on 16 Jul 2021
First edition of on-water show set to take place in January 2022, following launch of ‘Phuket sandbox’ initiative
Royal Phuket Marina
Following the recent launch of the ‘Phuket sandbox’ initiative, which is encouraging vaccinated tourists to visit the Thai island, a new on-water boat show has been announced for January 2022.
The Thailand International Boat Show is scheduled to take place from January 6-9, 2022 at the Royal Phuket Marina, and is to be organised by Thai-based company JAND Events. It will be the event organiser’s first boating show.
The show is set to feature both power and sail boats, from dinghies and day-cruisers up to superyachts. Onshore visitors will be able to browse marine life products and gadgets, while the 2,500sqm exhibition hall will feature luxury property developers, cars and lifestyle brands. There will also be a social programme and a boardwalk with bars and restaurants.
Phuket has been hit hard by the pandemic
Phuket is one of the most important tourism and boating hubs in Asia, and the pandemic has crippled its economy. Organisers say they are seeking to attract “wealthy jet-setters from overseas” as well as those with an interest in boating and luxury lifestyle.
“As an industry valued in the billions pre-pandemic, the Thailand International Boat Show will kickstart its revival and be a valuable economic driver for Phuket and Thailand going forward,” organisers add.
Gulu Lalvani, chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, said: “I believe the Thailand International Boat Show will be the most successful boat show yet. This will be the first boat show in Asia in two years and there is a lot of pent up demand for boats. Globally, boat brands are reporting record sales and as Phuket is the home of boating in Asia, I expect to see all the international boat brands and more displayed at the Thailand International Boat Show in January 2022.”
Gulu Lalvani, chairman of Royal Phuket Marina
David Hayes, CEO of organisers JAND Events, added: “Thailand International Boat Show is set to raise the bar for boating and lifestyle exhibitions in the region. Initial feedback from the industry has been very good and we expect a large in-water line-up of boats and an exciting collection of marine products and luxury lifestyle in the marina-side exhibition hall.”
The new boat show is likely to become a competitor of the sixth edition of the country’s largest in-water event, the Thailand Yacht Show, which typically takes place at Royal Phuket Marina in early January. The dates for the 2022 TYS have yet to be confirmed, after the 2021 edition was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Royal Phuket Marina
Whether or not the region’s industry players and visitors have the appetite for two Phuket shows close together remains to be seen. Regardless, the announcement of TIBS will be welcomed by many in the region who have been left reeling by the economic impact of extended Thai border closures in the last 12 months. Around one-fifth of Thailand’s GDP derived from tourism in 2018, according to World Bank figures.
“To complement the in-water and onshore displays, we will be curating an exciting programme of social events for visitors to enjoy during the day and into the evening. From launches and parties to waterside entertainment, the Thailand International Boat Show will be an event not to be missed,” added JAND CEO David Hayes.
The Thailand International Boat Show will take place 6-9 January, 2022, at Royal Phuket Marina.