General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand, said: "On behalf of Thai government, I'm very pleased to see this international yacht show exclusively and proudly launched in Thailand – as the host of the event. Most significantly, this spectacular yacht show impeccably aligns with the government policy to increase potential of Thai economy by encouraging foreign visitors to travel in Thailand, offering state-of-the-art facilities to boost travelling atmosphere and to stimulate economy and support tourism industry, particularly marine tourism. The Government is truly aware of the significance of organizing an international yacht show coupled with regular tourist activities which are in line with the government policy, therefore, we assigned the Ministry of Transport to kick off "Thailand Yacht Show" not only to raise the level of organizing a premier yachting event and unveil the latest superyachts for the first time in Thailand, but also unleash Thailand's potential and readiness to elevate itself to become a 'Marina Hub of ASEAN'."
Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the Ministry of Transport, a spearhead of the show as well as other highly supportive sectors including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Board of Investment of Thailand in Phuket, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, the Thailand Yacht Show 2016 organizers as well as entrepreneurs from Ao Po Grand Marina Co., Ltd and 3L Events (Thailand) Co., Ltd to play a significant role in supporting and collaborating to make this year's international yachting event happen."
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: "To align with the government policy to increase the potentials of Thai economy in relation to the tourism industry which is the country's largest source of revenue, therefore, I'm confident that the "Thailand Yacht Show 2016" will greatly help to stimulate the overall economy and promote marine tourism and related businesses.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which is mainly responsible for organizing the event, expects the event to be a powerful platform to publicize and promote the Thailand's potential for accommodating yachting and marine leisure tourism with the provision of international-standard marinas, world-class marine facilities and services as well as related activities and businesses. The "Thailand Yacht Show 2016" will also predominantly promote Thailand's potential of becoming a 'Marina Hub of ASEAN'."
Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport, said: Over recent years we have witnessed a significant upswing in the number of foreign flagged superyachts visiting Phuket, usually on their way to and from the rest of South East Asia. However, because they are unable to charter, the number is still very small indeed compared with those that visit the Caribbean, and they do not stop long, so the economic impact is minimal. We are aware from the experience of other countries that lie amidst beautiful cruising grounds that yachting tourism brings significant economic impact. It is, therefore, a logical step to change the ways that we attract more yachts to visit, stay and promote Thailand as a yachting destination.
We are currently in the process of making the necessary changes in superyacht charter regulations and implementing yachting-friendly immigration and customs rules. At the same time, we are identifying and promoting new locations for marina development, and seeking private sector investment. Our strategy encompasses private leisure boats and yachts, marine sports and recreational sailing providers, and marina infrastructure. We are confident that these positive developments will lead to a wide and varied industry employing local citizens, providing direct economic benefits, and more importantly, stimulating the growth of marine leisure tourism, and promoting Thailand as a preferred destination for international travellers."
Mr. Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of 3L Events (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and the organizer of Thailand Yacht Show 2016, said: "Thailand Yacht Show 2016 will feature over 50 participating yachts and more than 2,000 attendees including yachting operators, yacht owners, shipyard operators, yacht repair service providers, investors, and the general public. During February 8-10, 2016, we organized a series of warm-up events including water sports and activities such as stand up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, and beach parties in several locations across Phuket which attracted considerable interest from both local and international audiences."
For more information, please visit www.thailandyachtshow.com. To register your interest in attending the Thailand Yacht Show 2016, please go to www.thailandyachtshow.com/visitor-registration or contact Fleur Tomlinso at [email protected].
