Coinciding with the launch of the second Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will initiate a strategy to promote high-end tourism in Pattaya by working closely with the marine tourism sector on Thailand’s east coast. It also expects that, in line with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), tourism numbers in the area are set to increase 10%.
Photo From left: Mr. Prommate Nathomtong, TAT’s Director Service Promotion Division; Mr. Scott Finsten, Ocean Marina Yacht Club’s Harbour Master; Ms. Wilaiwan Thawitsri, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business; Mrs. Supatra Angkawinijwong, Ocean Property’s Deputy Managing Director; and a model from Edox.
Mrs. Supatra Angkawinijwong, Deputy Managing Director of Ocean Property, commented, “This is the second year for the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. We wish to support the growth of marine leisure tourism in the region and as the number of yachts at Ocean Marina continues to increase, we plan to expand the number of berths again in the near future. Ocean Marina is already the largest marina in South East Asia and we plan to increase our capacity in line with the arrival of the AEC.
“In previous years, the ratio of yacht owners at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club was 80% foreigners and 20% Thai. However, last year, we saw a significant change and Thai yacht ownership has increased from 20% to 38%. This is a clear indicator that more Thais are enjoying the marine lifestyle and we expect that trend to continue.
“In 2012 the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show generated 90 million Baht in revenue for the marine tourism industry. Following the first year’s success, we are confident that the second year will deliver more quality and become an even bigger event. We have expanded the on-water and onshore exhibition area to a total of 2,600 sq.m., and have strong support from exhibitors in marine tourism and lifestyle business sectors including leading yacht brands, Super Bikes, Super Cars, Luxury Property and many more.”
Ms. Wilaiwan Thawitsri, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, unveiled that “Thailand is a popular destination for marine tourists with many chartering yachts, enjoying cruising grounds in Thailand and neighbouring countries. Thailand has a well-developed marine infrastructure with international-standard marinas that can cater for all sizes of yachts, quality yacht maintenance services and skilled craftsmen, and combined marine leisure tourism generates considerable revenue for the country.”
Pattaya has become a top marine tourism destination in Thailand, in large part due to the presence of the world-class Ocean Marina Yacht Club. According to information from the TAT, yacht brokers anticipate that the number of yachts visiting Thailand will increase dramatically by at least 31.25% to approximately 2,100 yachts by 2016.
In the overall tourism and hospitality industry, the TAT has identified marine tourism as a high-end segment, with marine tourists spending more than regular tourists, staying in five-star resorts and dining in upscale restaurants. They choose to spend on high-end products including fashion, jewellery and accessories, and in general, stay in Thailand for longer periods.
According to the TAT, Thailand welcomes 110 Superyachts each year and these are the highest tourism spenders. TAT forecasts that by 2016, a total of 190 Superyachts will visit Thailand annually, representing a growth of 72.72%, and will generate significant income for Thailand’s marine industry.
The Gulf of Thailand’s popularity continues to grow with approximately 8.5 million international tourists per year visiting the three leading tourism destinations of Pattaya, Hua Hin and Ko Samui. This is expected to grow 10% year-on-year, in particular due to the high growth potential of neighbouring countries; such as, Myanmar, Lao PDR., Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and China.
The 2013 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will take place from November 22 to 24 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club. There will be over 100 exhibitors from marine, marine tourism and the leisure and lifestyle business sectors, from Thailand and overseas.
For visitors, of which approximately 3,000 are expected, there is a packed programme of onshore and on-water activities and entertainment planned, including free sailing trials, free kayak trials, lucky draws, cocktail parties, Dragon Boat Races, and a marina-side beer garden and festival with live band.
Bookings are now being taken for space at the 2013 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. For more details contact Ms. Patcharaporn Sirisapwong (Bangkok), email:patcharaporn@oceanproperty.co.th, or Scott Finsten (Pattaya), email: scott.finsten@oceanmarinayachtclub.com.
For more information:
website: www.oceanmarinaboatshow.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/oceanmarinaboatshow
About the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
The Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show was launched in 2012 to much acclaim from the industry and visitors. Attracting a wide range of marine and leisure exhibitors, the 2013 Show will take place from November 22 to 24 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club and will showcase Jomtien and the Greater Pattaya region to the world, underscoring the Gulf of Thailand as a strategic yachting hub in South East Asia.Official sponsors of the 2013 Show include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Amazing Thailand and Pattaya Pattaya City; media partners include 88.5 Pattaya Radio, aBoat Magazine, Asia-Pacific Boating, Asia-Pacific Boating India, Helm Superyacht Asia Pacific, Pattaya Today, Property Report South East Asia, SEA Yachting, The Big Chilli, Town & Country Thailand, and www.LifestyleAsia.com. Official premium beers by Boonrawd Trading (including Singha, Singha Light, Asahi, Carlsberg and Corona) and wines by Wine Direct International. Marketing and sponsorship support by Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co. Ltd – The Sponsorship Experts. Infinity Communications are the official PR agency. The event is also supported by Acer Computer, Asara Villa & Suite, Edox (luxury watches), and JKN Furniture.
www.oceanmarinaboatshow.com
About Ocean Marina
Situated on Jomtien Beach in greater Pattaya, Ocean Marina is Thailand’s premier marina resort complex and the largest in South East Asia, a short drive from Bangkok and just one hour from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.The world-class marina is complemented by a yacht club, accommodation, fine dining and recreational facilities as well as two luxury residences - San Marino and Ocean Portofino.
Ocean Marina has hosted many events and functions, and has been the official venue for leading international events, including CataWorld Cup, 24th SEA Games, Top of the Gulf Regatta for nine consecutive years, as well as large-scale concerts by Grammy, Cool FM and more.
www.oceanmarina.asia.
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