GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Record turnout in rising boating market

The biggest-ever Gold Coast International Marine Expo (GCIME) held May 19-22 has recorded its largest-ever visitation and the best-ever sales results, organisers have announced.

The result is being touted as a major economic boost for both the Australian marine and Queensland tourism industries, with organisers saying more than 20,000 boating enthusiasts streaming through the Expo gates to experience the hands-on marine event.

The showcase put on by the marine business included more than 600 boats of all types and sizes, more than 200 diverse displays featuring everything from marine engines and equipment to lightweight tenders, jet skis and boating accessories, and lots of entertainment.

Event & Marketing Manager Emma Brown forecast the direct sales activity generated at the Expo will easily surpass last’s year’s figure of in excess of $50 million, although the true impact will continue to be measured over the coming weeks, months and in some cases, even years.

"The Expo has really come of age this year – our marine industry leaders, in growing numbers, can see the massive benefits of creating an Expo experience that is truly unique to anything in the world," she said.

"This year we had visitors from the United States, Singapore, Japan, China, Korea, the Dominican Republic, Spain, the United Kingdom, a large contingent of New Zealanders as well as people from every state in Australia."

Mrs Brown said Expo has worked diligently over six years to keep costs contained for visitors and exhibitors by remaining not-for-profit.

In the interests of fostering new boaters, more than 1200 sea trials undertaken throughout the four Expo days aboard everything from luxury motor yachts to family cruisers, fishing boats and water sports boats.

Mercury Marine’s Queensland manager Mike Wilesmith said his team conducted 751 sea trials alone and reported most were to people looking to put outboards to the test as part of the Mercury Edge experience being offered for the first time in Australia.

"Expo visitors were really enjoying themselves and it was great to get families out on the water – some for the first time
– and show them just what a Mercury can do and how much fun family boating can be," he said. "Almost everyone was here at Expo looking to buy something."

Surf Coast Marine and Broadwater Boating Centre’s Paul Banning reported over $1 million in sales activity across the Cruise Craft and Quintrex ranges, up more than 25 per cent on last year’s Expo.

"We also have solid enquiry generated by some 120 Quintrex Island sea trials and we will be busy this week as we follow up and help more families get out on the water enjoying themselves this coming season."

Jordi O’Keefe, Shoreline Yamaha: "We sold everything from jet skis, accessories and the ‘tubby’ line, and we’ve identified new opportunities for servicing, repairs and modifications. We are very pleased with the result this year."

At the top end of town, the just anointed 2016 Australian Marine Exporter of the Year, Riviera, signed forward orders for 11 brand-new luxury motor yachts.

"There were two orders for the new Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht from New Zealand within the first few hours of the first day of Expo and one for the new 68 Sports Motor Yacht that will have its World Premiere at Expo in 2017," said Mrs Brown.

Amid all the reporting, Expo organisers also said they will now review and refine Expo to strive to create an even better event.

"It is also very pleasing to hear that other Queensland boat shows have reported strong results this year," Mrs Brown said.

"In the years to come we will look back and remember that multiple events running concurrently as a real turning point for our Australian marine industry and for the way we market ourselves nationally and internationally.

Expo’s team has already started work on the next big GCIME slated for May 25-28, 2017. Hopefully, there is greater synergy between Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and the Gold Coast Marine Expo to bring the marine industry and its enthusiasts together next year.