2010 HAINAN RENDEZ-VOUS

CEBU, Philippines - The plan released on December 1st by the China State Council for the development of Hainan as an international tourism destination (“Ideas for the acceleration of the development of the tourism industry”) highlights the importance of yachting in the future development of the island. The 2010 Hainan Rendez-Vous to be held next month in Sanya will strengthen the island’s reputation as the new Chinese Riviera.

“Hainan is determined to grow its marine and yachting industries as a key component of a wider tourism strategy,” says Mr.Luo Baoming, governor of Hainan Province, ahead of the first Hainan Rendez-Vous set to take place in April 2nd-4th at the Visun Marina in Sanya.

The Hainan government is throwing its full support behind Hainan Rendez-Vous as the host sponsor of Asia’s premier show, focusing exclusively on the luxury superyacht and megayacht sectors.

“Yachting is expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing Hainan’s tourism growth. There is a very natural lifestyle for us as Hainan is blessed with thousands of kilometers of beautiful coastline, a multitude of islands and a rich marine life. We will leverage these assets while at the same time conserving them for the benefit of this generation and for those to come,” says Madam Du Liying, director of Sanya Tourism Board.

Besides the newly opened Visun Marina, there are several other projects of various sizes well under way. It is believed that in the future there could be as many as a thousand recreational craft in the island. From the world’s largest luxury motor yachts to family day boats, from tall ships to tenders, racing yachts to fishing boats, superyachts to ski boats, Hainan plans to deliver a range of unique marinas. They will cater to the entire spectrum of needs of the boating community wishing to enjoy the Chinese Riviera’s warm waters.

Pioneer property developer and co-organiser of Hainan Rendez-Vous, Mr Wang Dafu Chairman of Visun Real Estate group, also believes Hainan is well positioned to take a leading role in the regional yachting industry. “Hainan has the best coastline and the most beautiful waters in China and the island has a truly unique maritime history,” says Wang Dafu.

Some of the latest and largest real estate projects in Hainan include marina components. A pivotal development under way is turning Clear Water Bay into a superyacht marina with the help of French Marina expert NDA Marine. A few kilometers from the Visun Marina, the Phoenix Island project will also include an amazing marina design by avant-gard Beijing architect firm MAD.

China Rendez-Vous (CRDV), the Hainan Rendez-Vous organiser, stresses the enthusiastic reception received so far from the international industry for this first edition of the show. A record number of leading yacht manufacturers including brands such as Azimut-Benetti, Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Lurssen, Bloem & Voss, Royal Huisman, Marquis Yachts, Ferretti Yachts and Pershing have confirmed their participation. For the first time in China, yachts of over 50 meters will be displayed. The show will present the biggest ever number of yachts on the water in China. “We provide brand new, first class business opportunities in a very wealthy and largely unexploited market. The demand is huge and we expect over 4,000 visitors to discover this prestige show. At a time when business in the rest of the world is tough, the development of the Chinese yachting market offers fantastic opportunities to the industry,” says Delphine Lignieres, Director of China Rendez-Vous.