Phuket Business: PIMEX 2013 International Boat Show dates announced

PHUKET: THE 10th edition of the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) will be held at the Royal Phuket Marina from March 21-24 next year, the event’s organizers have announced.

As one of the region’s largest and most significant marine, boating and yachting exhibitions, the four-day event will showcase leading marine and lifestyle businesses, products and services with a large in-water boat display, 2,500-square-meter exhibition space and marina-side activities all along the boardwalk.

The 10th Anniversary of PIMEX is expected to be the biggest and best yet, with up to 60 boats in the water, a packed exhibition hall and a new “marine market”.

Organizers moved the Show in 2012 from the traditional January slot to March, to accommodate a larger in-water display of quality boats, which proved to be a great success with the largest and highest quality boat display ever seen in Asia.

“The date change in 2012 was well-received, and resulted in an increased demand for more in-water display space. The change also meant the quality of product displayed in-the-water, as well as the quality of visitors, was the highest yet,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director.

This year, the in-water area has been expanded further with space for up to 60 boats.

Strategically positioned at the start of the Asian boat show season, which runs March through May, PIMEX is set to attract more top international boat and marine product brands, and will host a number of regional product launches as companies from around the world come to PIMEX to showcase their latest products for the season.

New for this year is the marine market – an outdoor waterside exhibition space catering to trailer boats, marine products and widgets.

“We have noted a growing demand in trailer boats – both for exhibitors requiring display space, and from interested buyers. We have created an open space near the Town Square at Royal Phuket Marina which will allow sellers to display small boats on trailers, together with display areas for products, gadgets and widgets. The aim is to attract exhibitors who don’t display in the Exhibition Hall or in the water, and give them the chance to be a part of PIMEX,” added Dowden.

The Show will have up to 60 yachts in the water, with the vessels ranging in size from 10m to 35m, including power and sail, and smaller trailer yachts for the entry level visitors.

All in, there will be 120 exhibiting companies representing over 250 brands worldwide. Products on display will range from boats to marine equipment, accessories and services, including diving and sailing holidays, technical and design services, marina construction and a wide range of water sports toys and gadgets. Alongside the marine exhibits will be a wide choice of luxury property, reasonably priced condominium projects and investment opportunities, together with other iconic branded goods.

Already 30% of the in-water space is booked and the Exhibition Hall space has seen early reservations in excess of 20%.

For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com