Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show grows Thai boating market

by Event Media on 29 Jul 2016 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show returns for a fifth year with the largest display of boats and lifestyle products yet. Held from 24 – 27 November 2016 at Ocean Marina in Pattaya, Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show has been a catalyst for the Gulf of Thailand's marine industry promoting the onshore facilities and offshore cruising grounds worldwide.

“Since launching Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show five years ago we have seen considerable growth in marine tourism and boat use in the Gulf of Thailand. The boat show has helped to position this region as a leading marine destination in South East Asia. Both the number of boat owners overseas choosing Ocean Marina to base their boats and the number of Thai people buying boats in the region has increased, and this trend looks to continue,” said Mr. Scott Finsten, Harbour Master, Ocean Marina.

With 22 boats upto 119 foot in length at last year's show, organisers are planning for an even bigger and better display this year, and have expanded the in-water display space to accommodate the increased interest.

Early exhibitor confirmations for the 2016 show include top dealerships Simpson Marine and Boat Lagoon Yachting, both of which have secured larger exhibition space this year. These are joined by luxury Italian boat brand Azimut Yachts, Beneteau, Cranchi, CNB Yachts, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige, Princess Yachts, Viking Yachts and Wider. Superyacht brands represented at the show include Admiral and Sanlorenzo, and a large selection of brokerage yachts will also be available for viewing.

“Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show continues to attract leading marine and luxury brands and 2016 looks to set a new benchmark. With increased exhibition space onshore and in-the-water, and already many top boat brands having confirmed their attendance, we're looking forward to welcoming more than 6,000 visitors and showcasing the Gulf of Thailand,” commented Dr. Tirachai Pipitsupaphol, Managing Director, Ocean Property.

68% of visitors to the 2015 show were Thai, a key demographic for organisers and exhibitors, and a statistic in-line with Ocean Marina's experience of a boom in the number of Thai people spending time on the water.

“The number of Thai people enjoying the boating lifestyle has increased exponentially in the last five years. Not only are more Thais coming to Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show as a way to learn about boating and to research and buy products, but we see more Thai people chartering boats, getting out on the water and enjoying the beautiful marine playground here in the Gulf of Thailand,” added Mr. Finsten.

Ocean Marina's close proximity to Bangkok makes it the number one coastal destination and weekend getaway for the capital's 8+ million inhabitants. Within minutes of arriving at the marina, visitors can be on the water enjoying the 43 islands that are within one hour by boat. Having recognised this growth in boating interest and subsequent need for more berths, Ocean Marina has undergone a phased expansion over recent years and is now, with 380 berths for boats upto 50 metres, the largest marina in South East Asia.

In addition to the impressive line-up of boats, cars and luxury lifestyle exhibitors, highlights for visitors to the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show include daily yacht cruises, kayak and paddleboat trials, jetpack flying board demonstrations, games, a food and drinks festival, and the Boat and Yacht Thailand Conference.

The fifth Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will take place 24 – 27 November, 2016 at Ocean Marina, Pattaya, Thailand.