While Taiwan is well known for its 40 years’ experience in producing high quality yachts, mainly for the US market with well-known brands such as Johnson, Horizon and Ocean Alexander, there are now clear signs from the Taiwan International Boat Show that the domestic boating market is growing. There are new marina projects opening and planned across the country and overseas boat manufactures are focusing on the market and exhibiting at the show. Princess Yachts Taiwan representing Princess Yachts from the UK exhibited two models, a V39 and a V48, in the on- water section of the show, Kiran Haslam, marketing director of Princess Yachts UK spoke to IBI at the show;
“This year’s International Boat Show in Kaohsiung reaffirmed our belief that Taiwan is one of the key markets to watch over the next few years. Our team at the show hosted the right clients, and we certainly saw an increase of invited guests stepping aboard. Our sea trials were extremely popular, and from the various meetings we had in the region, it is clear to see that momentum is growing around the development of key infrastructure along Taiwan’s coastline. The next few years may see a significant uplift of international visitors, cruising and staying in these new developments, so I’m certain the show will grow and international manufacturer presence will, too.”
The four day Taiwan International Boat Show, closed on March 18, 2018 having attracted 20,095 visitors and 726 international buyers from 31 countries including China, the US, Japan, Korea and Singapore. The show was held in the impressive Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre with the on- water berths outside at the Horizon City marina and Kha Shing Pier 22 marina.
According to the organisers, the Taiwan external Trade Development Council (TAITRA) 13 contracts were signed for boat and yacht purchases.
Key local manufacturers at the show included Argo, Dyna, Kha Shing, Horizon, Johnson, Morning Star, Novatec and Ocean Alexander.
Equipment manufacturers were a large part of the show with TAITRA organising 20 one–to-one procurement meetings with the total cost of deals estimated to be in excess of 10 million $USD.
In a development designed to strengthen regional ties TAITRA has signed a co-operation agreement with the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX). The two parties will work together to grow the respective shows with country pavilions, the first Korean Pavilion was featured at this year’s Taiwan show and a Taiwan pavilion will take place at the Korea Show from May 24-27 this year.
The show was organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) the Government body for promoting trade and Industry with sponsorship from Bureau of Foreign Trade and the Kaohsiung City Government. The event was supported by the Taiwan Yacht Industry Association.
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