The 2017 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), held at the Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand from 5th to 8th January, was deemed a resounding success as visitor numbers hit a new high.
Presented by Thailand Elite, the Phuket Boat Show saw an action-packed four days at the award-winning host venue, with a strong turnout of visitors gathering on the marina’s boardwalks and doing business in the waterside exhibition hall.
This year was very much a show of two halves. The first two days were exceptional as close to 3,000 audited visitors were recorded – the highest number ever recorded in the show’s 14 year history – and exhibitor feedback was extremely positive.
Freak heavy rain on the final two days, however, meant the high numbers of visitor traffic could not be maintained. But brokers were still hosting qualified visitors on tours and exhibitors reported a steady flow of customers.
Approximately fifty percent of the total show-goers were international visitors, demonstrating how the show is able to attract the wealthy elite holidaying in Phuket during Thailand’s peak season and how the country is achieving its ambition to become the yachting hub of South East Asia.
In the water, the show heralded a grand display of 40 yachts, including a new superyacht showcase held on nearby island Koh Rang Noi, and one of the stand-out features was the 20 percent growth of sailing yachts on display.
One hundred businesses exhibited, showcasing an impressive mix of marine products, ancillary services, luxury properties and super bikes. Plus, it was the first year of the Mariner’s Market – a display of 10 trailer boats ranging from small day boats to high-end RIBs and superyacht tenders.
There was also a new emphasis on yacht charters, with advice and information on Phuket’s beautiful cruising grounds, as well as the nearby destinations of the Andaman Islands and Myanmar.
As well as providing a sales and marketing platform for the marine and lifestyle industries, the boat show also offered a unique opportunity for trade and high-net-worth individuals to meet and network at a series of social events.
The first two days were exceptional as close to 3,000 audited visitors were recorded
The 2018 Phuket Boat Show will take place from 5th to 8th January.
For more details, get in touch with your preferred charter broker or take a look at all luxury yachts available for charter in Thailand.
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