At the beginning of the year the global leisure boat market was set to experience favourable growth driven by factors such as increasing urban population, decreasing fuel prices, and global economic development. Further, the scope of growth for this market will be broadened by rising participation by adults in leisure boating and development of tourism industry worldwide. However, the growth of this budding market will be hindered by environmental issues, adverse weather conditions and regulatory impact.
To date we have witnessed many of the predictions become a reality and, luckily, most of the IFBSO member shows which have taken place this year already have been very successful with many reporting record attendance numbers.
Later on this month ICOMIA and IFBSO members will meet for their annual congress on Australia’s Gold Coast. Australia is a case in point as regards adverse weather patterns and experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat as well as cyclones and tropical storms earlier this year with unusually cold and wet conditions currently. However, no matter what the weather will be doing, we are looking forward to our annual ICOMIA/IFBSO congress which this year will take place on Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast from 24th to 27th May 2017 to coincide with ASMEX (Australian Superyacht & Marine Export Conference) and SCIBS (Sanctuary Coast Boat Show) who are an IFBSO member as is the Sydney International Boat Show.
The annual joint ICOMIA/IFBSO congress represents a highlight on the IFBSO calendar and is an opportunity for delegates to attend workshops and seminars but, equally importantly, to network with industry colleagues and exchange knowhow and news.