Phuket  – ‘Asia’s favourite boat show’ and largest marine and luxury showcase in the region, the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), opened its doors to an expected 5,000 visitors from 9th to 12th January at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina.

A four-day festival of everything marine and lifestyle, PIMEX shines the light on Thailand’s marine leisure tourism industry and the Island’s leading position as the marine hub of Asia, attracting a desirable demographic of High Net Worth Individuals and thousands from around the world to view the THB4 Billion offerings, ranging from überluxe superyachts and multi-million dollar villas to day boats and dinghies, condominiums, superbikes, marine accessories and products, and much more.

For marine lifestyle aficionados, Phuket is their leisure destination of choice. With a healthy marine leisure tourism industry and established marine infrastructure, PIMEX generates more than THB 8 billion for the Island each year, underlining Phuket’s position as Asia’s marine playground and regional industry hub.

A cost-effective work-base, international-standard facilities and a leisure experience second to none emphasize Phuket’s preparedness for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and working closely with marine industry stakeholders PIMEX will further drive industry growth.

“Phuket is a leisure destination firmly established on the world map, known for its natural wonders and hospitality. The marine scene is a large part of that attraction and as the region moves towards 2015 and the AEC, Phuket and the marine industry expect to see further growth from new tourism dynamics,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director.

“PIMEX will play a key role in reinforcing Phuket’s position as a regional marine hub and leveraging opportunities from the AEC for marine businesses in Phuket and beyond.”

PIMEX hosts the largest line-up of boats anywhere in Asia and with Phuket being the region’s superyacht capital – welcoming more than 50 superyachts each year – is proud to have an unprecedented in-water display of power and sail boats this year, including more boats than ever in the 70 to 95-foot range, as well as two superyachts over 100-foot.

“One feature of PIMEX is the quality of the boats on display each year, and this continues to improve and impress. This year we have two superyachts join an already very strong line-up, underscoring Phuket’s position as the superyacht capital of Asia and the key role of PIMEX in promoting marine tourism in the region,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director.

The lively marina boardwalk, a central attraction of ‘Asia’s favourite boat show’, will again be a hub of activity with live music, cafes, restaurants and bars, including three new dining outlets launching at PIMEX: Madame Saigon, Pasta Basta and Speakeasy.

Boats – power and sail – from nine to 106 foot, luxury real estate, lifestyle products, widgets, gadgets, marine toys and much more. Asia’s largest in-water display, 2,500 sqm of exhibition hall display, boardwalk dining and water-side ambience. PIMEX has it all.