Informa Yacht Group acquires PIMEX; 2008 event to be first at New Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference Centre

A new exhibition and conference centre named the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition & Conference Centre was launched at the Royal Phuket Marina on Tuesday. The 2,500 square metre ‘RPM Convention Centre’ paves the way for a new era of large-scale conferences and expos on the island. Three times larger than any existing exhibition facility on the island, it envisages hosting one or two high profile events every month.

The exhibition centre is scheduled to open in December, in time to host the annual Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX).

 The initiative is a joint venture between Royal Phuket Marina and Informa, one of the largest publicly-owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world, staging over 10,000 events annually.

“We are delighted to extend our global business commitment and presence in Phuket,” said Informa Yacht Group CEO, Will Morris. “As one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, this island paradise has the potential to become a leading international venue for conventions and expos.”

On Phuket’s eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay, Royal Phuket Marina is a world-class luxury lifestyle community rivaling top marina resort communities in Europe and the Caribbean.

It was developed by tycoon Gulu Lalvani, founder of Binatone, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of digital cordless phones, who is on a mission to promote Phuket as a world class yachting hub in one of the world’s most idyllic and assessable locations. Royal Phuket Marina has become an entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina.

“The launch of the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition & Conference Centre is an important milestone for Royal Phuket Marina as we continue to contribute to the social and economic fabric of the Phuket community,” said Mr Lalvani. “Phuket's economy is booming, tourism is at an all time high, and the island is a natural magnet for growing international demand for conventions and exhibitions. I’m confident that Phuket will be placed firmly on the international convention and exhibition map.”

Visitors to Phuket exceeded a record five million last year, up 11.25% from 2006.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects growth of another 20% in 2008, as the number of flights to Phuket reaches 120 per day.

In addition the newly acquired Pimex, the Informa Yacht Group own a number of leading superyacht and other marine events, including:

- Monaco Yacht Show (a leading Superyacht event now in its 18th year.)
- Abu Dhabi Yacht Show
- The Superyacht Cup (a leading sailing regatta for Superyachts held in Palma Spain and Antigua. Now in its 14th year)
 -  The Beijing Boat Show 
- The World Yacht Racing Forum Monaco
- The Mediterranean Workboat Show

Will Morris, Managing Director of Informa Yacht Group said “We are really excited about the future of the marine industry in the region, and we hope that our experience and considerable network will propel Pimex to new heights and ensure that it is positioned to serve all aspects of this rapidly growing market.”

Andaman Marine Consultants will continue to manage the event on the ground, although now with the back up of one of Europe's foremost luxury marine and lifestyle event companies.

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