per cent for 2008," said international marketing consultant Barry Jenkins. This follows robust growth of 5 per cent in 2007.
The province of Gyeongsangnam occupies 10.6 per cent of the country, the fourth largest province, with 1,019 shipbuilding firms employing more than 91,400 workers. Government policies are in place for the creation of 10 marina projects while 23 newly-designated shipbuilding sites are within the province.
"Provincial governor Taeho Kim supported the creation of the event to further the tourism and marine industry growth in the region," said Jenkins.
The inaugural Yacht Korea Show in 2007 drew a modest 70 exhibitors with visitors from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the US, Europe and Australia. For 2009, the organisers aim to attract 150 exhibitors, particularly increasing international company representation. The event's name also changed this year to Yacht and Boat Korea.
The boat show features leisure boats and yachts, engines, marine equipment and cultural displays with pavilion, open-air and marina displays.
In 2009, the show's location has moved from a convention centre to the city of Goseong to leverage off plans to develop the region into a recreational marine hub in 2010.
(2 July 2009)
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