FNQ championed at Monaco Yacht Show

THE Monaco Yacht Show has proved to be the perfect vehicle to showcase the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and entice big spenders to Far North Queensland.

With 135 superyachts worth almost $5 billion on display, Superyacht Australia had an opportunity to sell the region to boat owners, skippers and charter brokers.

Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef’s Joanne Drake fielded constant inquiries about superyacht cruising in our region.

Papua New Guinea has become a popular destination, with vessels basing themselves in Cairns as a safe, secure hub to home port in between trips for maintenance, provisioning and crew rest and relaxation.

It is hoped that soon the Federal Government will make amendments to legislation to allow international superyachts to charter in Australian waters as they do in Fiji and New Zealand, opening up an additional 11,800 jobs and $1.64 billion for the economy by 2021.

“What becomes clear when we are working internationally is the value of collaboration, and this is where our connection with our neighbours in Indonesia, PNG, Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu etc is an important advantage,” Ms Drake said. “As a group we can encourage vessels to take the long voyage to the whole South Pacific.”

SYGGBR will also be attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in early November.