Around 70 exhibitors from over 12 nations across the globe have confirmed their participation at the India International Boat Show 2003, the country's first-ever international event on maritime and tourism activities, scheduled to be held from September 26 to 28, 2003 in Kochi.
IIBS 2003 is being organised by Kerala Tourism in association with India Tourism and India Trade Promotion Organisation.
Water scooters and artificial marinas - unseen before in Kerala - on the show for the enthusiasts.
A Kerala Tourism spokesperson said that international companies and brands that have confirmed participation at the boat show include Polaris, Regal Marine - USA, Ferrati Yachts - Italy, Gulf Craft, Exalto Marine, Emirates Inflatables and Grandweld - UAE, IMCO Services - New York, LP Marine - UK, J V Marine and Zodiac Group - Australia among others.
Major national names, which would be present at the boat show, include Alcock Ashdown - Gujarat, Aqualine Marine and Greaves Ltd - Mumbai, Access India Overseas - Noida, Dempo Shipbuilding - Goa, Maha Mysore Boats - Mangalore and Vulkan Ltd of Pune.
World famous marina developers - LP Marine Developments, UK, as well as marine accessories dealers Exalto Emirates Ltd, UAE, will showcase their services and electronic devices used in international maritime business, while pleasure crafts and luxury yachts from Azimuth, Bennetti and Polaris will be represented by Gulf Yachting, UAE, and Costas, Goa.
Gulf Craft too has confirmed their participation through Raymond Aqualine.
The Royal Netherlands Embassy will also have a pavilion at IIBS, primarily to explore and identify players in India for joint ventures with companies in the Netherlands.
Singapore-based CGS Engineering will display the latest outboard engines and watercrafts from the Bombardier stable while Aries Marine and Exalto Emirates, UAE will display marine accessories, marina design, consultancy and surveying services.
Around 40 confirmed participants from India would showcase a wide variety of products such as marine engines, watercrafts, yachts, water sports equipments and boating accessories for enthusiasts in these areas.
Mumbai-based Greaves Ltd and Pune-based Cummins Ltd would be attending the show with various types of marine engines, gearboxes and power systems, whereas Mumbai-based Marine Equipment Services will be introducing marine safety equipments. Another attraction of the show will be the presence of Calcutta-based Exide Industries, which will display conventional and alternate power sources.
Kerala minister of tourism and fisheries K V Thomas said, "With about only 80 stalls in air-conditioned halls, some participants will also be accommodated at outdoors display areas."