New dates and greater appeal

Phang Nga Bay, with its emerald green waters and stunning limestone islands, once again plays host to the third edition of the region’s premier experiential yachting event, the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS). Returning to Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina from 22-25 February 2018, the next TYS will be unlike any other boat show, with visitors being able to actually get out on the water and try out a whole range of watercraft.

Held during the Lunar New Year, one of the busiest times on Phuket when it is buzzing with regional visitors, the Show will place an emphasis on the experience visitors will have and how it will enhance their ongoing yachting lifestyle.

TYS also provides a unique opportunity for thrill-seekers to enjoy the Show’s Demo Platform, where the more intrepid guests can come along to test the latest in yachting toys and accessories. Once again, exhibitors will have a platform to demonstrate their products at this dedicated area of the Show precinct and in so doing, make more meaningful connections with potential buyers.

Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia, organisers of the Thailand Yacht Show, explains, "One of the most important focuses of the third edition of TYS will again be on superyacht charter - and another being the 'experiential' style of the event. We want potential buyers and charterers to have an opportunity to climb aboard and trial some of the sailboats, sports-fishers, dinghies, tenders, watersport boats, day-cruisers and superyachts that our exhibitors will have on display.”

Pre-qualified guests will also be invited to join some of the superyacht fleets on display for short "sea-trials" prior to the Show hours. For those who are new to yachting, it is a perfect opportunity to discover first-hand the benefits of yacht charter. It is unprecedented in a marine consumer show in Asia to offer exhibitors such a personal and targeted business development opportunity.

With luxury marine tourism a key pillar of the Thai government's 2021 Tourism Master Plan, TYS is its principal marketing platform. The plan requires prioritisation of this sector through concerted marketing efforts and the modernisation of charter regulations so as to be able to welcome - for the first time - international superyachts for charter.

Treadwell has been in discussion with the various Thai government departments involved in the Superyacht Charter Licence project for the last three years and believes that the issue is about to be resolved. Teams from TYS and the TMBA, the local marine industry association, are helping the tax department to finalise a modus operandi based on the successful New Zealand model, which enables foreign yachts to enter the country under a “temporary import” scheme - and spend millions of dollars directly into the local Thai economy.