Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Thailand Yacht Festival concluded at a dock in Phuket, Thailand, from January 15th to 18th. Following the festival, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reiterated its commitment to increasing support for marine tourism, deepening regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, consolidating Thailand's position as a regional marine tourism hub, and promoting high-quality development of marine tourism in the sub-region.
Nat Krutasut, Deputy Director of Tourism Products and Operations at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that the yacht festival highlighted the strength of Thailand's marine tourism and the importance of regional cooperation. He pointed out that the platform brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and operators to strengthen connectivity, improve product quality, and drive sustainable growth, helping Thailand achieve high-quality tourism experiences and long-term industry value.
The four-day yacht festival, as an international marine tourism event, brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, showcasing Thailand's high-quality yacht tourism, marinas, and charter services. The event also facilitated exchanges among operators from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, promoting the development of a regional marine tourism roadmap focusing on connectivity, industry standards, and sustainable growth.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) convened tourism authorities and related organizations from countries within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework (including CIMT) at this event to discuss cross-border marine tourism cooperation and seamless sub-regional connectivity, building consensus and clarifying measures to promote the integration of marine tourism in the sub-region.
On January 16, a seminar entitled "Unleashing Thailand's Potential to Become a Leading Marine Tourism Destination in Southeast Asia" was held. Vajran, Executive Director of Southern Thailand at the TAT, emphasized the strategic gateway value of the Andaman Coast and the importance of workforce, community, and environmental protection. Siwapon, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism, introduced Thailand's measures to improve its marine tourism ecosystem. Wattana, President of the Cruise Ship Merchants Association, pointed out that gateways such as Phuket, within the IMT-GT framework, are interconnected with surrounding areas, providing high-quality yachting experiences.
On January 17, a panel discussion entitled "IMT-GT: Creating an Ideal Destination for High-Quality Yachting Experiences" was held. Representatives from various countries shared experiences and discussed opportunities and strategic preparations for the development of marine tourism in the sub-region. Representatives from CIMT, Indonesian Ports Corporation, Tourism Malaysia, and the TAT spoke, demonstrating their commitment to collaborative development and enhanced competitiveness.
