Organised by Kerala Tourism, the boat show is being promoted aggressively in India and abroad by India Tourism and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), and is receiving comprehensive support from the Southern Naval Command, Coast Guard, Cochin Shipyard and Cochin Port Trust. Leading tour operators and hotels in Cochin have extended their support by offering discounted tour packages and accommodation for the boat show participants.

Says Thomas: "The first National Boat Show organised by Kerala Tourism was a huge success and gained a lot of international attention. Encouraged by the response, we are taking the show to an international level and are re-branding the event as IIBS. The scope of the event will be expanded with special segments for sports boating, leisure boating, defence boating, boating equipment and technology and software. IIBS will be a premier event of its kind in the region between the Middle East and Southeast Asia and in a span of two to three years it will establish itself as a definitive boat show."

IIBS is being publicised on a large scale, with intensive PR campaign, advertisements and outdoor publicity campaigns already under way. The presence of prospective buyers and exhibitors is being ensured with direct mailers, emails and telecalling. Kerala Tourism has launched an exclusive website for the boat show. The website (www.indiaboatshow.com) provides comprehensive information on all the aspects of show and also features provisions for exhibitors, buyers and the media to register online.

International companies and brands that will be present at the boat show include Polaris, Regal Marine (USA), Ferrati Yachts (Italy), Gulf Craft, Exalto Marine, Emirates Inflatables and Grandweld (UAE), IMCO Services (New York), LP Marine (UK), JV Marine and the Zodiac group (Australia). Major national names include Alcock Ashdown (Gujarat), All State Group, Aqualine Marine and Greaves (Mumbai), Access India Overseas (Noida), Dempo Shipbuilding (Goa), Maha Mysore Boats (Mangalore), Vulkan (Pune).

Leading national and international boating magazines and publications including Catamaran World (France), IBI News (UK), Asia Pacific Boating (Hong Kong), Safari Plus (Mumbai) and World of Yachts (UAE) will cover the show extensively.