Sydney International Boat Show generates $353M

Sydney International Boat Show © Boating Industry Association

The Sydney International Boat Show contributed $353m in total economic output from the 2024 event at Darling Harbour, according to the Boating Industry Association Ltd CEO Andrew Scott.

Scott said the show once again proved its worth following an independent economic analysis of the event which took place in August this year.

"The Sydney International Boat Show attracted 42,000 attendees and there were thousands more enjoying the non-ticketed areas where our Discover Boating activities were accessible to the general public," he said.

"The social value and impact is important to BIA and it was great to see 87 per cent of attendees surveyed agree the event helps promote boating as a social and healthy family activity.

"While almost 200 exhibitors were able to showcase all aspects of boating across paddle, power and sail during the four-day event that also helped boost jobs activity."

The economic and social Impact analysis led by Farnbach Consulting Network revealed the event added an additional $353 million of economic output to the national and NSW economies which includes all direct, supply-chain and consumption effects. The result for NSW was an additional $243 million.

The event set records which included 700 young people attending the Marine Careers Days and 10 marine-industry events with more than 1,500 attendees in a marine conference which included government representation from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in a program spanning:

• boating safety
• vessel safety standards
• marine careers
• maritime property
• diversity and inclusion
• sustainability/ decarbonisation in propulsion.

There was also the Boating Safety Zone where 13 State and Federal Government agencies, and non-government organisations in aquatic recreation, helped the public with advice and information on safe and responsible boating.

Attendance was down on the previous year but it was noted other major events in Sydney were also down in a reflection of the subdued economy demonstrated by on-going cost of living pressures. To highlight increasing costs, the report found there was a 40 per cent increase in exhibitor costs on logistics, staff transport, accommodation and food and drink, and additional staff recruited. This was on top of venue costs.

BIA has successfully delivered this event (the largest event held in the Darling Harbour Precinct) 55 times. Its purpose; to support and promote Australia's marine industry, and to provide visitors with an economical, informative and entertaining day out at a celebration of all things boating. BIA appreciates the continued support of its exhibitors, many of whom have attended this event for decades.

For more information on BIA visit: www.bia.org.au