Phuket King’s Cup Regatta officially launches to drive sports tourism

by Event Media on 7 Nov 2012 The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee announced the 26th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, one of the longest running international sporting events in Phuket, is to be held from 1 to 8 December, 2012. The event will attract sailors from over 35 countries along with some of the fastest racing vessels in the region, and will generate a significant revenue for the local economy. The Regatta is expected to bring sports tourists with disposable income (around 40 million Baht in tourism receipts), according to a survey conducted by the organisers. It serves to the great benefit of Phuket’s hotels and restaurants which enjoy a surge of custom before, during and after Regatta Week. When travel, excursions and repeat visits during the year are factored in, the economic contribution of the event is likely to be in the region of 300 million Baht. The race is strongly supported by local authorities and Phuket Province, who work together with event organisers to make the Regatta an annual success for the Island.

The Phuket King's Cup was founded in 1987 and is famed for being Asia's largest big boat regatta. Its series of beachside parties is legendary, attracting over 1,500 partygoers who enjoy the live music, great atmosphere and food and drink provided by the Regatta’s sponsors. In this respect, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta also functions as a high quality platform for event partners looking to grow their profile nationally and engage directly in an experiential way with the sports sailing community and the general public.

As a principal fixture on the Asian Yachting Circuit, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta under Royal Patronage annually features upwards of 100 boats, ranging from high tech to live-aboard ocean cruisers, multihulls and classics. International-standard race management is combined with lively beach parties to create this world-renowned yacht racing exhibition.