Thailand International Boat Show on the move in 2025

Phuket Yacht Haven © TIBS

Close to Phuket International Airport, the Phuket Yacht Haven is easily accessible for travellers from across the region and around the world. Indeed, many of the show’s well-heeled visitors stay in 5-star resorts which are located predominantly in the north of the island, while HNWIs and UHNWIs who own villas in the area and neighbouring Phang Nga province can more conveniently access the show.

It is anticipated that over the next few years the Mai Khao area, where Phuket Yacht Haven is located, will see the biggest growth area of affluent living in Phuket, including the building of a new Bumrungrad Hospital – a high-end hospital for wealthy residents and visitors – and the ongoing construction of many high-end resort and villa developments. A new international airport nearby on the mainland will further enable access to the marina and the show in the years to come.

An independent survey by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau found that the total number of visitors to the 2024 show increased 62% on 2023, while international visitors increased by 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 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. 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.

[Editor's Note. Caution: we would like to see some absolute numbers. How many visitors were there in 2023, and in 2024? Percentage increases can be very impressive, particularly when the starting number is low, but a 74% increase on 10 is still only 17.4. The Russian population of Phuket has increased exponentially of late - the attendance numbers are more likely to indicate an increased number of Ivans at a loose end over the weekend than plane loads of Dimitris arriving from the Motherland.]

Phuket Yacht Haven - photo © TIBS

Exhibitors have been quick to confirm their places at the 2025 Thailand International Boat Show. In the water, Simpson Marine has confirmed their participation and will be showcasing yachts from San Lorenzo, Fairline and Bluegame, whilst The Yacht Sales Co. (Thailand) will be showcasing models from Fountaine Pajot, Monte Carlo Yachts and Dufour. After a few years' hiatus, Sunseeker will 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 renewed interest from both 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,” added Hayes.

The Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) will be held 9 - 12 January, 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven with the second annual Thailand Yachting Conference taking place on 8 January, followed by a Gala Dinner & Yachting Awards that evening. For more information, please visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.