The China (Shanghai) International Boat Show is On the Move

Like many aquatic organisms, as it grows CIBS has to find a new, larger home. While the show and exhibitors have been well served over the past few years at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, it has once again outgrown its current accommodations.

The 22nd CIBS will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, a custom built facility right next to Shanghai's inner ring road that is already the venue for some of Shanghai's largest shows such as the Auto Show and Hotelex.

But what of this year's show?

As always 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 who together make up the water leisure lifestyle.

This year's show sees 38 new models making their debut in China, guest appearances by world circumnavigators Guo Chuan and Zhai Mo and a greater number of 'more affordable' boats than ever before. A number of forums and seminars will also be held over the course of the show 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. If you want to paddle it, sail it, drive it, relax on it or entertain on it, there will be a boat to meet your needs at CIBS this coming weekend, and with a large on the water element, there will even be the chance to see some of the larger examples in their natural environment.

China is changing from an export driven economy (which grew to US$4.6 trillion last year) to a consumer led economy, the 'new engine of economic growth'. The middle class is growing, people are less fearful of a sun tan, and having light skin is seen as a measure of wealth much less than before, especially amongst young professionals. The outdoor leisure industry is also developing and many more people have the time, the money and the motivation to enjoy it.

Shanghai is a city which, not so many years ago, was all about growing wealth. Now people are encouraged to 'grow their health' and the conditions for the growth of the water leisure industry are already in place.

Several provinces are at various stages in the discussion, planning and building of public marinas, which will bring down the cost of keeping a boat, leading to a growing interest in boat ownership. All the signs are that water leisure and boating, along with the associated industries, are set for a healthy future. These are exciting times in China

The China (Shanghai) international Boat Show runs from Thursday April 7th to Sunday April 10th at the Shanghai World Exhibition & Convention Center and offers something for all the family.