PHUKET is in celebratory mood as the eighth Phuket International Boat Show [at Royal Phuket Marina] comes to an end and delivers the goods.

2011 looks set to be another successful year for the regional marine industry as seven boats and numerous luxury cars were sold at Pimex.

According to Show Director Andy Dowden, transactions at the show exceeded $17 million with more expected post-Pimex (approx 510 million baht).

Visitor numbers were high - 5500 attended over the four-days with record numbers on the opening day. Phuket appears to be back.

Visitors came from all over the South East Asia region including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, as well as Europe, with Russian interest very high.

''There has been a lot of interest both in-the-water and in the Exhibition Hall. It's encouraging to see so many sales at the show. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.''

Pimex got off to a fast start with two confirmed boat sales on the first day, as well as one Jaguar. Boats included a Monterey 298SS Super Sport, sold by Derani Yachts and a 33ft Fountain powerboat private sale, hotly followed by a 57foot Jeanneau by Lee Marine.

In addition to boats and cars, marine accessories - jet-skis, kayaks and more - and marine services companies have all reported transactions. The feeling of exhibitors is buoyant. ''Quality visitors.'' ''many potential customers'' are comments from exhibitors with many of the leads made expecting to be transacted post-Pimex.

''We have made many good leads that we will follow-up. We are happy with our position in the show and hope to secure the same position next year.

''Most of the interest in our boats came from Russian, Malaysian, Indonesia and French buyers,'' said Robert Hawkins of Princess dealership, Boat Lagoon Yachting.

Ferretti Group underscored their focus on the Asia market with the launch of the Riva brand at Pimex. ''The show has been good for us. We have had a lot of interest from new people. For sure we will come back next year and will hopefully have a Riva on display,'' said Paola Procopio, Riva Brand Manager.

First-time exhibitor, Prout International's Managing Director Matthew Steinert, said: ''It's our first time at Pimex. We've had a lot of interest and have some keen potential customers.''

Pimex 2011 welcomed many repeat exhibitors as well as new exhibitors local and international. 47 boats in-the-water, 86 companies exhibiting, boats from 30 foot to 87 foot superyachts, luxury villas from 10 million baht to $10 million and luxury cars from three million baht to 23 million baht, together make Pimex the largest boat show in the region and a culmination of luxury lifestyle.

''A high number of visitors and good sales volume at the show. Both indicate strong growth in the regional marine industry and Pimex reinforces Phuket's position as the marine hub in Asia,'' added Mr Dowden.