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NEWS
GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: 2014 show hailed a success
Visitor numbers rival last year, solid sales and inquiry for the new boating seasonOrganisers and exhibitors are jointly singing the praises of the 4th annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo, with strong sales and prospects in the lead-up to summer.
Expo Marketing & Event Manager Emma Milne says exhibitors feedback was extremely positive, indicating the event had achieved its objectives of boosting the marine industry, raising money for charity and providing visitors with a timely and memorable opportunity to get everything they need to have fun on the water this summer.
MULTI-MILLION SALES
"Based on exhibitor feedback, the total sales at the Expo alone would certainly be in the order of tens of millions of dollars," Ms Milne said. “We are very happy with this year’s event excited about its future — we are now in our fourth year and our showcase of all things aquatic keeps getting better and better.
This year’s Expo had more than 220 exhibitors and 60-plus new boat and product releases on a 3km display circuit, where live entertainment and demonstrations every 15 minutes provided entertaining diversions along the way.
CROWDS ON PAR
"Visitor numbers at this stage are almost on a par with last year — and that’s very encouraging given that this year we decide to introduce a ticket price to help raise funds for the from our chosen charities, which provide an army of volunteers to make the event the success that it is," Ms Milne said.
The 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo beneficiary charities are the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and Sailability Gold Coast.
BOATING HITS
Peter Dyer from RIB Force said there was big interest in the powered snorkelling and diving propulsion unit, the Sea-Doo SeaScooter, while Greg Hill from Cape Marine reported strong international interest in his tough custom-built shallow-draft Semac commercial vessels.
Riviera said it sold two boats — a 5000 Sport Yacht to be delivered by Christmas and a 50 Enclosed Flybridge — and has several sea trials booked for the new 6000 Sport Yacht, which made her Queensland premiere at the Expo.
Jeff McNiven from JSW Powersports said it would take several weeks to establish just how successful his Expo display had been, but he alone accounted for 15 new Sea-Doo personal watercraft owners after the Expo. Keith Hanson from Whitehaven Motor Yachts also vowed to return next year after strong interest in his world-release 6000 Flybridge.
Stuart Smith from United Motor Yachts at Hope Island said he was very happy to have sold a Fairway 37 Flybridge at Expo, while Jason Lee from Noble Boats International said his range of inflatable stand-up paddleboards was a hit, and John Moyle from Jet Ski World said he had sold several high-speed skis.
Brett Flanagan from Integrity Motor Yachts said there was strong interest in his big display and 320 Express, which made her world premiere.
Demand for the Riviera factory tours drew close to 1800 people, while the tours of aluminium boat-builder Quintrex and TAFE’s Gold Coast Marine Training Centre were also popular, organisers said. Dates for the 2015 Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be announced soon.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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