The exhibition, now in its 54th year, is London’s largest annual event, according to organisers. The show has continued to grow in size, since its move 4 years ago, to the state-of-the-art exhibition centre, EXCEL, in London’s Docklands.

This year's London Boat Show accommodated around 500 exhibitors, ranging from yacht and powerboat sales to chandlery and marina related services. Approximately 140,000 visitors were in attendance, according to estimates.

The Gibraltar Tourist Board’s presence at the show promoted Gibraltar’s enhanced marinas and supporting services. Private sector companies further promoted the Rock's yacht registry, specialist sailing holidays, water sports and training courses.

Gibraltar Tourist Board personnel from the office in London manned the Gibraltar stand.

Speaking ahead of the event, Joe Holliday, Minister with responsibility for Tourism stated that:

“The London Boat Show has consistently proven to be a successful exhibition for Gibraltar, not only in promoting our marinas and accompanying services, but also as a platform to attract a direct holiday booking audience. A potential audience of 140,000 is a wonderful opportunity for us to sell all our visitor facilities."

He continued: "Although our marinas are full during most of the year,Gibraltar must maintain the promotion of its product in this market to support the current expansion and improvement of marina services and future developments.”

Minister Holliday visited the Gibraltar stand at the London International Boat Show on Monday 14th January 2008.