In order to attract more superyachts down under a joint meeting has been arranged between the key decision making bodies in Australia and New Zealand. These comprise the Australian government trade body Austrade, Tourism Australia, Superyacht Australia, NZ Trade & Enterprise, Tourism NZ and New Zealand Marine. This important meeting will be held on May 20th during the Australian Marine Export and Superyacht conference (ASMEX) set to take place at Sanctuary Cove on May 20 and 21, 2014.
M Edwards, Superyacht Australia CEO said “this is a significant step forward for both countries. Collaboration around marketing efforts and promoting the excellent cruising grounds we both have to offer, along with the capabilities we both have in the boatbuilding, refit and repair sectors means Australia and New Zealand have a destination second to none. With more superyachts now heading to Asia the opportunity to include Australia and New Zealand in the itinerary is greater than ever”.
The joint meeting has been months in the making with Edwards and Peter Busfield CEO NZ Marine working towards this goal for some time.
Discussions at the meeting will be focused on developing and agreeing on the following mandate:
1. to increase the international yachting fraternity awareness of the benefits of cruising the Pacific
2. to share statistics regarding visiting superyachts where they have come from and where they are going
3. Agreeing where promotions can be aimed at jointly promoting Australia & NZ as a destination for superyachts or cruising yachts. The key focus to attract boats to the South Pacific region
4. In addition there may be occasions where a joint Aust/NZ promotion is warranted and agreed to by the parties.
Peter Busfield CEO NZ Marine commented “Australia and New Zealand provide pristine coastlines and many new superyacht marina and service facilities for the growing number of superyachts cruising this region to enjoy. We see this collaboration as a natural step in order to grow superyacht visitation in the Pacific region.”
This is a very positive strategic move by both Superyacht Australia and Marine NZ and if the meeting mandate is formerly agreed then the global superyacht industry will certainly be hearing more about the capability and cruising options in both countries.
