2014 Miami Boat Show: Attention on International Boating Market

A National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) program designed to attract more international boat buyers to the 2014 Miami International Boat Show has nearly quadrupled in reach this year from 2013.

The International Buyers Program, which was launched last year with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is now working with 19 countries to draw buyers to the Miami show, boat show vice president Cathy Rick-Joule told Trade Only Today.

Last year the program worked with six countries. The 2014 show will be held February 13-17.

“The feeling about the whole program was so good that we increased our reach and now we’re working with 19 different countries to attract buyers,” Rick-Joule told Trade Only. “I think that’s a very positive thing for the show. Between buyers and exhibitors, the international presence is really increasing.”

The NMMA program seeks to match buyers with manufacturers, as well as secure hotel rooms at a particular rate, work with visitors on hospitality and set up appointments with prospective builders.

In 2013 the program reached out to boat and yacht buyers in Japan, Turkey, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil. This year the outreach will include those countries, as well as Argentina, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Russia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

Source: Soundings