Meeting Mega Expectations

Dacor Advertising & Media CEO Aristos Aristidou (left), Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilios Demetriades (centre) and Limassol Marina General Manager Nikiforos Pampakas at the ribbon-cutting event for the opening of the Limassol Boat Show 2022.

interest in our boats, mostly from serious potential customers from all over the world who actually wanted to buy. In fact, one of our yachts is already ready to be sold following the show.”

Part of the reason the show is such a commercial success for exhibitors is because it not only attracts the interest of a targeted, high-net-worth audience, but also meets their specific needs via a curated collection of premium luxury lifestyle products and services. According to Nautimar Marine chief Yiannos, this audience is already familiar with the level of luxury on display at the Limassol Boat Show. “They are coming for the yachts, but also the accompanying high-end products that complement this luxury lifestyle,” he explains. “They share this lifestyle and can recognise the quality on offer; it suits their level of luxury expectations.”

As such, the event generated leads, discussions and inquiries for Nautimar Marine, all from visitors in a position to make real purchases, with the majority of interest coming from existing superyacht owners or Limassol Marina residents. Global Positioning

The Limassol Boat Show 2022 was also exponentially beneficial for the continued growth and development of the sector as a whole, while, at the same time, strengthening Cyprus’ position as a premier yachting centre. "The Limassol Boat Show has undoubtedly succeeded in establishing Limassol as a pivotal yachting destination in the wider region,” observes Boat Show Co-organiser Aristos. “And this year’s event, in particular, caught the attention and recognition of a global audience, thanks to its remarkable commercial achievements.” Indeed, some of the event’s unique selling points, are also what place Cyprus in a class of its own as a yachting haven. Demonstrating the Limassol Boat Show’s role in promoting and highlighting the island’s competitive advantages, such as its strategic location between regions, offering easy connections to all major hubs. “The Boat Show can easily bring together audiences and target markets from the surrounding region,” explains Tom. “Cyprus sits in the middle, so, it’s a great place for all markets to come together, meet centrally, do business and network.” And it is not just the yachting sector that benefits, but also the tourism industry and country as a whole, observes Aristos, recalling a meeting with the Limassol Tourism Board president who, following the event, had received numerous congratulatory emails.

OnBoard | 31

“Returning on a bigger scale, revitalised and with record attendance, are indicative of the significance of this exhibition, both for our island and the wider region.”

Bright Future Ahead

Unsurprisingly, planning for next year’s edition is already underway. “It takes a whole year to organise such a big event, so the moment one Show ends, the next one starts,” explains Marina Manager Tom. While the exact 2023 dates are yet to be announced, there is already keen interest amongst key exhibitors and prospective new sponsors, who all see the event’s vast potential. First though, the Marina team is gathering feedback to help ensure next year’s Boat Show delivers on that potential, continuing to serve all exhibitors and sponsors in the best way possible. For his part, Aristos believes the Limassol Boat Show will only get bigger and better in coming years. “When we started in 2008, Cyprus didn’t even have a marina, so, to see the development of activities around the sea and yachting, and the expansion of services and interest, is a dream come true,” he adds.