The show must go on!

The company reports that the exclusive selection of VVIPs and invited guests visiting their stand generated a high degree of interest, and that has led to numerous sales opportunities.

Captain Alessio Tumbiolo, CEO of ART Marine, said: "We are proud to participate again in this well organized and growing event in Kuwait."

Captain Alessio also revealed how ART Marine are adressing a problem faced by many other companies. "Unfortunately, it has become very challenging to transfer new yachts without registration from country to country within the GCC because of current regulations.

In order to overcome this situation, we will soon open an ART Marine office in Kuwait with fully fledged Sales and Service operations." The company is certainly implementing a serious expansion programme with their launch in Qatar also this month!

The largest exhibitors at KBSI were Gulf Craft who, with support from Al Muhallab Marine and Al Boom Marine showcased an impressive line-up.

Dominating the Port Marina, the Majesty Yachts 118, 66, 56, 50 and 44 were all on display, along with the entire Oryx line-up. The Silvercraft brand was also fully supported with debuts for the Silvercraft 26CC, 26SC, 33SF and 33SC.

Kuwait represents a significant market for Gulf Craft. Working closely with its local distributors Al Boom Marine and Al Muhallab Marine, Gulf Craft Inc already holds over 30 percent market share in the Kuwait boat and yacht industry.

"Following the success of last year's inaugural Kuwait Boat Show, Gulf Craft has increased its presence and commitment to support the growth of the Kuwait marine industry," said Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager, Gulf Craft Inc.

Whilst selling boats is the main priority at Boat Shows, much more goes on behind the scenes. The Kuwait show is no different.

Shortly after the dust settled, The Hatteras Collection, a unit of the Brunswick Boat Group in the US, announced they have chosen the Seas & Deserts Group in Kuwait, to serve as its new dealer to the Middle East.

"Seas & Deserts is an important partner in the advancement of our global sales network," said Keri Theophilus, Hatteras Collection president. "We are excited to provide our world-class yachts to a new market through this world-class organisation."

Seas & Deserts will retail the entire Hatteras Collection of offshore fishing boats, sportfishing convertibles and motoryachts. The Collection includes sportfishing boats from 7.3m-27.4m (24ft-90ft) and motoryachts from 19.5m-30.5m (64ft-100ft) www.knotika.com.

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