Just like everyone else, Phuket has been hit hard by the pandemic. Now – hopefully – it is set to receive a boost in the new year when the newly-branded Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) will be held 6-9 of January 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina.

Targeting boaties as well as luxury lifestyle, organisers are hoping to welcome wealthy jet-setters from overseas on the back of Phuket’s sandbox success.

Show organisers JAND Events have experience working with leading luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, L’Oréal, Givenchy, Kenzo et al. and aim to build on Phuket’s stated position as the marine and lifestyle hub of Asia, and showcase the best of Phuket to the world with new exhibitor pavilions and visitor activities on a scale never seen before.

“TIBS 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,” said David Hayes, CEO of organisers JAND Events.

Visitors will be able to see the latest launches from the world’s premier boat brands. Yachts of all sizes, both power and sail, will be on display in-the-water ranging from dinghies and day trippers up to superyachts. Onshore visitors will be able to look over the latest boating tech, marine products, gadgets and widgets, while also enjoying luxury properties, autos and lifestyle brands on display in the 2,500sqm air-conditioned exhibition hall, the town square and other areas within Royal Phuket Marina.

TIBS 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina – photo © TIBS 2022

Thailand’s claim to be the “marine leisure hub of Asia” remains undiminished despite the challenges of the pandemic. Famed for its islands, stunning offshore seascape and tropical beaches, Thailand is a much-favoured destination for boat owners in the region, and a popular choice for marine leisure tourists from all around the world. Showcasing an industry valued in the billions pre-pandemic, TIBS aims to kickstart an industry revival and be a valuable economic driver for Phuket and Thailand going forward.

Billed as A Luxury Lifestyle Event, TIBS will be held at the familiar Royal Phuket Marina, where is has appeared before under different names. “I believe this will be the most successful boat show yet. Not only are JAND Events professional event organisers, but they have gone to market much earlier than others have in the past,” commented Gulu Lalvani, Chairman and Owner of RPM. “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 displaying at the all-new Thailand International Boat Show in January 2022.”

A bustling Boardwalk with restaurants and bars, and an extensive social programme is also planned by organisers JAND Events, aiming to reinvigorate what has become of late a ghost town.

“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, TIBS will be an event not to be missed,” added Hayes.

The Thailand International Boat Show will take place 6 – 9 January, 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina.

TIBS 2022 at Royal Phuket Marina – photo © TIBS 2022

by TIBS 2022