Pattaya, Thailand, November 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / In light of the recent rapid resurgence of the recreational boating industry – paradoxically amplified by the two-year pandemic – the organizers of the Thailand Yacht Show are pleased to announce a significant expansion of their show portfolio. Verventia has entered into a new partnership with the owners of Ocean Marina in Pattaya to substantially expand the six-year Thailand Yacht Show – a second annual event in the beautiful Gulf of Thailand. The yacht show is located near Bangkok, close to the burgeoning boating markets of Cambodia and Vietnam, and just a short sail from the potentially huge markets of Hainan, Hong Kong, and Greater China.

Thanks to the strong support of local and regional dealers of the most renowned international yacht brands, as well as the Thai government – ​​all of whom have a keen interest in the expansion of the recreational boating industry on the east coast – the Thailand Yacht Show will be held in both Phuket and Pattaya starting next year. The two parts of the show are being carefully planned in close consultation with long-standing exhibitors, particularly regarding timing. Normally, they would take place at different times of the season – beginning in November in Pattaya and towards the end in March in Phuket.

However, the situation is far from normal for next year. The organizers of Verventia are keeping their promise to proceed cautiously and are closely monitoring the ongoing pandemic-related tourism restrictions. Like everyone else, they are hoping for a gradual easing of restrictions, but are in close contact with industry representatives and government agencies before making any hasty decisions. If all goes according to plan, both events are expected to take place in March/April – outside of the Songkran celebrations, of course.

Napong Paripontpochanapisuti, CEO of Ocean Property Company, owner and operator of Ocean Marina, stated today: “The demand for boating in the Gulf of Thailand is currently very high, especially among residents of Bangkok and the surrounding area, and we expect this demand to continue to rise. Ocean Marina has been a major driving force behind the development of boating here for many years, and the idea of ​​a professionally organized boat show is exactly what we need to take the next step.”

He continued: “We are therefore delighted to be collaborating again with the organizers of the Thailand Yacht Show for a second, important installment of their established international event. We welcome their plans to attract new boat buyers from China, Vietnam, Korea, and throughout northeastern Thailand via the Gulf coast – exactly what our customers in the industry on the east coast are looking for. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Verventia and are excited about the positive developments in Thailand, particularly in Phuket and the entire region.”

The Phuket boat show will showcase many of the luxurious superyachts, the number of which continues to increase every year since the infamous superyacht charter license was finally introduced – thanks to the tireless efforts of Verventia and the TMBA Superyacht Committee over the past six years since the launch of the TYS, which was initiated by the government for precisely this purpose.

Simpson Marine, founding partner of the Thailand Yacht Show and all three regional shows of Verventia, is always the largest exhibitor and will present an exceptional display of at least 10 yachts at the long-awaited 6th edition of TYS next year, including the latest models from Aquila, Beneteau, Bluegame, Fairline, Lagoon and Sanlorenzo.

Howard Prime, Country Manager of Simpson Marine for Thailand, said: “This is the news we’ve been waiting for. We’ve all had a pretty tough time over the past few years, but I have to say sales are now picking up significantly – and I think that’s reflected in the performance of many of our colleagues in the yachting industry. We’ve all been waiting for the boating market in Bangkok to reopen, and now it’s finally happening. The idea of ​​maintaining the continuity of a professional yacht show while spreading it across the two main destinations in Thailand is excellent. We welcome Ocean Marina’s decision to stick with the proven concept and bring in the best boat show organizers in the region to further boost the market here as well as in Phuket.”

Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia, is also delighted: “While all our exhibitors have thankfully fared exceptionally well over the past 18 months, it has been very difficult for us, as we have had to cancel no fewer than five shows. However, this new agreement with Ocean Marina achieves a key strategic goal – the decisive breakthrough for our exhibitors in the Bangkok and rest of Thailand markets, whom we have been trying to attract to Phuket for the past six years.” When asked by numerous industry observers – including one from the US – about the recent attempt to sabotage TYS and launch yet another new show in Phuket, Treadwell replied: “Our fantastic exhibitors have said it all for us over the past few months. We have nothing more to add.”