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As Asia leads the world out of the global financial crisis, Phuket cements its Asian marine hub status with the hosting of the region’s largest in-water boat display at the 2011 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX). Now in its eighth year, PIMEX will take place 6-9 January 2011 at the prestigious Royal Phuket Marina and is the place to be in Asia for boating business.
The ranks of Asia’s elite continue to grow and boating is becoming the leisure pursuit of choice: Asians make up 23% of the Forbes Billionaire’s list, up 16% from last year, with 234 of the total 1,011.
Almost all international boat brands and leisure marine products are represented in Asia and as the rate of growth of the Asian marine leisure industry outpaces that in the traditional markets of Europe and the United States, boat builders are positioned to tap the leisure needs of the growing elite and middle classes.
Within Asia, Phuket has positioned itself as the boating hub and PIMEX is the platform that brings together everyone with an interest in the marine lifestyle. Being the "hottest" boating market in the region and with cruising grounds to rival no other, combined with a growing expat population and second home property market, Phuket has become the playground for the region’s wealthy and PIMEX is at the centre.
"PIMEX is the place to come for all things marine. Being based in Phuket, Asia’s marine hub, PIMEX is well positioned to benefit from Asia’s wealthy and rapidly growing middle classes," said Andy Dowden, Show Director, Informa Yacht Group.
All eyes are on Asia and its growing importance in the leisure marine world, evident in more top international yachting and boating events being hosted in Asia and a plethora of amateur regattas in the region. The recent Asia Superyacht Conference in Singapore welcomed more than 220 participants from 35 countries around the world and highlighted the enormous opportunities in Asia, promoting Asia’s potential leading role in marine industry growth over the next ten years.
In Phuket alone there are three international sailing regattas, the top international boat brands are all represented, and there is a strong local boat building industry. Add to that a developed charter market and a growing number of superyachts that come through each season, and Phuket is the epicentre of nautical tourism in Asia.
"PIMEX attracts qualified visitors and has a track record of strong sales from the show. We have a great line up of exhibitors in the water and in the exhibition hall, including all the top boat brands, marine products and luxury car companies. PIMEX 2011 is set to be the biggest and best yet," added Dowden.
Boat brokers and dealerships will represent the best-known brands from around the world at the 2011 Phuket International Boat Show, including: Azimut, Bavaria Yachts, Beneteau, Benetti, Boston Whaler, Chris Craft, Crownline, Corsair Marine, Cranchi, De Birs, Fairline, Ferretti Yachts, Fontaine Pajot, Formula, Hanse, Horizon, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Majesty Yachts, Mustang, Nautor’s Swan, Northrop & Johnson, Oryx, Pershing, Princess, Riviera, Sea Ray, Silvercraft, Sunseeker, Windy Boats and more. Locally built boats from Cata Thai, Composite Catamarans, Sunnav and Seat Boat will also be on display.
The 2010 Phuket International Boat Show hosted more than 85 companies and featured 35 yachts in the water, making it the biggest boat show in the region. PIMEX is THE place to do boating business and the 2011 show expects to welcome 6,000 visitors over four days, including over 2,000 trade visitors. The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) is now in its eighth year and is organised by Informa Yacht Group.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
