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Collecting his second accolade in as many months, Royal Phuket Marina developer Gulu Lalvani was voted ‘Best Boating and Yachting Personality of the Year’ in the inaugural International Boating Awards (IBA) at Boat India 2008. The Hong Kong tycoon and founder of Thailand’s most exclusive luxury lifestyle yachting community was honoured at a glittering award ceremony held yesterday December 14 at Le Meridian Hotel in Cochin, India.
The inaugural IBA was a highlight of Boat India 2008, the international boat show and conference organized by Marine BizTV and supported by BizTV Events from December 14-16. The mega event followed the Cochin stopover of the world acclaimed Volvo Ocean Race, and offered participants an unrivalled opportunity to meet the crews and admire their yachts. The Hong Kong and London based tycoon was honoured for transforming Phuket into a world class yachting destination and a magnet for celebrities and the rich and famous.
He embarked on the marina project on Phuket’s eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay on retiring from his company Binatone, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones that he co-founded in 1958.
Instead of enjoying his retirement on the idyllic island, Mr Lalvani set about creating his vision – to construct Thailand’s first world-class luxury lifestyle community, rivaling top marina resorts in Europe and the Caribbean. He also envisages Phuket becoming a world class yachting hub, in one of the world’s most stunning locations.
Royal Phuket Marina’s first phase of condos, apartments and penthouses was a sell-out success. The venue has become a vibrant entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina. Facilities include the Island’s finest health club, flood lit tennis courts and French owned day spa.
The newly opened 2,500Sqm Waterfront International Exhibition Center at Royal Phuket Marina is Phuket’s largest single indoor event space and will pave the way for a new era of large-scale conferences and expos as well as being the ideal venue for weddings and functions. Development of villas and innovative apartments continue, along with plans for a 5-star boutique hotel. The IBA honour in India was the second ‘Personality of the Year’ award bestowed on Mr Lalvani in 2008. He was earlier named ‘Real Estate Personality of the Year’ at the annual Thailand Property Awards for making "a significant contribution to Thailand’s property industry". Mr Lalvani said: “I am keen to repeat the success of Royal Phuket Marina in India, in either Cochin or Mumbai, where I see huge potential.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
