Destination USSA Luncheon
presented by ProColombia, Genoa Superyacht Hub, Asociacion de Turismo NautiCo de Panama (ATN) and Safe Harbor Marinas
Destinations are at the heart of yachting and the U.S.Superyacht Association (USSA) again proved to be the Gateway to the World for the industry. This year’s exclusive Destinations USSA, a global round-table discussion and luncheon presented by Asociacion Turismo Nautico (ATN), Genoa Superyacht Hub, ProColombia, Safe Harbor Marinas, highlighted hard-hitting topics about best practices, trends and new rules and regulations.
More than 75 USSA members, marina managers, charter brokers and industry guests came together at the Bahia Mar Resort and Marina on Thursday, October 26, 2024. Representatives from USSA partners around globe represented our various regions in the U.S. Panama, Genoa, Peru, Bahamas, Fiji, Tahiti, Australia, Hong Kong (Southeast Asia), Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, France, Nepal, Monaco, and Dominican Republic attended and addressed industry concerns. Participation stayed on track under the direction of longtime industry experts, USSA Chairman Bert Fowles and moderator Bob Saxon.
Thought-provoking themes including how yachts choose destinations, the line between cooperation and competition, the impact of government regulations, budgets, value-added taxes, and more were addressed in a presentation by Bert Fowles, Vice President Marketing & Sales with Island Global Yachting.
Event presenting sponsors were each represented providing a brief update on their countries – Panama, Genoa, Colombia, and Belize. Each covered pertinent regional data on marina resources, regulations, yacht support, geographic assets, infrastructure, and more. Relevant topics including how to remove barriers to trade, overcoming crew visa concerns, and yacht flag registry compliance, were addressed by Bob Saxon of Bob Saxon Consultancy.
This ongoing event fosters industry dialogue on crucial topics such as regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices within the industry to aid all levels of business, yacht captains and crew, and anyone in the industry.
Special thanks to all the event sponsors: Asociacion Turismo Nautico (ATN), Genoa Superyacht Hub, ProColombia, Safe Harbor Marinas, Costa Rica Marina Association, Gold Coast City Marina, AYSS, One Exuma, Tahiti Private Expeditions, IGY Marinas, La Asociación Dominicana de Marinas Deportivas y Clubes Náuticos, Superyacht New Zealand and Superyacht Australia
“The Destinations Luncheon at the Bahia Mar Hotel was an exceptional gathering, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the superyacht industry. We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic participation of country representatives and industry leaders, whose insights will undoubtedly shape the future of Superyacht tourism worldwide,” said Kitty McGowan, President at USSA.
The USSA extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees and partners whose support contributed to the event’s success. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, Destinations USSA has set the stage for a future where Superyacht traffic to destinations around the world thrives. To be a part of USSA’s international partnerships and upcoming seminars and events, please visit U.S. Superyacht Association at www.ussuperyacht.com.
