Boat Show moves to Yacht Haven
The 2025 edition of the ‘Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event’ will take place at Phuket Yacht Haven from Jan 9-12, organisers have confirmed
The island’s largest marina with 332 berths, Phuket Yacht Haven can accommodate yachts of all sizes up to 100-plus metres, aligning with the organisers’ plans to expand the show and welcome more boats, larger boats and superyachts, said a release announcing the show.
“As we look to expand the Thailand International Boat Show in 2025 and beyond, the move to Phuket Yacht Haven is a strategic one ‒ it gives us more space and the capacity to grow in the water and onshore,” said David Hayes, CEO of organisers JAND Events.
“Feedback from many global brands is that they see the show as one of the most important boat shows in this part of the world and the new venue will allow us to grow in stature regionally and internationally. Also, being closer to the airport and many five-star resorts makes the show even more convenient for off-island visitors,” he added
Close to Phuket International Airport, the Phuket Yacht Haven is easily accessible for international and Thai travellers, and the five-star resorts and luxury villas in the north of the island and neighbouring Phang Nga cater to the attending of visiting ‘High Net Worth Individuals’ and ‘Ultra High Net Worth Individuals’ (HNWIs and UHNWIs), the release explained.
A new Bumrungrad Hospital coming to the area and the planned Andaman International Airport nearby in Phang Nga province further underscore the importance of the island’s north as an economic and lifestyle centre, the release added.
VISITOR NUMBERS TRACKING UPWARDS
An independent survey by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition
Bureau (TCEB) found that the total number of visitors to the 2024 show increased 62% on 2023, while international visitors increased 74%. Recognising the importance of the Thai market for exhibitors, Thailand International Boat Show organisers undertook an extensive in-country marketing campaign that drove 54% more Thai visitors to the show in 2024, the release noted.
The number of Russian visitors was up more than 100% on last year and the 2024 show saw strong growth in attendees from across Europe including Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Ireland and Denmark, to name a few. Visitors from the APAC region also increased considerably with Singapore, China,
India, Australia and New Zealand all showing double or triple digit growth in 2024.
CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS Following the success of the 2024 event, exhibitors have been quick to confirm their places at the 2025 Thailand International Boat Show, JAND Events said in the release.
In the water, Simpson Marine has confirmed their participation and will be showcasing yachts from Sanlorenzo, Fairline and Bluegame whilst The Yacht Sales Co. (Thailand) will be showcasing models from Fountaine Pajot, Monte Carlo Yachts and Dufour. Sunseeker will also be returning in the water and showcasing a number of yachts ‒ others confirmed include Lee Marine, Northrop & Johnson, Derani Yachts, Asia Marine, Go Boating, Asia Yachting, Extreme Marine, Sea Yacht Sales and Motor Field (Thailand).
Onshore has also seen a flood of interest from past and new exhibitors. Current confirmations include AMI Marine International, Hull, Octopus Electrical Service, Seabob, Siam Legal, SITICO and The ASA Group, while Cessna & Beechcraft by Textron Aviation return as the VIP Lounge Presenting Sponsor.
“With an option for a long-term agreement with the venue, we aim to future-proof the show and provide certainty for the yachting industry. We are working closely with the team at Phuket Yacht Haven to build on this year’s success and put on an even bigger and better show in 2025, while attracting more quality visitors and spotlighting Phuket as a tour de-force in the yachting industry,” Mr Hayes said.
The Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event will be held Jan 9-12, 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven with the second annual Thailand Yachting Conference taking place on Jan 8 followed by the yachting awards and gala dinner that evening. For more information, visit ThailandInternationalBoatShow.com