Asia entices
Asia Pacific Superyachts highlights the growing popularity of Southeast Asia as a year-round superyacht destination at the Monaco Yacht Show.
24 September 2024
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Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder and Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) committee member Gordon Fernandes reports that interest in Southeast Asia regions is increasing among superyacht captains, owners and industry professionals.
“We are thrilled to return to the Monaco Yacht Show to once again showcase Asia Pacific and its appeal and news of a lessening in restrictions for visiting superyachts,” says Fernandes.
He explains that Southeast Asia is becoming a more popular destination for superyachts, attracting individuals interested in luxury and remote land and sea exploration. The APS stand (DS25) at the Monaco Yacht Show, running from 25-28 September, will provide visitors with information on these destinations.
The stand will feature the electronic APS Times newspaper, regional brochures, and videos with updates from areas including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India, Bali & Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Phuket & Koh Samui in Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
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“We have an unprecedented number of member experts attending MYS to meet with visitors that have a strong interest in visiting Asia and those with around the world tours,” Fernandes says.
APS network directors, including Fernandes, Tanyuta Singhmanee (Jojo), Mohamed Hameed, Nadhira Muneer, Wadhood Adam, Keith Mellon, Gilbert O’Ffay, Christophe Houareau, R. Rathnam and Alex Harrison, will be available to share information about their regions.
In recent years, there has been a shift in focus among superyacht owners, captains, and charter companies toward more exotic cruising destinations, according to Fernandes. As the Mediterranean cruising season ends, some yachts that typically travel to the Caribbean are now heading east to extend their charter season in Southeast Asia.
APS co-founder Captain Scott Walker explains: “Many owners and captains recognise the cruising season here is year-round, and Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Maldives and the Andaman Islands are particularly popular.”
Additional updates from Asia Pacific include a report from APS Maldives director and general manager, Mohamed Hameed. “There’s good news from the Maldives now granting free cruising permits to all yachts under 20m and an increase on the previous limit of 15m,” says Hameed.
“The rules for visiting yachts in the Maldives are being eased and relaxed by the authorities and you can contact our team for more details.
“In the past few years, the Maldives has become one of the top cruising destinations in the area with 35 to 50 superyachts visiting the country every year, including megayachts measuring up to 150 metres.”
He adds that the visiting period has expanded from November to May, with vessels now staying between 45-60 days on average. Additionally, the Maldives is planning to open its first dedicated superyacht marina as part of the Zamani Islands development, which will feature three resorts across eight islands and accommodate 120 berths when it opens in 2026.
APS is a platinum sponsor of the Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco, an event held on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show to welcome APSA members and industry professionals.
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