Southern hospitality

Speaking with MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of Superyacht Australia at the Singapore Yacht Show (SYS) in April, she mentioned the many positive movements taking place for the yacht industry in the South Pacific. From campaigning to alleviate stringent regulations for those chartering in the region, to the establishment of the newly formed South Pacific Superyachting body to provide a unified voice for Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, "Destinations within the region have all worked hard to promote their own cruising grounds" Edwards explained. "As a by product of this, we promote the region on the whole, offering sheltered coves, diverse tourism experiences and first-class superyacht marinas and amenities".

Launched at the recent Superyacht Australia Tahiti Rendezvous event on 26 June, members include NZ Marine, Fiji - Port Denarau Marine, Tahiti Tourism and Superyacht Australia.

Nigel Skeggs of Fiji's Port Denarau Marina believes this new joined-up communication will ensure yachts visit more often, cruise for longer and make the most of the region. "The more we work as a cohesive unit to encourage yachts to and through the south pacific is a step that will produce real benefits for the superyacht marine and tourism industries".



Not only do the unspoilt waters and surrounding travel opportunities present exciting opportunities for those chartering the region, but from a political standpoint, this new unification will mean better communication between the countries and an increase in tourism. The four governments involved have instigated user-friendly rules that allow yachts to stay longer in each country and to pass from one country to the other as simply and fluidly as possible.

Peter Busfield, CEO of NZ Marine shared: "Joining forces to market the region as one cruising destination was the logical step forward for the South Pacific nations".

And it's not without ambitious plans for the future. Their focus for 2018 is to double the amount of yachts that visit the region, and the number of days spent cruising. Revisiting Edwards' comments from SYS, it appears she was spot-on when sharing "I think the South Pacific is very organised and we've put in a lot of work to make it that way".

Profile links

NZ MARINE

Superyacht Australia

Singapore Yacht Show

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