KOCHI: Curtains came down on the Fifth India International Boat Show (IIBS) in Kochi on Sunday. With members of the public being permitted into the venue, it was a beehive of activity at the International Convention Centre. Children jumped in and out of small and big boats on display at the stalls.Some boats were also on display on the backwaters behind. The show was organised to give a boost to leisure boating and water sports, among other things, in the South Asian region.Speaking at the valedictory session, Fisheries Minister S. Sarma said over the years, the show has been giving a new direction to tourism in the State. "After all, without boating, tourism would be handicapped," the minister said.

`Significant event'

The guest of honour, Vice Admiral J.S. Bedi said the show has come to be a significant event for the maritime sector. "It is a tribute to the State's rich maritime heritage. Maritime trade was in existence here even before the arrival of Vasco Da Gama. Over the years, Kerala has come to be India's ideal destination for leisure boating. The declaration of the Kottapuram-Kollam coastal stretch as National Waterbody III augurs well for tourism and economic development of the State," he said.

The Tourism Director opined that tourism cannot be confined to the land. "From a show focused on luxury boats, the technologies showcased at IIBS have come to be useful for fishermen and small operators. Many fishermen cooperative societies too participated in the show. The high rate of economic growth in the country has resulted in people with disposable incomes aiming at better lifestyle. The IIBS intends to cater to them," he said.

Mumbai-based Goa Glass Fibre bagged the best-exhibitor award, while Sea Spray Aluminium Boats got the best exhibit award for their floating dock system. The boating innovation of the year award went to ALFA Eco Systems, Mumbai, for their LPG-conversion kit for outboard motors.

Apart from private entrepreneurs, the Navy, Coast Guard, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Cochin Port Trust, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation etc played a crucial role in the success of the show.

Apart from luxurious boats and equipment made by leading companies, traditional fishing equipment and the construction of conventional fishing boats too were among the exhibits.

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