Poole Harbour Boat Show shortlisted for Dorset Tourism Award

Following the huge success from its inaugural event, the organisers behind Poole Harbour Boat Show are proud to announce it has been shortlisted for the Tourism Event of the Year category at the 2015 Dorset Tourism Awards.

Poole Harbour Boat Show took place over two days in May and exceeded organisers’ expectations with visitor numbers resulting at a level of 50 per cent over what was predicted. In excess of 15,000 visitors were attracted to the regional boat show.

Organised by the team at Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) and Poole Quay Boat Haven, more than 60 exhibitors used the show as a platform to display their products. Boat enthusiasts gathered on to the pontoons to look at the variety of marine-related businesses, including some big names such as Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Windy, Stingher Ribs, Bayliner and Sealine.

Adding to the day out experience were the popular attractions of a regional boat show including a range of stalls and various activities to keep the crowds entertained, including on-the-water displays, tall ships, live music, children’s entertainment and a spectacular firework display on the Saturday evening.

Britain’s Paralmypic medallist Helena Lucas MBE was the guest of honour on the Sunday where she met with guests and showcased her gold medal. Helena, who won gold in the London 2012 Paralympic Games and has become the first Great Britain athlete to be selected for Rio 2016, hoped the boat show would encourage more people to get out on the water.

Chief executive of PHC, Jim Stewart said: “Being shortlisted for the Tourism Event of the Year category is well-deserved recognition for the team’s efforts in organising the inaugural Poole Harbour Boat Show. We were delighted with the success of this year’s show and we are now in the process of planning the event for 2016.”

For 2016, Poole Harbour Boat Show will be extended to three days and will take place on May 20 to 22.

The PHC team will be heading to Bovington Tank Museum on October 15 for the awards evening.