The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) has played a host to a series of forums in Hong Kong to establish key concerns and challenges being experienced by their members as well as guest speakers across the region, with the goal of creating workable solutions to drive growth, development, and opportunity within the Asia-Pacific.

A series of forums hosted by Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA)

While a range of current and anticipated issues were addressed, common challenges emerged which APSA members believe to be stifling progress within the Superyacht industry in the Asia-Pacific. These include a lack of government support and understanding of the industry and its potential to provide significant social and economic benefit to a local economy; issues with crew training and standards in facilities across the region which are perceived to be major challenges for visiting superyachts; and superyacht ownership challenges in the current economic climate.

With the number of superyachts and visiting superyachts set to increase across the region, APSA is committed to addressing these issues with the support of its membership, and is aiming to develop a series of informative papers that will provide the statistical analysis, research and information required to demonstrate the strengths of the region, and further promote the superyacht industry across the Asia-Pacific.

“The series of discussions during APSA Week have brought to light some clear challenges which need to be addressed if the region is to attract further growth in the superyacht industry, both through visiting superyachts and ownership in the region. What is clear is that there is much enthusiasm from players in the region to work together to resolve these issues and to ensure governments and local authorities understand the real benefits yachts can bring to the local economy. I hope we can build on this to develop positive outcomes moving forward”, said Colin Dawson, Chairman of APSA.