With increasing recognition to the boating sector in India, industry experts forsee an accelerating growth for this sector.
With increasing recognition to the boating sector in India, industry experts forsee an accelerating growth for this sector and have demanded the government to accord industry status to it.
"Today boating is seen more than a leisure activity and to promote the sector, the government must consider giving it industry status. The sector is a part of shipping, trade and commerce, infrastructure, lifestyle and leisure. We hope that the government will now look upon boating as more than just a luxury sector," Mumbai Boat Show Private Limited (MBSPL) Chairman Maneck Davar told PTI.
"Also, government support, infrastructure and construction of marinas are very much essential to promote boating as an industry. Boating will promote water sports, leisure boating and definitely create employment also," executive committee member, FICCI-WRC and chairman, Satyagiri Shipping, Nitin Joshi said.
The Mumbai International Boat Show (MIBS) 2010, organised by MBSPL, was held at Bandra-Kurla Complex and the marina adjacent to the Gateway of India from February 18-21, which received a lukewarm response.
"Leisure boating is just taking off in India. We, with the help of Mumbai Port Trust and National Maritime Foundation will take the issue very aggressively to the Union ministry and provide aid in getting an industry status to the boating sector," FICCI-WRC, Director, Dr Vaijayanti Pandit said.
Powerboats, speedboats, motorboats, kayaks, jet skis and luxury yachts among others were exhibited during the four-day event. Nearly 47 big brands participated in the boat show -- 32 were Indian participants and 15 were international brands.
The exhibition also displayed over 20 yacht brands, including Sunreef, San Lorenzo, Azimut, Mahindra Odyssea, Ava Marine, Larson, Tecnomar, Drago and Sealegs.
"The boat show is a one-of-its-kind platform for the marine industry where service providers and boat manufacturers can showcase their wares and interact with users," founder director, Ava Marine Service Private Limited, Captain Soli Contractor said.
This year we saw least 25 new exhibitors participating this year, Davar said, adding, "we are positive that boating in all forms is poised for growth in this country."
"The boat show is providing an important stimulus to the Indian boating and water sports industry. With its extensive coastline and inland waterways, coupled with more affluence and disposable income, India will become a big market for boats," he added.
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