The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a surge in superyacht activity, driven by a combination of government initiatives, infrastructure development, and a growing demand for luxury cruising experiences. Island nations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the Andaman Islands are actively courting superyacht owners and industry professionals, offering unparalleled experiences and a year-round cruising season.
In Thailand, the Marine Department has recently implemented changes to its regulations aimed at boosting the marine tourism sector. These include reducing the minimum length requirement for superyachts from 30 meters to 24 meters, while maintaining a passenger cap of 12, aligning with international standards. Additionally, insurance coverage of at least USD 5 million per incident is now mandatory, and administrative procedures have been streamlined through an electronic application system. These measures are reflected in Phuket’s rising superyacht traffic, which saw 41 visits in 2021, 117 in 2022, and 148 in 2023. The government has also unveiled plans to develop new cruise terminals at Laem Chabang Port and Koh Samui, solidifying Thailand’s commitment to becoming a leading marina hub in Asia.
The Maldives, renowned for its pristine waters and luxurious resorts, is also embracing the superyacht market. The highly anticipated Zamani Islands Superyacht Marina, set to launch in 2026, will offer 120 berths and span three resorts across eight islands. This state-of-the-art facility will be the first dedicated superyacht marina in the Maldives. Further enhancing accessibility, the Maldives has relaxed its rules for visiting yachts, extending free cruising permits to vessels up to 20 meters, previously capped at 15 meters. This move comes at a time when the Maldives has become a top cruising destination, with 35 to 50 superyachts visiting annually, including mega yachts up to 150 meters in length. The cruising season has expanded from November to May, with vessels staying longer, averaging 45-60 days.
The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APS) is playing a key role in facilitating this growing superyacht scene. APS members, including Gordon Fernandes, Tanyuta Singhmanee, Mohamed Hameed, Nadhira Muneer, Wadhood Adam, Keith Mellon, Gilbert O’Ffay, Christophe Houareau, R. Rathnam, and Alex Harrison, will be present at the ‘Asia Superyacht Night in Monaco’ on September 24th, providing insights and connecting with visitors interested in cruising Asia and global yachting opportunities.
With the relaxation of restrictions and improvements in infrastructure, the Asia-Pacific region is quickly becoming a magnet for superyacht owners, captains, and industry professionals. The region’s diverse offerings, coupled with the welcoming regulatory environment, promise an exciting future for the superyacht market in this part of the world.
