What are the main novelties developed by the Cannes Yachting Festival for the exhibitors?
Sylvie Ernoult: More than new features, we confirm the qualitative evolution of the show. Our goal is to offer a better service to the exhibitors, with a better quality of finishing of the spaces. This year, the spaces on the south pier have been modified to better meet the expectations of professionals. We are continuing to open up to a qualitative clientele, which goes beyond boat enthusiasts, thanks to the "luxury gallery" and more lifestyle content. We need to consolidate this visitor base. Nevertheless, we are not a luxury show, there are not only superyachts. The show is not reserved for billionaires. The Cannes Yachting Festival is not the Monaco show! We are careful to keep room for small boats. Our objective is to be qualitative, on boats from 2m80 to 65m.
What evolutions do you notice on the profile of exhibitors and boats presented at Cannes Yachting Festival 2017?
Sylvie Ernoult: The first observation is an increase in the number of exhibitors, which is obviously satisfactory. There are a few less boats this year. We are going from 630 to 600 boats on display, mainly due to increased safety requirements and the growing average size of the boats. We are working to find new spaces in the Canto harbor, to accommodate more boats in the future.
There is no major evolution in the proportion of foreign exhibitors, which remains at around 60%. The good health of the Italian yachting industry is confirmed with a strong transalpine contingent. We continue to keep room for small newcomers, who bring creativity and variety.
Have you faced a greater security challenge in the current environment? What impact does it have on the budget?
Sylvie Ernoult: Security is always a priority. We have been working for 1 year already on the security of the 2017 show. This year we benefit from a direct coordination with the prefecture, while continuing to work with the city of Cannes and the port authorities. Security is not only about vigipirate. There are also the risks of fire and evacuation of the port, on which we work with the port of Cannes and the crews. It is difficult to give a budget between direct and indirect costs, but it is constantly increasing every year, because it is a number 1 priority.
What are your expectations in terms of visitors?
Sylvie Ernoult: As we do every year, we have made a major investment in a worldwide media plan, the impact of which we estimate at around 1.4 million euros. We are increasingly targeting lifestyle media. We don't have any indicators to reliably predict attendance, but the best indicator of the show's success is the feedback from our exhibiting clients, and therefore from the visitors who buy.
