PHUKET'S annual boat show will provide the next toe in the water, so to speak, as to whether the island's economy is heating or cooling.
Organisers are confident the event will be a success, although some of the earlier excessively positive cash figures being bandied about seem to have less prominence now.
The grandly named 2011 Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex) is expected to have a record number of boats on display, even if the property promotions that once went with the sleek hulls have fallen away.
From January 6 to January 9, the Royal Phuket Marina will be home to more than 40 boats ranging up to 28 metres.
''For the first time,'' organisers enthuse, ''Riva - the iconic boat brand favored by celebrities such as George Clooney, Claudia Schiffer, Brigitte Bardot and Liz Taylor - will exhibit at Pimex.''
Those who simply go along to gawk at what George, Claudia, Brigitte and Liz get around in are expected to grow in number this year to about 6000.
Liz, who turns 80 next year, and Brigitte, two years younger, probably find less time for their Rivas these days, so maybe it's a good chance to make them an offer.
The exhibition hall will offer plenty of marine-related products, and three luxury car brands are also on board, to use a technical nautical term, this year.
Show Director Andy Dowden is up-beat. ''We're very happy to see so many exhibitors, marine and lifestyle, taking part in this year's Pimex. It's a good sign for the show, for Phuket and for the regional economy at large, and expectations are high for a good visitor turnout.''
Perhaps size does matter after all. As the number of exhibitors increases year-on-year, so do the size of the boats on display. This year more than 25 percent of the boats in-the-water are 70 feet or more in length.
''It's exciting to see so many large boats on display at Pimex. This is testament to the strength of the regional marine industry and the growing wealth in Asia,'' Mr Dowden added.
The show opens daily from 11am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Entry is free.
Organisers are confident the event will be a success, although some of the earlier excessively positive cash figures being bandied about seem to have less prominence now.
The grandly named 2011 Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex) is expected to have a record number of boats on display, even if the property promotions that once went with the sleek hulls have fallen away.
From January 6 to January 9, the Royal Phuket Marina will be home to more than 40 boats ranging up to 28 metres.
''For the first time,'' organisers enthuse, ''Riva - the iconic boat brand favored by celebrities such as George Clooney, Claudia Schiffer, Brigitte Bardot and Liz Taylor - will exhibit at Pimex.''
Those who simply go along to gawk at what George, Claudia, Brigitte and Liz get around in are expected to grow in number this year to about 6000.
Liz, who turns 80 next year, and Brigitte, two years younger, probably find less time for their Rivas these days, so maybe it's a good chance to make them an offer.
The exhibition hall will offer plenty of marine-related products, and three luxury car brands are also on board, to use a technical nautical term, this year.
Show Director Andy Dowden is up-beat. ''We're very happy to see so many exhibitors, marine and lifestyle, taking part in this year's Pimex. It's a good sign for the show, for Phuket and for the regional economy at large, and expectations are high for a good visitor turnout.''
Perhaps size does matter after all. As the number of exhibitors increases year-on-year, so do the size of the boats on display. This year more than 25 percent of the boats in-the-water are 70 feet or more in length.
''It's exciting to see so many large boats on display at Pimex. This is testament to the strength of the regional marine industry and the growing wealth in Asia,'' Mr Dowden added.
The show opens daily from 11am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Entry is free.
My boat won't be at pimex, sorry. But give me a PM anytime ok? Best fortune for 2011.
Posted by GrahamM on January 5, 2011 03:32