2026 Thailand International Boat Show marks Thailand's shift toward a water-driven tourism economy
by Thailand International Boat Show 13 Dec 2025 18:15 PST
15-18 January 2026
Thailand International Boat Show © Thailand International Boat Show
The Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event, taking place from 15-18 January 2026 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, returns at a time when the Asia-Pacific region is recording some of the fastest growth in boating and water-based leisure globally. Forecasts point to an annual expansion of around 5% through 2030 in the global yacht charter market and more than 11% annual growth in the Asia-Pacific luxury yacht segment, with Thailand increasingly positioned to benefit from rising demand for marine recreation and coastal experiences.
Aligned with the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "The New Thailand" strategy, visitor spending on coastal destinations and water-led activities continues to grow, supported by long-haul travel recovery and the rising appeal of experience-based tourism. This momentum is contributing to increased interest in marine recreation, chartering and coastal lifestyles — areas where Thailand is seeing particularly strong engagement.
As these demand patterns evolve, marine businesses, international yacht brands and lifestyle companies are responding by expanding their presence in Thailand, a shift reflected in the strong exhibitor lineup confirmed for the 2026 show.
Leading yacht brands such as Beneteau, Prestige Yachts, Sunreef Yachts, Gulf Craft, Excess and more, will be joined with multihulls from Fountaine Pajot, Leopard Catamarans and Lagoon as well as a Max 48 SC. Making its Asian Premiere is the Aquila 42 Coupe, displayed by Primus Marine, while the 40-metre superyacht SeaBear — formerly owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus — is the venue for the Superyacht Lounge, sponsored by Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous.
This combination of global builders, regional distributors and Thai marine businesses is complemented by real estate developers such as Redwood Luxury Development, Above Patong and Reignwood Park amongst others, and premium lifestyle brands, illustrating the depth of commercial activity now underpinning Thailand's water-driven tourism economy.
As part of the wider programme, the Thailand Yachting Conference will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, marina operators and service providers to examine developments shaping the future of boating, marine tourism and related economic activity in Thailand. The conference provides a forum for analysis and knowledge-sharing at a time when the sector is undergoing structural and consumer-driven change.
"Water-leisure and coastal tourism are now significant contributors to Thailand's visitor economy, and the commercial impact around the marine sector is broader than many people realise," said David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organisers JAND Events. "Growth in recreation, equipment, coastal property and marine services reflects changing consumer behaviour across the region, and the response from exhibitors this year has been strong — with on-land exhibition space already close to full. In-water, many of last year's leading brands have returned, and the superyacht presence at the show signals the confidence exhibitors have in maintaining a strong market position in Asia."
"As the Asia-Pacific boating market expands, Thailand has the potential to increase its share of marine-related spending," Hayes added. "The range of businesses exhibiting at the 2026 show demonstrates the extent of economic activity occurring around the sector, and the opportunity for further development."
The fourth Thailand International Boat Show will take place 15-18 January, 2026 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, with the Thailand Yachting Conference on 14 January, 2026 at The Slate, Nai Yang Beach. For more information, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.