Thai yacht market boosted ahead of charter show
The Thai yacht market is gearing up for a return to business ahead of November’s Thailand Charter Week, after the country re-opened its borders to international visitors.
On 1 October, the Thai government lifted all entry restrictions related to Covid-19, while the period of stay has been extended to 45 days for tourists entitled to visa exemption, and to 30 days for visa on arrival.
Now, the 2022 Thailand Charter Week has confirmed that it will take place from 16–19 November at the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. It’s the second edition of the B2B charter event, which is aimed at luxury yachts and superyacht companies.
“Thailand has lifted all Covid border restrictions and now makes long stays easier”, says Gordon Fernandes of local agency Asia Pacific Superyachts. “We are thrilled to welcome back luxury vessels to cruise the beautiful islands of the Andaman Seas and the Gulf of Thailand.”
Show organisers, Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA), say they are looking to make this year’s event even bigger following the successful inaugural edition held two years ago. (The 2021 edition was postponed due to travel restrictions.)
Thai Charter Week encourages engagement between yachts, marine industry players, sponsors, and professional visitors, amid a programme of yacht inspections, presentations, and networking opportunities.
The last day will feature a ‘familiarisation’ cruise aboard participating yachts to charter destinations around Phuket and the Andaman Sea.
“Our mission is to offer the most effective platform for your brand to capture and interact with the most relevant target audience,” says a TBYA spokesperson.
“After two years, the wait is finally over as we see an international boat show return to the sunny shores of Phuket Island”, adds Fernandes. “Event organisers are expecting lots of interest in the show as activities return to normal after the pandemic. It will be great to see Phuket buzzing again.”
The Thai government is encouraging high-end and luxury travel. In early 2021, the Thailand Finance Ministry announced a change in charter rules that would allow foreign-flagged superyachts to charter their vessels without having to pay VAT on the import value of the yacht.
Separately, the Thailand Yacht Show has confirmed the second part of its 2022 edition will take place in Phuket in December.
Keep up to date with all the key marine industry events and boat shows in 2022 with MIN’s regularly updated list.
