Superyacht revolution
Australia strongly represented at the Hainan Marine Tourism Forum.
06 December 2018
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Australia was strongly represented at a VIP Round Table last week in Hainan China, considered to be the first step in developing and delivering a Marine Tourism Summit for Hainan in March 2019.
Former AIMEX CEO and board advisor Mary Anne Edwards was invited to attend the summit. Edwards said, “For many years we have heard the yachting industry talk about China and the expectation that great things would happen. But outcomes for many have been slow and those who are starting to get some traction have invested heavily in this market over a long time. Having said that however, we all know China continues to present a huge opportunity for our industry sector. ”
“Being involved in the forum was interesting especially with the number of industry stakeholders in attendance. I will be reporting back to the AIMEX board and we will watch the future progress in Hainan with interest. If the vision is realised this will definitely be a place Australian businesses should look closer at.”
Arthur Tay, Chairman and CEO of SUTL Enterprise and ONE°15 Marinas and the key driver for this summit invited Martin Redmayne, Managing Director of The Superyacht Group based in the UK to mediate the forum comprising key international stakeholders and to discuss their views of what needs to happen in Hainan to drive a successful marine tourism industry.
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A key group of industry stakeholders from Australia was assembled including MaryAnne Edwards representing AIMEX, Cameron Bray, Bray Management and Jamie MacPhail from Pantaenius.
Jamie MacPhail, CEO, Pantaenius Australia stated “The opportunity to be involved, offer some thoughts regarding the part insurance plays in the global marine industry and the ability to network with some experienced industry stakeholders was valuable. Whilst Pantaenius cannot currently operated within the China market it is clear the future opportunity is significant.”
Hainan as a tropical island will develop eight towns as first class yachting destinations along its coastline, according to the Sea Defence and Port Office of Hainan Province. This will include fishing, sailing, diving, yacht racing, yachting and all manner of marine tourism, which is expected to contribute 10% of annual tourism revenues to Hainan Province by 2025.
Summit guests were asked to share their expertise and be part of a unique knowledge transfer, to help educate relevant government departments and marine authorities to build and deliver a Marine Tourism Road Map for Hainan and ultimately China.
Martin Redmayne of The Superyacht Group, reinforced his pleasure in being involved in this two-day VIP Roundtable. He advised invited delegates that the contribution they will make and the output and results of the discussions will be a key ingredient to supporting the Marine Tourism Strategy that Hainan and China want to deliver.
“The potential and appetite for yachting, charter yacht ownership and marine tourism in China is incredible.
It is often described by the traditional yachting sectors as a long term and patient game. However, we are confident that this VIP Round Table and the Marine Tourism Summit in March 2019, will be a catalyst for the growth and development of a robust and intelligent model for China.”
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