On the back of a record breaking 12th Phuket International Boat Show presented by Thailand Elite in January this year, bookings in-the-water for the 13th edition – to be held January 7-10, 2106 – have been brisk, with 75 per cent of available space has already sold.
More than 60 yachts from 10 metres to 35m will be on display in the water – offering the elite products of both power and sail markets, alongside smaller trailer yachts for the entry level boating enthusiast.
Simpson Marine have confirmed a minimum of eight boats on display including Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau, Lagoon and their newly acquired brand San Lorenzo.
Princess Yachts South East Asia will return with a strong showing of their brand whilst Boat Lagoon Yachting have added to their stable of brands Jeanneau, Wider Yachts and Admiral since the beginning of the year.
Joining them with their biggest in-water display yet are Azimut who are showcasing four of their latest models, to be complemented onshore by Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin brands, all from the parent group MGC Asia.
Also joining the in-water line-up for the 2016 Show is Derani Yachts with Fairline, Gulf Craft and Majesty Yachts, and Multihull Solutions.
After discussions with key players in the superyacht industry regionally and globally, and following the announcement in January this year, there will be a dedicated in-water superyacht section at the 2016 Show.
Catering for yachts over 35m, there will be a VVIP reception lounge in one of the dockside luxury villas for owners and agents to meet and greet invited guests interested in chartering or purchasing a superyacht. Potential customers will board a luxury tender to visit one of the superyachts on display at the show.
Aiming to position Phuket as the superyacht hub of Asia, recent developments include the granting of temporary charter licences to foreign flag yachts over 30m and amendments to current regulations that will allow easy and legal chartering for foreign-flagged superyachts in Thai waters.
“Working closely with the Royal Thai Government, the Phuket International Boat Show will help introduce superyachts from around the world to Phuket and Thailand, and introduce them to the stunning cruising grounds and charter opportunities we call home, said Mr Dowden.
“PIMEX has been an active supporter of the marine industry since 2003 and we welcome this new initiative from the Thai authorities to encourage superyachts to embrace Phuket as its hub for Southeast Asia.
“The next step will be to invite potential investors to create a Refit and Repair centre on the island capable of handling the yachts over 35m.”
The Phuket International Boat Show attracts serious regional and international buyers as well as a growing number of Thailand’s middle and upper class, noted Mr Dowden.
“Leveraging the reach and membership of Thailand Elite – the world’s first country membership programme – PIMEX are proud to announce that Thailand Elite have re-confirmed their support and commitment to the 2016 Phuket International Boat Show, and return again as Presenting Sponsor after a successful 2015 show,” announced a recent press release.
Also upholding long-standing support for the show is the venue host, Royal Phuket Marina.
Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, last month announced a B5 billion expansion and development fund, due to start this year.
Launched under the #DestinationRPM campaign, the development and expansion plans aim to make Royal Phuket Marina the iconic waterfront lifestyle destination in Asia.
Meanwhile, a exhibitor floor plans for the boat show can be viewed online at http://www.phuketboatshow.com/venue.php
A number of commercial sponsorship and partnership packages for the show are also available. Tailored to suit differing needs, these packages will enable businesses and brands the unique opportunity to align their own marketing initiatives with the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) 2016.
For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com