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Traders and seafarers from all parts of the world have for years traveled to India to capitalise on the tremendous business opportunity that the country offers.
These traders braved rough seas, fought pirates and traveled for months on end, and were richly rewarded once they reached here.
Now the stage is set for manufacturers and dealers of boat-and-marine equipment from across India and the world to come and discover a business opportunity that could be equally rewarding.
A first-of-its-kind boat show is going to be held in Kochi, wherein traders can explore new business opportunities, enter tie-ups, make rich deals and bag long-term contracts with some of the most powerful buyers from this part of the world -- the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, fisheries and tourism departments of Indian States and Union Territories, Police departments, ports and harbors, water-theme resorts and parks, adventure clubs.
With 50 confirmed exhibitors from over 12 nations across the globe, and only a month to go, the department of tourism, government of Kerala, (popularly known as Kerala Tourism) is optimistic about the India International Boat Show (IIBS)-2003, the country's first-ever international event on maritime and tourism activities.
With about only 80 stalls in air-conditioned halls, some participants will also be accommodated in display areas outdoors.
Organised by Kerala Tourism, in association with India Tourism and India Trade Promotion Organization, IIBS 2003 is scheduled to be held from September 26 to 28 this year.
"In terms of diversity of exhibitors and products as well, IIBS 2003 is supposed to be the largest boat and maritime event ever held in the South Asia region," says Alkesh Kumar Sharma, director, Kerala Tourism.
It will be one-of-its-kind boat bonanza that brings domestic and international buyers and sellers face to face, he adds.
IIBS is likely to be a pull the crowd for the buyer community as well. Kerala Tourism expects a large turnout of prospective buyers for the show this time.
A unique attraction of IIBS 2003 (Kerala Tourism also owes the distinction of being the organizers of the country's first ever National Boat Show last year, along with the Kerala Travel Mart) will be the presence of more tourism-buying entrepreneurs from different Indian states, representing government and private sectors.
Buyers for IIBS include resort owners, marine entrepreneurs from different states, representing government and private sectors.
Besides the Central and state tourism departments, IIBS also has comprehensive support from the Southern Naval Command, Coast Guard, Cochin Port Trust and the Customs department.
The show will also witness the participation of top officials of police departments of various Indian States.
The police department of Kerala will have a contingent of top police officials at the show, with the objective of identifying latest vessels and advanced equipment suitable for the department. Police officials from neighboring states, too, have evinced interest.
Gone are the days, when a boat show meant the display of a few vessels for tourism or fishing purposes alone.
Encouraged by the tremendous response from various segments, Kerala Tourism has expanded the scope of IIBS-2003 by including areas such as sports boating, leisure boating, boating and maritime equipment, various advanced technologies and even the most modern software available in the industry.
Inspired by the tremendous response received from last year's show, boat builders, chandlers, interior designers, and marina construction companies will also be participating this year.
The world famous marina developer, LP Mare Developments of the UK, and marine equipment dealer, Elcome Marine, will showcase their services and electronic devices used in the international maritime business.
The Royal Netherlands Embassy will also have a pavilion at IIBS to explore and identify players in India for joint ventures with companies in the Netherlands.
Singapore based CGS Engineering will have a display of various watercrafts, whereas Aries Marine Engineering Services and Exalto Emirates Ltd, of the UAE, will have their pavilions for marine accessories, marine design, consultancy and marine surveying services.
About 40 confirmed participants from India would have a wide variety of products such as marine engines, watercrafts, yachts, water sports equipment and boating accessories for enthusiasts in these areas.
Pune based Indo Marine Company is attending the show with various types of marine engines, gear boxes and power systems.
Mumbai based KJ Electronics will be introducing several marine electronic equipment and systems.
Another attraction of the show will be the presence of Kochi-based Solar Technologies & Systems with ecological marine products and alternate energy sources, available for buyers.
Marina developers, manufacturers of inflatables and houseboat builders will also mark their presence in the show with diverse products, along with boat builders from Gujarat to navigational aid manufacturers and dealers from Tuticorin.