Alberto Perrone Da Zara, Direttore Commerciale, Ferretti Group, commented: “From shows like this, we tend to bring away very good leads,” adding, “This is a show that has a very high incident of success.”

According to exhibitors, the quality of visitors to PIMEX this year has resulted in sales, good contacts and many hot leads, which brokers expect to convert post-Show.

Lee Marine, however, made several sales at the Show including a Jenneau 53, and generated many qualified leads on other boats and brands they represent.

Said Tony Nixey, Managing Director of Go Boating Thailand, “The leads we develop from the Show may turn into sales later. For us it’s about developing relationships through the Show, and gaining friends at the Show, who will hopefully become partners with us later.”

In response to exhibitor feedback, PIMEX organisers moved the dates from January to late March for 2012, with the aim of encouraging a higher quality display of boats. This decision has been vindicated: 2012 sees more boats displayed than last year, with the average size of boat displayed being larger, and the quality of boats in-the-water higher than ever before.

“The display of boats in the marina is exceptional. The boat line-up, both power and sail, is of the highest quality and the average boat sizes has increased also,” commented Andy Dowden, PIMEX Show Director.

Craig Murphy, Managing Director of Sunseeker Thailand, said “We had a very impressive line-up of Sunseeker’s on display, which generated a lot of interest and some high quality leads this year.”

PIMEX 2012 attracted an international exhibitor mix from throughout the Austral-Asia region, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand; as well as from Italy, The Netherlands and the USA.

The visitor demographic is equally international. The traditional regional markets remain strong with increasing numbers of visitors from Russia and Thailand.

In 2011, PIMEX welcomed an in-flux of Russian visitors and the trend has continued this year with exhibitors reporting qualified Russians interested in boats and marine lifestyle products.

A growing market also this year has been the Thai market, with more interested Thai buyers visiting the Show and researching boat buying opportunities. This is becoming a market more and more exhibitors are turning their attention too.

Said Mario Zanasi, Country Manager – Thailand, Simpson Marine, “We are looking more at the Thai market. For this reason, we have a new Thai, broker, and we are really confident in the future of the Thai market.”

“Talking to many exhibitors at the Show, feedback is that there is increased interest in marine leisure products from Thai buyers this year, and an increased interest to target more Thai buyers in the future,” commented Dowden.

The developer is expecting a good response from Phuket clients following the sell-out success of the first dCondo development in Q3 2011. In addition to launching their second dCondo development, Sansiri will launch two housing developments “Habitia” and “Habitown” in February, in line with the company’s expansion plans on Phuket.

Mr. Suriya Wannabuit, Executive Vice President – Project Management and Marketing Department of Sansiri Public Company Limited, revealed that after the company announced its plans to expand into the Phuket market in the last quarter of 2011, Sansiri had a successful launch and sales of its first development in Phuket ‘dCondo Kathu’, with 556 units sold out within half-a-day. The company is confident and committed to expanding the company’s portfolio on Phuket Island further. In the first quarter of 2012 Sansiri is launching its second dCondo development, “dCondo Kathu-Patong”, value THB 800 million, and comprises of 653 units. The opening sales event is set for January 27-29, and the developer is expecting “dCondo Kathu-Patong” to be well received with strong sales.

“We are proud to introduce the second dCondo which is “dCondo Kathu-Patong”. The success from dCondo Kathu launched in the last quarter of 2011 has proved that clients in Phuket believe and trust in developments by Sansiri. “dCondo Kathu-Patong” is located on the main road (next to the Tessaaban Kathu-Patong, in Kathu district), which is easily accessible, located in the heart of the business and leisure area of the Island. Our target audience is working people who are looking for a residence that is conveniently located and has easy access to travel, entertainment and shopping areas, as well as easy connections to Phuket Town and Patong.

Sansiri plans to push forward in the Phuket market with another two brands: “Habitia”, semi-detached houses; and two-storey townhouses under the brand “Habitown”. Both are planned to launch in February this year. Together, all 3 developments are valued at THB 2BN. Future plans for Phuket include another development in the upscale market segment.

The “dCondo Kathu-Patong” is located on an area of 5-2-50 rai, comprises three low rise eight-storey buildings and 663 units of 28-29 square metres. Each unit at “dCondo Kathu-Patong” has a holistic functional design, maximizing every square metre to meet the lifestyle needs of Sansiri customers, featuring a relaxing area, bathroom and separate kitchen. The development has complete facilities including a green area, fitness room and swimming pool, as well as a security system equipped with 24-hour CCTV and key card access. Prices start at 999,000 baht. “dCondo Kathu-Patong” has developed on the previous project design by adding more windows in corner rooms, to increase air flow and add more light.

Several analysts have upgraded the valuation of the company in early 2012. Net profit for 3Q11 rose 29.3%.

The company will present its 4Q earnings in February.

“We reiterate BUY on SIRI after revising up the net profit forecasts for 2011-12 by 31.1% and 31.6%, respectively. Presales and transfers are set to beat the street consensus. With strong earnings growth of 46% and 25% for 2012-13, the company will soon prove that it does not deserve a deep PER multiple discount”, according to analyst Polasit Tanpoonkiat at KT Zimco in Bangkok.

KT Zimco has a BUY reccommandation on the stock, which traded at 1.2 baht on the last day of 2011. Less then three weeks later it is at 1.78 baht – an increase of almost 50 percent. Khun Polasit expects the stock to reach 2.22.

Management set an ambitious transfer (revenue) target of Bt27bn, up nearly 40% YoY, based on 40 new projects worth Bt40bn. The new prefab plant should shrink construction time for low rise to 2-3 months from eight months, thus improving the cash cycle. However, heavy launches will push the leverage ratio higher.

“We conservatively forecast transfers for 2012 of Bt23.8bn, up from Bt17.5bn (cut during flood). Our net profit forecasts are lifted by 31.1% and 31.6% for 2011-12, respectively. Note that we are also aware that net gearing will rise further to 1.7x, but we are not overly concerned as the property market remains quite healthy”, argues Khun Polasit.

The sailing survey was undertaken by the Top of the Gulf Regatta (www.topofthegulfregatta.com) in co-operation with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (www.kingscup.com), with the aim to find out sailing trends in the region, provide useful information in helping to attract more sailors to the region, and to improve facilities and services in the region.

The survey found that of the sailors who came to the 25th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, 53% were resident in Asia and 47% lived outside of Asia. Over 27% of the survey respondents were found to have been sailing in Thailand for more than 10 years, while 53% are relative newcomers – sailing in Thailand for only 1-3 years.

The survey found that Thailand is a popular sailing destination for international sailors, with many returning numerous times to enjoy the cruising grounds and sailing events Thailand has to offer. There are five major regattas in Thailand that local and international sailors are aware of and have participated in, including the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, Top of the Gulf Regatta, Phuket Raceweek, Samui Regatta and the Bay Regatta – Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi.

Thailand’s Andaman Coast, home of the Phuket King’s Cup, Phuket Raceweek and Bay Regatta is well established as a cruising and regatta destination. On the opposite coast, the Gulf of Thailand, the Top of the Gulf Regatta continues to grow attracting a large mixed fleet of 200+ boats each year from youths sailing in dinghy classes, to beach catamarans, multihulls and the big boat monohull fleet.

Of those surveyed, 62% have, at some point, brought their boat to Thailand from another country. The most popular ports of entry were found to be (in order of popularity): Phuket, Samui and Pattaya. Of those yachts coming to Thailand from overseas, 60% stayed approximately one month while 40% stayed approximately six months.

Asia continues to be a popular sailing area with 32% of the respondents saying they have been sailing in Asia for more than 10 years, 14% for 4-6 years and 40% were newcomers (having sailed in Asia for only 1-3 years).

When asked how they found out about regatta’s/sailing events in Asia, 74% of respondents said “Friend/ Sailing community”, followed by 54% who said “specific event website”.

One of the aims of the survey was to find out what kind of people, and from where, attend the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, and other sailing events in Thailand. It was found that participants in the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta are truly international with 32% from Europe, 23% from Australia and New Zealand, and 20% from Asia, as well as strong participation from US, and Russia.

IronKids is one of the world’s fastest growing youth sports movements and provides the perfect antidote to the sedentary habits of the Playstation generation. For these kids, their play stations are the pool, the track and the bike.

A total of 228 children registered for the race, including 126 individual racers and 102 children in 34 relay teams. Most were in it for fitness and fun, but some serious future champions put their elders in the sport on notice.

The brightest star and overall winner was Kuala Lumpur-based Australian Zoe Bowden, 12, the defending champion and one of the world’s fastest triathletes in her age group. Not only did she beat all the older girls from the 13-15 year old category, she also beat the older boys as well, shaving three minutes off her previous personal best to finish in 39 minutes and 23 seconds. She has been tipped as a possible future world champion by none other than TSLC’s triathlon director Juergen Zack, himself an eight-time world champion in the sport.

It was Malaysian domination of the podium places, with Edwin Thiang, also from KL, second, finishing in a time of 40 minutes and 36 seconds. Eight corporate teams of 12 to 14 children were sponsored by local businesses. The corporate awards went to 1st Place Team Quest and the children from Ban Manik School, 2nd place to Lee Marine and the children from Ban Bangtao School, and 3rd place to Team Anantara Club from the Anuban Phuket School.

Speaking after the race and looking like she’d barely broken a sweat, Zoe Bowden revealed her secret. "I train every single day," she said. "I mostly run and swim. I don’t often cycle, that was something that I later on developed exclusively for the triathlon”. She said this year’s race was much more competitive than her last race in Phuket. As for the future, her vision is clear: "My ambition is to be a professional Ironman."

IronKids triathlons are raced over various distances depending on age groups:

• Junior (ages 6 to 8): 50m swim, 3km bike and 500m run
• Intermediate (ages 9 to 11): 150m swim, 6km bike and 1km run
• Senior (ages 12 to 15): 300m swim, 12km bike and 3km run

TSLC’s partnership with IronKids includes races and professionally led training camps run throughout the year, under the banner of TSLC IronKids Phuket and presented IronKids Phuket Triathlon Phuket has become one of the world’s leading locations for serious ironmen and triathletes, and Thanyapura’s  world class facilities have captured the interest of leading exponents of the sport. Globally renowned triathlons and training camps are offered on the island every year, such as the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Phuket Ironman 70.3, Phuket International Marathon and the FIVB Women’s Beach Volleyball World Tour.

TSLC has the ideal facilities and surroundings to host events and training camps for professional or amateur triathletes, as well as young athletes tackling their first ever multi-sport event. Our 50m and 25m pools offer ideal swimming conditions, while the quiet roads are perfect for young cyclists to learn biking skills. Most running is done on the property or on surrounding tracks in the National Park area. This spectacular location is set to become the "home" of triathlon for young, upcoming triathletes.

The next Thanyapura IronKids Phuket races will be held on 22 April, 2012 and 1 December 2012.

At Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, a glittering crowd of more than 100 VIP guests and dignitaries turned out to support the “Help Save Marine Life’’ charity dinner recently at the resort’s über-groovy beach bar and lounge The Edge, overlooking pristine Natai Beach.

And the following week saw sister resort Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi host a bespoke banquet for a select gathering of guests, at which the cream of the region’s chefs, including the resort’s own 2 Michelin Star-awarded resident manager and culinary innovator James Noble, collaborated to take guests on a gastronomic journey inspired by the elements. After dinner, a charity auction raised money to help people displaced by the floods.

Both events combined raised over THB320,000 which will be go to flood victims as well as continuing the pioneering work of Pure Blue Foundation in supporting damaged marine environments in Thailand.

Guests were abuzz with the novel tastes French-born Chef Laurent conjured through clever use of liquid nitrogen and unexpected combinations of ingredients, including Revelation a la Minute Nitrogen Foie Gras, Sushi Glace with Salmon Sashimi, Ricepop and Japanese Bubbles, and Goat Save the Cheese, featuring Goat Cheese Nougat, Thyme Jelly and Crispy Honey Candy.

Before dinner, guests released dozens of Green Turtles back into their native habitat as a symbolic gesture of restoration and conservation. All money raised at the dinner goes towards the Pure Blue Foundation, brainchild of Aleenta Resorts Founder, Anchalika Kijkanakorn, which was set up to rebuild damaged coral reefs and protect endangered turtle species in the nearby waters.

A week later in Pranburi, a very exclusive gathering saw chefs from neighbouring resorts join hands with Aleenta to create a five-course menu inspired by earth, wind, fire and water. Each dish also reflected the resort’s commitment to use as much locally grown produce as possible as well as its partnership with Adams Organic, a leading organic produce supplier.

Mr Noble said he could not think of another event where chefs from top resorts including Six Senses and Villa Maroc had come together in such a spirit of co-operation for a good cause. The dinner itself was a romantic and sumptuous affair, featuring dishes such as Fired Salmon Sashimi with

flambéed shrimp bolognaise, wasabi caviar and aged soy paint, Textured Tomato, a tomato consomme with sundried tomato jelly, white tomato ravioli and tomato pearls, Ground Roasted Tandoori Rock Hen, and White Chocolate and Rosewater Mouse. A mystery ‘fifth element’veered into molecular gastronomy territory, Chilled Mocha, featuring chocolate, marshmallows and liquid nitrogen.

Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Hotel Manager Yann Gouriou said the success of both events confirmed Aleenta’s reputation as a brand committed to surprising and delighting guests while always doing its utmost to give something back.

Ms Anchalika said she was delighted with both events and pleased with the money raised. She was also grateful to Small Hotels of the World for putting up free stays at any of their global properties as auction lots.

“These were two very different events,’’ she said. “Phuket was more glamorous and action packed, while Hua Hin was a more exclusive and reflective occasion. But both are evidence of our commitment to putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to marine conservation and helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

“Based on the success of the events and the fantastic feedback, I’m sure we’ll be coming up with more cutting edge culinary concepts to help good causes, particularly the Pure Blue Foundation, which does great work and is an absolute passion of mine.”

The QUO Intelligence survey conducted among 206 tourists, business people and residents in Khao Lak in October 2011 showed that the more knowledge about the tsunami that tourists had, the more positive the perception of modern Khao Lak as a desirable holiday destination.

"The Andaman Coast is not perceived as dangerous in terms of the threat of natural disasters. And the more individuals know of the Indian Ocean tsunami of seven years ago, the more favorable is the perception of the Khao Lak area today," said David Keen, CEO of QUO Keen,the tourism strategy consultancy in Bangkok which conducted the survey.

Some 80% of the respondents said that the tsunami had ‘low’ to ‘no’ effect on their current travel decisions. Only 4% said that the 2004 tsunami legacy still had a major effect on whether to holiday in Khao Lak or not.

Some 93% of Europeans/Westerners and more than 84% of Thais surveyed dismissed the notion that the Andaman coast of Khao Lak is potentially dangerous because of natural disasters.

While the tsunami’s legacy does not greatly sway modern travel decisions, knowledge of the 2004 tsunami remains high. Of the 206 tourists surveyed, approximately 80% described their knowledge of the catastrophe as ‘medium’ to ‘high’. Of that knowledgeable group, 63% said that the tsunami of seven years ago had ‘low’ to ‘no’ negative effect on their modern day travel plans.

Following the loss of about 4,000 lives in the Khao Lak area on December 26, 2004, fear of ‘ghosts’ was rumored to be a reason why some Thais preferred to stay away from Khao Lak. The survey suggests fear of ghosts was a misleading argument. Some 78% of Thai tourists in the QUO Keen survey stated they would still travel to places where tragedies or natural disasters occurred. This compares to 79% of Europeans/Westerners and 88% of other Asians surveyed.

Concerns were more practical. Only 21% of Thais cited Khao Lak’s attraction as being "value for money".

By 2007, Khao Lak visitor numbers, driven primarily by  a high degree of destination loyalty among Europeans, were back up to pre-tsunami levels. However, arrival numbers fell again in 2008 with the global economic slowdown in Western markets.

"Ordinary considerations such as travel logistics and expense appear to be much more influential today," said David Keen. "While the tsunami’s legacy remains, it no longer seems to be a major factor. In our opinion, the time appears right for people and businesses to take afresh look at Khao Lak and invest in its future."

Between 23 December 2011 and 31 January 2012, Jetstar will offer almost 28,000 extra seats to-and-from Phuket, Bali and Honolulu. That’s almost 40 per cent more compared to the same peak period last year.

The increased summer holiday schedule is supported by the delivery of the airline’s 11th A330 in late November. Jetstar’s latest inflight entertainment, the iPad, is available for hire from December. Jetstar also continues to grow its domestic network, recently introducing additional flights to holiday destinations such as Tasmania.

Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said the low cost carrier’s expanding network across Asia was providing more affordable options for Australians.

“As well as supporting inbound tourism from places like China and Japan, the growth of our network means Jetstar has more than 40 destinations outside of Australia that people can now fly to,” he said.

Jetstar Australia & NZ CEO David Hall said Jetstar was bumping up capacity in response to the strong demand from Australians travelling overseas for holidays, particularly over peak periods such as Christmas and New Year.

“Australians are continuing to travel overseas in record numbers and industry estimates suggest this will grow by 11 per cent to 4.7 million this calendar year,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said demand for international travel was being driven by access to low fares and economic conditions such as the strong Australian dollar.

“We are seeing strong increases in demand to Indonesia, Hawaii and Thailand, which are now the second, third and fourth most popular international destinations for Australians respectively.”

Figures show more holidaymakers are choosing to fly with low cost carriers internationally – proven by a 13 per cent increase in people flying with LCCs to and from Australia for the year to June 30 this year.