“Feedback from many global brands is that they see the show as one of the most important boat shows in this part of the world, and the new venue will allow us to grow in stature regionally and internationally. Also, being closer to the airport and many five-star resorts makes the show even more convenient for off-island visitors.”

Close to Phuket International Airport, the Phuket Yacht Haven is easily accessible for travellers from across the region and worldwide.

Many of the show’s well-heeled visitors stay in 5-star resorts, which are located predominantly in the north of the island. Organisers highlight that HNWIs and UHNWIs who own villas in the area and neighbouring Phang Nga province can more conveniently access the show in its new location.

The Mai Khao area, where Phuket Yacht Haven is located, will see one of the biggest growth areas of affluent living in Phuket over the next few years.

Developments include the construction of a new Bumrungrad Hospital – a private hospital for wealthy residents and visitors – and the ongoing construction of many upscale resort and villa developments. In addition, a new international airport on the mainland, designed to ease congestion at Phuket’s main airport, will further enable access to the marina and the show in the coming years.

An independent survey by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau found that the total number of visitors to the 2024 show increased 62 percent compared to 2023, while international visitors increased 74 percent.

Organisers say that, recognising the importance of the Thai market for exhibitors, they undertook an extensive in-country marketing campaign that drove 54 percent more Thai visitors to the show in 2024.

The number of Russian visitors was up more than 100 percent on last year, amid Thailand’s ongoing drive to promote Russian tourism. The 2024 show saw strong growth in attendees from across Europe, including Germany, the 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.

Confirmed exhibitors

Several exhibitors have confirmed their places at the 2025 Thailand International Boat Show. In the water, Simpson Marine has confirmed its participation and will showcase yachts from Sanlorenzo, Fairline, and Bluegame.

The Yacht Sales Co. (Thailand) will showcase Fountaine Pajot, Monte Carlo Yachts, and Dufour models. Sunseeker will return to the water and showcase several 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 interest from past and new exhibitors. Current confirmations include AMI Marine International, Hull, Octopus Electrical Service, Seabob, Siam Legal, SITICO and The ASA Group. Cessna & Beechcraft by Textron Aviation returns 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,” adds Hayes.

“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.”

The Thailand International Boat Show will be held from 9 to 12 January 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven. The second annual Thailand Yachting Conference will take place on 8 January, followed by the yachting awards and gala dinner that evening.

thailandinternationalboatshow.com