This year, as in the renowned expo’s previous 12 editions, a plethora of companies offered a full range of marine services from the most basic to the most exquisite of water-borne services, and just as in years past these same companies will land a slew of new contacts that will lead to a host of valuable business being struck.
That is what these companies come to do. They are not there just to look good; they need to make money and being seen at such a key regional expo is an effective way to meet their aim.
But make no mistake, it is these key players who have advanced Phuket’s marine industry over the past decade, not the hordes of dithering bureaucrats who have yet to still figure how to make money from them.
With, but mostly without, government support, these companies and the people behind them have developed Phuket’s fledgling marine industry to the major drawcard it is today.
They have done so with business nouse, enthusiasm and sheer determination, and were by far the first to recognise that yachties had chosen Phuket as their home port, or at least as their main port of call.
All credit to those in positions of power to wield change and who have publicly voiced their support to lure more major players to Phuket, but much more needs to be done.
The proud announcement late last year of the first so-called license to operate superyacht charters in Thai waters was but a hollow echo to the lack of noise from brokers and superyacht operators who have yet to apply for such a license.
Why has there been such a poor reaction to the apparent breakthrough? The answer might be more obvious than some might admit. The people who own and operate these stunning, elite yachts are savvy businessfolk, and they know a worthwhile deal when they see one.
If you want to attract superyachts on which to build an entire sector of the marine industry, you’re going to have to do a little more than cut a chunk of red tape. Tax breaks, reduced import duties and corporate incentives spring to mind, but there are other ways to lure these super-cruisers.
Failure to do so will open the door to other locales in the region to advance. Bali is already on the superyacht itinerary, the “Burma Banks” are opening up, and the duty-free port of Langkawi remains just an overnight jaunt away.
The Asean Economic Community has begun, and the smart competitors might well now use this to their advantage – with government support.