The 2012 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), the region’s largest boating consumer show, is promising to be quite busy, with its in-water displays almost full four months before the show starts. Put up by Informa Yacht Group, the ninth Phuket International Boat Show will be hosted by the Royal Phuket Marina, March 29 – April 1, 2012.
PIMEX At Dusk
Over USD50 million (approximately THB1.5 billion) of yachts are confirmed to display at PIMEX 2012.
With an Asia Pacific footprint, PIMEX brings leading yacht brands, yachting products and marine leisure services together in one place. From Australia and New Zealand to China, Abu Dhabi to Japan, the Maldives to Micronesia, the Show provides international buyers with an Asia Pacific one-stop-shop of the region’s offerings.
The in-water displays have been a core element of the Show since the beginning, providing an opportunity for buyers to experience different yacht models “up close and personal”.
“PIMEX’s in-water display is the largest in Asia and is a big attraction for international buyers who want to see boats in the marine environment,” commented PIMEX Show Director, Andy Dowden, adding, “Boat sales during, or as a result of, the Show last year are testament to the success of the in-water displays.”
With all eyes on Asia, Phuket remains at the heart of regional growth because of its importance as the cruising hub. Easily accessible with an international airport, Phuket’s stability, marine facilities and infrastructure, combined with the sensational cruising grounds that surround it, provide yacht owners and yacht charterers around the world with the ideal Asian location. Feel free to contact our friendly team for more information about the possibility to charter a yacht in this beautiful and popular charter location.
Continued growth in the regional marine leisure market has seen more owners choose to base their yachts in Phuket. The four international-standard marinas are operating high occupancy year round. Expansion plans at a number of the marinas underscore the confidence in the market and Phuket’s position as the boating playground of Asia.
The growth in the number of yachts berthed in Phuket is in part due to the diversity of international buyers and the growth of the domestic Thai buyer market.
“We are seeing an increasing trend amongst wealthy Thai customers towards owning a luxury boat, and a growth of interest from international buyers from Russia, China and the Middle East,” said Jariya Sungtong, Sales and Marketing Manager, Windy Boats Asia, a 2012 exhibitor.
Further noting the growth of international and domestic buyer markets, Martin Holmes, General Manager of exhibitor Lee Marine, agreed: “There are more and more people coming to the Island and wanting to get into boating. We are seeing more overseas customers, particularly from Russia; but there is also growth too in the number of Thai nationals purchasing yachts.”
“PIMEX will build on the success of 2011 and will further continue to lead the growth of boating in Phuket and the region,” added Dowden.
The Phuket International Boat Show, now in its ninth year, is held at Royal Phuket Marina from 29th March to 1st April 2012, and is organised by Informa Yacht Group.
