Phuket, 18 January, 2016 – The 13th Phuket International Boat Show, held during 7-10 January, 2016, saw brisk trade with sales of boats, marine products and toys, and strong interest reported by exhibitors both in-water and in the Exhibition Hall.
Independently audited, the boat show – the longest running marine and lifestyle show in Southeast Asia – welcomed 5,500 visitors, 45 per cent of which were international – primarily Europe and Asia – with the show seeing robust growth in the number of Thai nationals attending.
Mr. Andrew Dowden, Managing Director of Andaman Marine Consultants – organiser of the Phuket International Boat Show said, “The show got off to a great start with two boats sold on the first day and a record visitor turnout. In fact, the daily visitor numbers are up almost 30 per cent on last year as are sales across the range of businesses and products presented. One of the first boats sold was a mid-sized sail boat and it’s very encouraging to see the diversity of exhibitors and sales, showing Phuket really is the heart of boating in the region.”
With over 60 international boat brands represented the line-up was the most diverse ever with boats ranging from two million Baht up to four superyachts priced at over 360 million Baht each, and everything in between.
In addition to an impressive line-up of motor yachts, the Phuket International Boat Show saw a 35 per cent increase in the number of sailing yachts and multihulls exhibiting this year.
Mr. Andrew de Bruin, Managing Director of Multihull Solutions Asia commented on the growing interest in multihulls in the region that, “This is the Asian Premiere of the Fountaine Pajot Victoria 67. This boat arrived in Phuket recently and over the last four days at the show there has been a lot of interest and we are very confident in securing a sale of a Fountaine Pajot Victoria 67, available ex-France, within the next week.”
Simpson Marine had one of the largest in-water displays at the show, representing a portfolio of eight international brands from Viking sport fishing boats to Lagoon catamarans, Beneteau Power and Sail, the stylish Monte Carlo Yachts range and the made-to-measure superyacht brand Sanlorenzo.
Mr. Sergio Loiacono, Country Manager of Simpson Marine Thailand said, “Being a multi-brand dealer with offices throughout Asia means we can take care of both international and local clients, and Phuket is increasingly becoming the hottest yachting destination in Asia. Thailand is a key sales and charter market for us and we have seen a quality and diverse group of visitors at this year’s edition of the Phuket International Boat Show.”
With the Thai Government looking to open up the superyacht charter market in Thailand, there was an increased showing of superyachts at this year’s show with the biggest, the Majesty 105, attracting a lot of attention.
Mr. Tony Nixey, Managing Director of Go Boating Thailand – representative of Gulf Craft in Thailand said, “I’m delighted to have had the chance to show the Majesty 105 at the Phuket International Boat Show this year. It is a stunning yacht and is part of the Majesty Yachts’ Superyacht Collection. The number and quality of visitors to the show has been very good and there has been a lot of interest in the Majesty 105 and larger Superyachts, and also in the other boats from the Gulf Craft range we have displayed. Boats have been sold and we will be back displaying at PIMEX 2017 next year.”
A selection of luxury properties, cars, premium lifestyle services and marine products in the Exhibition Hall rounded out one of the biggest and busiest Phuket International Boat Show’s yet.
Following increased interest from superyachts, organisers will be offering a dedicated superyacht facility at next year’s Phuket International Boat Show, which will take place 5 – 8 January 2017 at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina.
