Phuket (Thailand) – February 9, 2016 (travelindex.com) – The first “Thailand Yacht Show 2016” will take place from February 8 to 14, 2016 at the Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket. It is part of the Royal Thai Government's plan to position Thailand as the “Marina Center of ASEAN” to boost the growth of the Thai economy and tourism sector.

The Thailand Yacht Show 2016 showcased over 50 participating yachts and attracted more than 2,000 visitors, including yacht operators, owners, shipyard operators, yacht repair service providers, investors, and the general public. It offered Thai businesses an excellent platform to present their products and comprehensive services to a discerning clientele. The offerings ranged from yacht financing solutions and long-term leasing to insurance, onboard catering, and services provided by captains and crews, as well as after-sales service and technical support from qualified and certified yacht experts.

His Excellency Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated: “The first Thailand Yacht Show 2016 fits perfectly with the government's policy of strengthening Thailand's image as a high-quality holiday destination. The positive news about hosting the event, as well as the presentation of yacht products and services, will significantly contribute to further solidifying Thailand's reputation as a first-class tourist destination.”

According to the policy of the Thai government, the first Thailand Yacht Show 2016 is intended to be an important engine for sustainable economic growth in all areas, from promoting the tourism sector to creating inspiration and a vibrant atmosphere for the maritime tourism industry and other services.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is providing comprehensive support for the event with a range of activities, including a 60 square meter pavilion at the exhibition, which, in cooperation with relevant authorities such as the Thailand Privilege Card, the Shipbuilding and Repair Association of Thailand and the Maritime Authority, will offer information on tourism and the yachting industry in Thailand.

Dr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated: “Hosting the first Thailand Yacht Show in 2016 underscores the confidence, strength, business opportunities, and readiness of yacht tourism in Thailand. This will lead to increased revenue for the country’s tourism industry and help distribute income across relevant sectors nationwide. The event also highlights the TAT’s plan to boost tourism revenue through luxury tourism products to position Thailand as a premium travel destination.”

The Thailand Yacht Show 2016 consists of a series of pre-events with water sports and activities such as stand-up paddling, sailing, kayaking and beach parties at various locations in Phuket.

The event is also intended to kick off Thailand's yacht industry in 2016, ahead of other international yachting events such as the 19th Bay Regatta, the Cape Panwa Hotel Raceweek, which will open the Asian Yachting Grand Prix and the Asia Super Yacht Rendezvous.

Visitors are invited to learn about the latest innovations in the yachting industry from experts and admire the exclusivity of world-renowned yacht brands, such as Azimut from Italy. Among the highlights of the show is the presentation of the 51-meter superyacht "Dunia Baru," built in traditional Indonesian style, which perfectly combines luxury, modernity, and undeniable elegance.

For more information, please visit www.thailandyachtshow.com

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org