The Evaluation of Special Events to Promote Yacht Tourism: In case of Thailand Yacht Show 2016 2nd

Abstract

Thailand Yacht Show 2016, 2^nd was special event organized to specifically promoted yacht tourism by Tourism Authority of Thailand and Marine Department.  The event was organized between 15 - 18 December 2016 at Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket.  The government policy was to promote quality tourists as well as to promote marina in Phuket to become the Marina Hub of ASEAN.  Activities during the event included conferences and seminars about yacht and future marina businesses, yacht shows, merchandise and travel exhibitions, marina and related businesses and others.  The results of the conference showed tremendous potential economic value of the yacht business and marina.  The trade fairs and exhibitions was successfully participated by boat operators, shipyard and ship repair and other related businesses. The yachts participated included 45 yachts of both less than 30 meters long and super yacht that are over 30 meters long.  The number of Thai and foreign visitors was 2,951.  The visitors were very satisfied with the event and it certainly helped create widespread awareness in Thai Marine Tourism online media. In order to induce substantial tourism and attract more participants and attendance, as well as differentiate the event from the usual yacht show, the next event should have more prominent, theme approach and more exotic.