The China (Shanghai) International Boat Show

The 21st China (Shanghai) International Boat Show (CIBS), organized by  UBM Sinoexpo, started yesterday  with the announcement of a relocation for the next edition.
Currently held at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, next year’s edition will take place in a newly custom-built facility, the Shanghai New International Expo Center, which is already home for some of Shanghai’s biggest shows.
The announced relocation reflects the growth of dimensions of this Asian manifestation: CIBS, the ‘Navigator of Asian Leisure Boating’, will attract exhibitors from across the whole spectrum of the yachting supply chain, including OEMs, builders, and after-market and accessory suppliers for the water leisure lifestyle.
This year’s show will showcase 38 new models making their debut in China, guest appearances by world circumnavigators Guo Chuan and Zhai Mo and more boats (both luxurious and affordable ones) than ever before. Forums and seminars will also be held, exploring subjects such as yacht design and waterfront development. The show will feature all kinds of water-craft, from kayaks and jet-skis to small and medium sail and motor boats and luxury yachts.
China is changing from an export driven economy to a consumer led economy, the ‘new engine of economic growth’. The outdoor leisure industry is also developing and many more people have the possibility and the motivation to approach it: all conditions for the growth of the water leisure industry are already in place. Several provinces are planning and building public marinas, which will bring down the cost of keeping a boat, leading to a growing interest in boat ownership.
The China (Shanghai) international Boat Show runs from Thursday April 7th to Sunday April 10th at the Shanghai World Exhibition & Convention Center.