Taiwan's First International Boat Show Kicks Off in Kaohsiung

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The “2014 Taiwan International Boat Show” grandly opened on the 8th, with 168 domestic and international manufacturers showcasing top-tier luxury yachts and related parts and equipment over four consecutive days at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Mayor Chen Chu stated that Kaohsiung’s yacht industry is strong and one of the most competitive, and this exhibition successfully establishes Kaohsiung as a hub within Taiwan while looking to the international stage. It is estimated to generate NT$5 billion in business opportunities and boost Kaohsiung’s reputation as the “City of Yachts.”

The inaugural Taiwan International Boat Show received strong support from domestic and international yacht manufacturers. Over the four-day exhibition period, there were 168 exhibitors, 861 booths, and 60 luxury yachts, making it the largest indoor boat show in Asia. On the opening day, numerous domestic and international buyers and members of the public visited. In the morning, Mayor Chen Chu, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin, and Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council Wang Chih-kang attended the opening ceremony, setting sail together for the event.

Chen Chu noted that Taiwan has been developing yachts for over 40 years and ranks first in Asia in terms of capability. Currently, nearly 80% of Taiwan’s yacht industry is concentrated in Kaohsiung, with 90% using Kaohsiung Port as the export hub, making it the cradle and promoter of Taiwan’s yacht industry.Last year, Taiwan received orders for giant yachts exceeding 80 tonnes in total length, ranking sixth in the world and first in Asia. This generates NT$5 billion in business opportunities annually — a source of pride not only for Taiwan but especially for the people of Kaohsiung.

To strengthen the marketing of the yacht industry and expand the yacht market, the Kaohsiung City Government worked closely with the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Foreign Trade, and the Taiwan Yacht Industry Association. They successfully secured the Taiwan International Boat Show at the new exhibition landmark, the “Kaohsiung Exhibition Center.” Industry players also invested NT$100 million to build a yacht marina, highlighting Kaohsiung’s image as the “Kingdom of Yachts.” During the event, integrated measures such as transportation, accommodation, and dining benefits were introduced, with expectations to drive NT$5 billion in surrounding business opportunities.

The yachts on display this time have a total value exceeding NT$7 billion. Exhibitors focused primarily on showcasing stylish, creative, technological, energy-efficient, and globally-oriented yachts, along with yacht hardware, parts and equipment, ship design, marine instruments, interior design and maintenance services, yacht marina planning, development and management, water leisure equipment, and marine tourism and leisure travel. She invited the public to actively participate and experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Taiwan’s yacht industry.

The largest yacht on display at this edition is the “RP110,” created by the Jia Hong Group — the world’s fifth-largest custom luxury yacht manufacturer and winner of the latest Taiwan Excellence Gold Award. The yacht features a 135-ping leisure and entertainment space, offering a top-tier floating villa experience. Also present at the event were other yacht manufacturers such as Jia Shin, Ya Gang, Super Star, Long Yang, Johnson, and Tong Yi, helping to enhance Taiwan’s yacht visibility and maintain its share in the international market.

2014 Taiwan International Boat Show Event Information
Event Dates:
May 8–9, 2014   2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
May 10, 2014     10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
May 11, 2014     10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
* Exhibition entry times are subject to change. Please refer to the official announcements on-site.
* On May 10, traffic control will be implemented around the venue at 6:30 PM due to a night run event.

Venue:
Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (No. 39, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City)

Ticket Information:
1. ibon Early Bird Pre-Sale Tickets (April 7–April 27, 2014)   NT$250 per ticket
2. ibon Discounted Pre-Sale Tickets (April 28–May 7, 2014)   NT$300 per ticket
3. On-site Tickets during the Exhibition Period (May 8–May 11, 2014)   NT$380 per ticket