KIBS saw number of registered leisure boats growing an average of 15% annually and helm license holders surpassing 140,000 

◇ Now in its 7th year, the Korea International Boat Show (KIBS) has achieved international recognition in a relatively short period of time. Pictured: 2013 Korea International Boat Show. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang 

◇ Now in its 7th year, the Korea International Boat Show (KIBS) has achieved international recognition in a relatively short period of time. Pictured: 2013 Korea International Boat Show. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Sun-ryang

Now in its 7th year, the Korea International Boat Show (KIBS) has achieved nationwide fame and international recognition in a relatively short period of time. The Korea International Boat Show took place at KINTEX in Goyang City of Gyeonggi Province from June 12 to 15. Let’s take a quick look at its seven-year history. 

▶ KIBS achieves rapid growth in scale and consultations

Its rapid growth is noteworthy. Surpassing the Japan International Boat Show (JIBS), KIBS has positioned itself among Asia’s top three boat shows in terms of exhibition scale, following the Dubai International Boat Show and the China International Boat Show. With an exhibition area of 22,500 ㎡, it has grown 2.6 times compared the 8400 ㎡ of its inaugural event in 2008. 

Back in 2009, the show achieved two consultations worth USD 330,000, which was considered commensurate with the development of the marine industry. Last year, a total of 446 companies and from 33 countries participated in the show, and the event saw consultations worth a combined value of USD 150 million between the participating companies and buyers. This achievement can be attributed in part to the province’s strategy of focusing on the invitation of buyers and the introduction of Korea’s marine leisure firms so as to develop the marine leisure industry rather than simply attracting visitors.

▶ Internationally certified, KIBS propels entry into US market

After becoming a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers (IFBSO) in June of 2011, and following the acquisition of International Exhibition Certification from the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy in August of 2013, KIBS has successfully secured its status as an international exhibition.

Additionally, by obtaining Trade Fair Certification from the United States Department of Commerce (DOC), the show further enhanced its status as Korea’s representative boat show. Gyeonggi Province expects the certifications from the IFBSO and DOC will help Korean marine leisure-related companies enter the US market.

▶ KIBS contributes to expanding marine leisure industry base

According to industry sources, the global marine leisure market is projected to expand from USD 50.6 billion in 2013 to USD 53.6 billion in 2015. The international yacht and boat market is considered a market of high potential for Korean firms with technical competitiveness.   

Since launching the boat show in 2008, Gyeonggi Province has concentrated on expanding the marine leisure base. Accordingly, the number of leisure boats registered has grown by 15% on average every year, and the number of people who have acquired helm licenses has exceeded 140,000.

Not resting on its laurels, Gyeonggi Province will continue to promote superior Korean firms in the global market so that Korea can become a hub of the Asian marine leisure industry.

“Korea’s marine leisure industry is still in its infancy with production and consumption having taken their first steps,” said Yu Yeon-sik, MICE Industry Team Leader of Gyeonggi Province. “If we focus on developing technologies and fostering human resources on the basis of nationwide supports in the future, we can strengthen global competitiveness in terms of production and consumption in international marine leisure down the road.”

▶ Opened on June 12, KIBS provided exhibitions and experiential programs involving maritime safety

Under the theme of ‘Safe Ocean’, the 2014 show presented various exhibitions and experiential programs involving maritime safety for business people, professionals and general visitors. 

Consisting of 1,036 booths with the participation of 207 companies from home and abroad as well as 99 overseas buyers from 87 companies, the 2014 KIBS introduced a one-on-one matching program geared to support business meetings between exhibitors and buyers for the first time in the history the show.

The one-hour opening ceremony began with a memorial service for the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster. This was followed by national obervances, the introduction of distinguished guests, an opening speech, tape-cutting and a tour of the exhibition hall. After the opening speech given by Governor Kim Moon-su and the tape-cutting ceremony, visitors toured the exhibition. 

Approximately 100 distinguished participants took part including Governor Kim, representatives from the embassies of the United States and South Africa in Seoul, officials from domestic and foreign marine leisure institutions, and business people .

The 2014 Marine Safety Conference & Korea International Boat Show ran from June 12 to 15. For more details about the show, please visit the organizer’s homepage (www.kibs.com) or contact 1544-2277.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Kim Jin-kyoung jinkyoung_kim@nate.com 

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