SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2012
The 22nd annual Monaco Yacht Show took place September 19-22, 2012 and Antigua and Barbuda was well represented by the Antigua and Barbuda Ship and Yacht Registry and the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting Destination booths. Located on the docks and famous for its evening rum punch parties, the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting Destination booth show cased the annual sailing events, state of the art marinas and Antigua and Barbuda as a yachting destination.
The Antigua and Barbuda Ship and Yacht Registry booth was located in the exclusive Parvis Piscine tent with its team headed by the Hon. John Maginley Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture and Mr. Dwight Gardiner Director/Registrar General of the Maritime Administration and Registry. The team included two gold sponsors, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Thomas John and Co. as well as one silver sponsor Concierge Antigua.
The booth attracted much attention with its walls which were comprised of a collage of photos depicting the Beauty of Antigua and Barbuda and yachting with the flag featuring prominently on the main wall. The team was very enthusiastic and was kept busy every day meeting people, exchanging information and emphasing why this registry was a ‘cut above the rest.’
When asked about his impressions of the yacht show Mr. Gardiner explained that this was the most prestigious yacht show in the world with all the players in the industry being present and as such it provided an` excellent opportunity to meet, network and introduce the registry service on an international level.
He also said that this was the second year that the Ship and Yacht Registry was being exhibited and he felt that he could not over emphasize the importance of their participation in the show. He went on to say that this participation was part of a wider strategic marketing plan which had its foundation in the larger plan to diversify the operations of the registry. He was very pleased with the attention and the contacts that were made during the show and felt that this would be of benefit to Antigua and Barbuda on a whole.
Minister Maginley was equally enthusiastic about the show and the returns to be gained by the registry’s participation. He said that ‘Antigua’s presence at the Monaco Yacht Show is important for the promotion of the brand Antigua and Barbuda and more directly to stay involved in the mega yacht and yachting industry in general. This show is where all the major players are and we need to be associated at this level and continue to develop these critical relationships.’
He also made mention of the urgent need to complete the arrangements with the United States with respect to cruising reciprocity as well as finalizing the amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act. He felt that this would be vital for Antigua and Barbuda to continue to grow the yacht registry and compete in this lucrative and important industry. He further said that this was also a great opportunity to meet with participants, sponsors and potential new sponsors for the annual sailing events as well.
The minister attended all the meetings and was an integral part of the Antigua and Barbuda representation at the show. The Director said that his presence and contribution were invaluable to their efforts and added to the visibility of the team. He said that ‘the ministerial participation enhanced our presence at the show and the demonstration of the obvious synergy between the registration business and Tourism would be beneficial for Antigua and Barbuda as a whole.’