2014 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show sets a new benchmark in sales and visitor turnout

PATTAYA, Thailand - The 2014 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, held 27th to 30th November at South East Asia's largest marina, Ocean Marina, came to a close having set a series of new records. The largest exhibitor display (12,000 sqm) and the most exhibitors (104) ever, as well as the best quality line-up of boats in-the-water and 5,820 visitors to the Show made it the largest visitor turnout yet.

Now in its third year, the organisers decision to expand the Show to a four-day format proved to be a wise one as the opening two days (Thursday and Friday) attracted almost half the total number of visitors with many being interested buyers.

“We're very pleased with the visitor turnout this year. Each year our goal is to grow interest in boating in the domestic market and also to attract more international visitors, and for the third year in a row we have seen the number of visitors grow,” said Mrs. Supatra Angkawinijwong, Deputy Managing Director of Ocean Property, organisers of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show (OMPBS).

A mixed visitor demographic of primarily Europeans and Thais was recorded through the gates with interest in the boat displays at an all time high. With the size of the Show, in terms of number of exhibitors and display area, up considerably this year, the quality and diversity of products and services from the marine and lifestyle sectors was also more than ever before.

Yacht dealers and brokers reported solid sales leads and hot prospects – all new buyers that came from the Show. Similarly, the automotive sector – including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche and more – reported tangible sales leads as did the luxury real estate offerings at the Show.

“Feedback from exhibitors has been very encouraging. Sales leads and hot prospects have been reported by many yacht dealers and brokers. Auto exhibitors and real estate developers also reported strong leads and interest from new buyers who came through the Show,” added Mrs. Angkawinijwong.

The diverse range of marine accessories and marine products, a sector of the Show that continues to grow and something that sets OMPBS apart from other shows in the region, saw sales in the region of over over THB 2 million. Property developers reported strong interest, luxury products such as jewellery recorded large purchases and the Food and Beverage outlets in the Show reported record sales.

Visitors enjoyed the array of activities on offer: the free yacht cruises which departed every 30 minutes were full throughout the Show ,and the display of water toys in action and the jetpack flying board demonstrations proved to be popular with all.

Introduced for the first time this year, the International Fishing Boat Competition, organised by the Thailand Fishing Tackle Trade and Manufacture Association in co-operation with Ocean Marina, was a big hit with lots of tough competition over the two days and talk of expanding it further next year, while the one day Boat & Yacht Thailand 2014 Conference, held under the theme of 'Green Boating', took place to a packed meeting room of over 70 industry and guests.

Planning is already underway for the fourth annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, which will take place at Ocean Marina 26th to 29th November 2015.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia