Phuket was in celebratory mood when the eighth Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) came to an end in January, having really delivered the goods this year.
2011 was clearly going to be another successful year for the regional marine industry as seven boats and numerous luxury cars were sold at PIMEX. According to Show Director Andy Dowden, transactions at the show exceeded US$20 million.
Visitor numbers were high; over 6000 attended over the four days with record numbers on the opening day. Visitors came from all over the South East Asia region including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, as well as Europe with interest from a strong Russian visitor contingent particularly high.
PIMEX got off to a fast start with three confirmed boat sales on the first day, as well as one Jaguar motor car. Boats included a Monterey 298SS Super Sport, sold by Derani Yachts and a 33 ft Fountain powerboat private sale, hotly followed by a 57 ft Jeanneau by Lee Marine.
In addition to boats and cars, marine accessories – Jet Skis, Kayaks, boat supplies and more – were in high demand; marine services companies all reported a good level of transactions. The feeling of exhibitors was buoyant throughout. “Quality visitors”, “Many potential customers” were frequently-heard comments from exhibitors with many of the leads made expected to be transacted post-PIMEX.“We have had a good number of positive enquires that we intend to follow up quickly. We are happy with our position in the Show and hope to secure the same position next year. Most of the interest in our boats came from Russian, Malaysian, Indonesian and French buyers,” said Robert Hawkins of Princess dealership, Boat Lagoon Yachting.
Ferretti Group underscored their focus on the Asia market with the launch of the Riva brand at PIMEX. “The show has been good for us. We have had a lot of interest from new people. For sure we will come back next year and will hopefully have a Riva on display,” said Paola Procopio, Riva Brand Manager.
First-time exhibitor, Prout International’s Managing Director Matthew Steinert, said “It’s our first time at PIMEX. We’ve had a lot of interest and have some keen potential customers.”
PIMEX 2011 welcomed back many longtime supporters of the show as well as new exhibitors, local and international. 47 boats in the water, 86 companies exhibiting, 30 ft boats to 90 ft superyachts, luxury villas from THB10 million to US$10 million and luxury cars from THB3 million to THB23 million, together make PIMEX the largest boat show in the region and a culmination of luxury lifestyle.
“A high number of visitors and good sales resulting from the show both indicate strong growth in the regional marine industry and PIMEX reinforces Phuket’s position as the marine hub in Asia,” concluded Dowden. |