Property developer Khaokor Highland City is seeking a strategic partner to purchase a big portion of its vacant land in Phetchabun province for the joint development of a new luxury-resort project.
Deputy managing director Yongyoot Fupongsiripant yesterday said the company was developing the second phase of its high-end resort project called Khaokor Highland Resort II.
The project covers 1,500 rai. Of that, only 300 rai will be developed by the company itself, with the rest offered for sale to an investor interested in co-developing the Khaokor Highland project.
The company purchased the land this year from other property developers in Phetchabun that planned to develop land banks on the highland plateau but faced financial problems such that they were unable to proceed with their projects.
Yongyoot declined to reveal the value of the 1,500 rai that Khaokor Highland City purchased this year. The company is currently assessing the value of Khaokor Highland Resort II.
The 1,500-rai plot is the largest land bank waiting for resort development in Phetchabun, he said.
"Khaokor is a tourist destination for both Thais and foreigners. We believe it to be a worthwhile investment at this time, one that will enjoy a good response once the economy recovers," Yongyoot said.
Of the 300 rai to be developed by Khaokor Highland City itself, a high-end resort of about 50 units and other facilities such as a clubhouse, restaurant and swimming pool will be built on 100 rai. Construction will begin early next year. The remaining 200 rai is being sold to people wanting to build their own resort houses in Phetchabun. About 60 per cent of this land has already been sold.
One resort house, requiring 1 rai of land, costs about Bt20 million, including the cost of land and construction, he said.
Khaokor Highland City has operated the Khaokor Highland Resort for a decade. The project is divided into eight phases. In the first phase, the company constructed 30 resort houses.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
RAJPRASONG A BIG DRAW FOR LUXURY HOTEL CHAINS
International luxury hotel chains are flocking to Bangkok's Rajprasong shopping mecca to capture high-end tourists and business travellers.
An industry insider said yesterday that at least five hotels in the four-and five-star categories were planned for the area, mostly by foreign chain.
Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand's largest operator, would soon break ground on an upscale shopping complex and hotel at the Phloenchit-Wireless intersection, the source said.
The company is negotiationg with Raffles internatiomal, singapore's super luxury chain, to manage the hotel to be built onland the company bought from the British Embassy. That bid had brought land prices to their highest level at that time.
There is also a report that Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Beer Chang fame, who owns the Plaza Athenee Hotel, is in talks with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group to manage his new hotel, which is being constructed on the opposite corner to Centara's project. Ritz-Carlton is scheduled to launch its first residential project in Bangkok off North Sathorn Road, which will become the city's tallest tower. Ritz-Carlton is also set to introduce a luxury hotel in Krabi by the end this year.
Kempinski Hotel of Germany is slated to manage a hotel at Siam Paragon, shich is being developed by Siam Piwat Co.
A Novotel branch will appear at Rajprasong next year. Another hotel is being designed for a site opposite CentralWorld.
Ronnachit Mahatanapruet, senior vice president for finance and administration at Central Plaza Hotel, said the group is planning to build more luxury as well as budget hotels both in Thiland and overseas.
The hotel business in Bangkok would face tougher competition, as many new players will roll out to tap the high-flying market.
Landmark Group recently said it would develop a hotel, the Bangkok Lancaster, on Phetchburi Road near the Airport Express's mid-Bangkok terminal.
An industry insider said yesterday that at least five hotels in the four-and five-star categories were planned for the area, mostly by foreign chain.
Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand's largest operator, would soon break ground on an upscale shopping complex and hotel at the Phloenchit-Wireless intersection, the source said.
The company is negotiationg with Raffles internatiomal, singapore's super luxury chain, to manage the hotel to be built onland the company bought from the British Embassy. That bid had brought land prices to their highest level at that time.
There is also a report that Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi of Beer Chang fame, who owns the Plaza Athenee Hotel, is in talks with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group to manage his new hotel, which is being constructed on the opposite corner to Centara's project. Ritz-Carlton is scheduled to launch its first residential project in Bangkok off North Sathorn Road, which will become the city's tallest tower. Ritz-Carlton is also set to introduce a luxury hotel in Krabi by the end this year.
Kempinski Hotel of Germany is slated to manage a hotel at Siam Paragon, shich is being developed by Siam Piwat Co.
A Novotel branch will appear at Rajprasong next year. Another hotel is being designed for a site opposite CentralWorld.
Ronnachit Mahatanapruet, senior vice president for finance and administration at Central Plaza Hotel, said the group is planning to build more luxury as well as budget hotels both in Thiland and overseas.
The hotel business in Bangkok would face tougher competition, as many new players will roll out to tap the high-flying market.
Landmark Group recently said it would develop a hotel, the Bangkok Lancaster, on Phetchburi Road near the Airport Express's mid-Bangkok terminal.
Centara aims to run 65 hotels
Centara Hotels & Resorts has set a target to manage at least 65 hotels in both local and international markets over the next five years.
The hotel management service will not only help expand its network and promote the Centara brand quickly. It will also helps other hoteliers who have been adversely affected by the global economic crisis and local political instability,according to Suthikiati Chirathivat, chairman of the executive board of the listed Central Plaza Hotel Plc (Centel).
"I dream of being a leader in Thailand's hotel business the same way my father and brothers do in the retail and department-store business. I see demand in this business. More than 20-30 hoteliers have asked us to manage their hotels because they have confidence in our performance and 30 years of experience,"he said.
The company expects the hotel management business to generate revenue of at least 60 million baht this year and 100 million baht next year. At present,Centara have secured eight management agreements and hopes to run at least six hotels in 2010. Currently, it owns nine hotels and another four through joint ventures.
Among the key international markets for its hotel management business are the Middle East, India, China, Asia Pacific,and South East Asia.
Mr Suthikiati stressed that the core value of the hotel business is practicality,safety standards, ease of maintenance,and environmental friendliness.
Ronnachit Mahatanapruet, Centel's senior vice-president for finance and administration, said the company expects the proportion of its hotel management business and hotel business in its profit will change to 40:60 over the next five years from 20:80 now.
Next year, the company will introduce a new budget hotel brand which will become another flagship brand to help it achieve the target.
Mr Ronnachit said the company has cash flow of 1.5 billion to 2 billion baht.Besides, it plans to open new theme hotels on some plots in its landbank.
"We hope to open the theme hotels in many locations such as Hua Hin and Phuket. However, the projects will be launched after the first theme project,the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, becomes successful," said Mr Suthikiati.
Centel invested 4.4 billion baht to develop the 555-room Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, aiming to target the Mice market. It expected to break even in 2011.
"We are expecting strong sales from our international markets next year. Then there is the Mice market. A lot is said about the importance of this segment to the Thai economy - demand for this kind of meeting experience is strong.Indeed, in October almost all of our available meeting space over the weekends is already full," said Mr Suthikiati.
Also in the pipeline is another theme hotel project, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, a 5-star Sino-Portuguesestyle resort to be located on Karon Beach.
The hotel management service will not only help expand its network and promote the Centara brand quickly. It will also helps other hoteliers who have been adversely affected by the global economic crisis and local political instability,according to Suthikiati Chirathivat, chairman of the executive board of the listed Central Plaza Hotel Plc (Centel).
"I dream of being a leader in Thailand's hotel business the same way my father and brothers do in the retail and department-store business. I see demand in this business. More than 20-30 hoteliers have asked us to manage their hotels because they have confidence in our performance and 30 years of experience,"he said.
The company expects the hotel management business to generate revenue of at least 60 million baht this year and 100 million baht next year. At present,Centara have secured eight management agreements and hopes to run at least six hotels in 2010. Currently, it owns nine hotels and another four through joint ventures.
Among the key international markets for its hotel management business are the Middle East, India, China, Asia Pacific,and South East Asia.
Mr Suthikiati stressed that the core value of the hotel business is practicality,safety standards, ease of maintenance,and environmental friendliness.
Ronnachit Mahatanapruet, Centel's senior vice-president for finance and administration, said the company expects the proportion of its hotel management business and hotel business in its profit will change to 40:60 over the next five years from 20:80 now.
Next year, the company will introduce a new budget hotel brand which will become another flagship brand to help it achieve the target.
Mr Ronnachit said the company has cash flow of 1.5 billion to 2 billion baht.Besides, it plans to open new theme hotels on some plots in its landbank.
"We hope to open the theme hotels in many locations such as Hua Hin and Phuket. However, the projects will be launched after the first theme project,the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, becomes successful," said Mr Suthikiati.
Centel invested 4.4 billion baht to develop the 555-room Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, aiming to target the Mice market. It expected to break even in 2011.
"We are expecting strong sales from our international markets next year. Then there is the Mice market. A lot is said about the importance of this segment to the Thai economy - demand for this kind of meeting experience is strong.Indeed, in October almost all of our available meeting space over the weekends is already full," said Mr Suthikiati.
Also in the pipeline is another theme hotel project, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, a 5-star Sino-Portuguesestyle resort to be located on Karon Beach.
CENTARA TARGETS 120 HOTELS OVER NEXT DECADE
Centara Group has set its sights on running 120 hotels and resorts around the globe in 10 years, spanning the full range from budget to luxury categories.
"The group aims to have hotels in 15-20 countries including Japan, India, China, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines," Kevin Wallace, president of Centara International Management, said yesterday.
Centara Hotels and Resorts will back all expansion and overall operations both locally and overseas, while Centara International Management, the new hotel management subsidiary, will focus on searching for new management contracts.
Centara has already opened its first joint venture hotel in India and also manages a hotel in the Maldives. It is negotiating with other investors for more deals in other countries.
Expansion will be mainly in hotel management rather than the building of hotels.
About 10 per cent of the new properties will be in the luxury class, 50 per cent will be four stars, 20 per cent three stars, 10 per cent two stars and 10 per cent boutique resorts.
Centara expects to create at least two more brands this year, one for three stars and the other for two stars.
"In Europe, we would like to have a flagship hotel in London to represent our portfolio in the region, however, we will concentrate on the Far East," Wallace said.
Centara currently operates more than 20 hotels and resorts in Thailand and elsewhere under three brands - Centara Grand for luxury properties, Centara Villas and Resort for four stars and Bhundhari for boutique hotels.
Gerd Steeb, president of Centara Hotels and Resorts, said the group plans to operate 77 new hotels in Thailand and overseas within five years, of which 65 would be managed by the group and the rest would be built by the group.
Suthikiati Chirathivat, group executive chairman, said hotel management is easier than hotel development and also a win-win scenario for Thailand, the property owner and Centara.
The owner can gain access Centara's wide distribution and customer base, global sales force and professional management team.
"Overseas, we have already started in the Maldives and Indian markets and will go further," he said.
The plan would take the group's revenue from the food and hotel business to Bt14 billion by 2014, from Bt8.2 billion last year.
Centara demolished its popular hotel in North Pattaya, the Central Wong Amat, and replaced it with the Bt4.2 billion Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, under the theme of Lost World Indiana Jones.
The hotel features 555 guestrooms and a huge convention hall that can accommodate up to 1,200 meeting participants.
The face-lift is the pilot project for natural theme development, which is now planned for the next hotels in Hua Hin, Koh Muk Island, Chiang Mai as well as abroad.
The group expects the new property would attract both local and international families as well as business travellers to the beach resort of Pattaya.
"The group aims to have hotels in 15-20 countries including Japan, India, China, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines," Kevin Wallace, president of Centara International Management, said yesterday.
Centara Hotels and Resorts will back all expansion and overall operations both locally and overseas, while Centara International Management, the new hotel management subsidiary, will focus on searching for new management contracts.
Centara has already opened its first joint venture hotel in India and also manages a hotel in the Maldives. It is negotiating with other investors for more deals in other countries.
Expansion will be mainly in hotel management rather than the building of hotels.
About 10 per cent of the new properties will be in the luxury class, 50 per cent will be four stars, 20 per cent three stars, 10 per cent two stars and 10 per cent boutique resorts.
Centara expects to create at least two more brands this year, one for three stars and the other for two stars.
"In Europe, we would like to have a flagship hotel in London to represent our portfolio in the region, however, we will concentrate on the Far East," Wallace said.
Centara currently operates more than 20 hotels and resorts in Thailand and elsewhere under three brands - Centara Grand for luxury properties, Centara Villas and Resort for four stars and Bhundhari for boutique hotels.
Gerd Steeb, president of Centara Hotels and Resorts, said the group plans to operate 77 new hotels in Thailand and overseas within five years, of which 65 would be managed by the group and the rest would be built by the group.
Suthikiati Chirathivat, group executive chairman, said hotel management is easier than hotel development and also a win-win scenario for Thailand, the property owner and Centara.
The owner can gain access Centara's wide distribution and customer base, global sales force and professional management team.
"Overseas, we have already started in the Maldives and Indian markets and will go further," he said.
The plan would take the group's revenue from the food and hotel business to Bt14 billion by 2014, from Bt8.2 billion last year.
Centara demolished its popular hotel in North Pattaya, the Central Wong Amat, and replaced it with the Bt4.2 billion Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, under the theme of Lost World Indiana Jones.
The hotel features 555 guestrooms and a huge convention hall that can accommodate up to 1,200 meeting participants.
The face-lift is the pilot project for natural theme development, which is now planned for the next hotels in Hua Hin, Koh Muk Island, Chiang Mai as well as abroad.
The group expects the new property would attract both local and international families as well as business travellers to the beach resort of Pattaya.
Monday, September 21, 2009
GOBBLING DOWN SAMUI
Beyond sand and surf and new hotels across the lowlands and atop the hills, Koh Samui is also a good place for a tummy-challenging tour of the culinary world.
Thanks to Citibank, I had a chance to try the food journey throughout the island, from local dishes and fusion to Mediterranean, Italian, creatively designed refreshments and sweet treats.
Throughout the three-day trek through seven eateries, you require the ability to sample at least eight dishes per venue.
Is it totally fun? Yes-with the help of digestive pills.
Ideally, you'll able to spend time at each place, enjoying a lazy pace and the stunning sea views and welldesigned sea views and well designed decor while savourig good food.
It's recommended to start with the local dishes at Krua Chao Baan on Bang Naam Jued Beach. In business for nearly 20 years, the seaside, openair restaurant is presented simply with atap-thatched shelters, but the delicious food is second to none and the prices are reasonable.
The menu is extensive. Among the mouth-watering dishes are kaeng som pla kapong(sour soup with white snapper) , the Krua Chao Baan puffy omelette stuffed with minced shrimp, crab, squied and mushroom and wai phad sapparod(stir-fried octopus with pineapple).
But those prove to be just warmups for the rest of the tour. For more seafood and Thai cuisine in a fine-dining experience with Thai classical music, there's Samui Seafood at the Muang Samui Spa Resort.
Done up in Thai-style decor with wood predominant, its Thai dishes are prepared under the supervision of Amintra Sukarawan, the founder of the Royal Thai Culinary Centre.
She's inherited the exquisite royal Thai cuisine and food carvings from her grandmother, ML Puang Tinakorn.
Its thod mun koong (deep-fried shrimp patties) are formed in ring shape and skewered with lemongrass, to go well with mango and sesame dip.
The most stunning dish, however, is gai satay(chicked satay with peanut sauce), where the sticks of checkens are served in a small, elephant-shaped terracotta stove filled with charcoal. If you want to take the terracotta elephant home, it's Bt1,200.
After the heavy meals, take a break with afternoon tea and eleverly designed canapes at the design hotel Library on Chaweng Beach.
At the cube-shaped inn with its spacious green lawn is the minimalist restaurant The Page, where you can sit in the air-conditioned area, in the open air or on a terrace overlooking the sea and an unusual swimming pool of red mosaic.
I can recommed the smoked salmon with cantaloupe, tuna ricotta cheese, prawn cake ball, toasted bread with N'duja and the fruit skewer.
Six Senses Hideaway Samui has been praised for its breathtaking views of the gulf and outlying islands. It's best to try refreshments while enjoying the sunset at Dining on the Rocks, located at the tip of the headland with a 270-degree view.
Among the creations are hamachi sushi, lamb somtam, smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and hot lime ice cream.
If you yearn for Italian cuisine in a romantic seaside setting, Olivio at the Baan Haad Ngam Resort is where most people go.
Italian chef Luigi Fadda warmly welcomed us with a mixed starter of antipasto. Among the signature dishes are fettuccine seafood, salmon steak, baked snowfish with rosemary and garlic asd ink risotto with prawn and seafood.
You should save room for dessert, because his tiramisu in a cup of coffee is terrific.
Another option for a fantastic dinner is the Pier, right at the pier at Fisherman's Village. The two-storey, loft-style eatery was designed by noted architect Duangrit Bunnag and serves both Thai and European dished with nice presentations.
After running the Mangrove restaurant next to Samui airport for seven years, French chef Yannick Tirbois and his wife Ilse Dumont joined with the Thai businessman who owns the Karmakamet Aromatic Hotel. They took over the Pier, adding more European dishes in the menu.
The mixed seafood starter is a must, with laab gai(spicy chicked salad) , pad thai(stir-fried Thai noodles), deep fried herbed pork ribs and crispy softshell crab with curry powder.
When night falls, up your beat at the Red Snapper Bar & Grill at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, which boasts live Latin music.
The menu here focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, and of course, red snapper in an herbed crust is the signature dish.
For starters, opt for grilled chichked on bamboo marinated in Moroccan spices or tuna carpaccio with balsamic and olive oil dressing. The roast duck breast with red wine sauce is also terrific.
BE VERY, VERY HUNGRY
Krua Chao Baan at Hua Thanon near Wat Sila-ngu is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call(077)418 589 or (089) 009 5560.
Samui Seafood Restaurant at the Muang Samui Spa Resort is open daily from 11am to midnight. Call(077)429 700 or visit www.MuangSamui.com.
The Page at the Library Hotel is open daily from 6:30am to 11pm. Call(077) 422 767-8 or visit www.TheLibrary.name.
Dining on the Rocks at the Six Senses Hideaway Samui is open daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Call(077) 245 678 or visit www.SixSenses.com.
Olivio at the Baan Haad Ngam Resort is open daily from 11am to 10.30pm. Call(077) 231 500-8 visit www.BaanHaadNgam.com.
The Pier at Fisherman's Village is open daily from 11am to midnight. Call(077) 430 680.
The Red Snapper Bar&Grill at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is is open daily from 5pm to 1am. Call(077) 422 008 or visit www.ChawengRegent.com
Thanks to Citibank, I had a chance to try the food journey throughout the island, from local dishes and fusion to Mediterranean, Italian, creatively designed refreshments and sweet treats.
Throughout the three-day trek through seven eateries, you require the ability to sample at least eight dishes per venue.
Is it totally fun? Yes-with the help of digestive pills.
Ideally, you'll able to spend time at each place, enjoying a lazy pace and the stunning sea views and welldesigned sea views and well designed decor while savourig good food.
It's recommended to start with the local dishes at Krua Chao Baan on Bang Naam Jued Beach. In business for nearly 20 years, the seaside, openair restaurant is presented simply with atap-thatched shelters, but the delicious food is second to none and the prices are reasonable.
The menu is extensive. Among the mouth-watering dishes are kaeng som pla kapong(sour soup with white snapper) , the Krua Chao Baan puffy omelette stuffed with minced shrimp, crab, squied and mushroom and wai phad sapparod(stir-fried octopus with pineapple).
But those prove to be just warmups for the rest of the tour. For more seafood and Thai cuisine in a fine-dining experience with Thai classical music, there's Samui Seafood at the Muang Samui Spa Resort.
Done up in Thai-style decor with wood predominant, its Thai dishes are prepared under the supervision of Amintra Sukarawan, the founder of the Royal Thai Culinary Centre.
She's inherited the exquisite royal Thai cuisine and food carvings from her grandmother, ML Puang Tinakorn.
Its thod mun koong (deep-fried shrimp patties) are formed in ring shape and skewered with lemongrass, to go well with mango and sesame dip.
The most stunning dish, however, is gai satay(chicked satay with peanut sauce), where the sticks of checkens are served in a small, elephant-shaped terracotta stove filled with charcoal. If you want to take the terracotta elephant home, it's Bt1,200.
After the heavy meals, take a break with afternoon tea and eleverly designed canapes at the design hotel Library on Chaweng Beach.
At the cube-shaped inn with its spacious green lawn is the minimalist restaurant The Page, where you can sit in the air-conditioned area, in the open air or on a terrace overlooking the sea and an unusual swimming pool of red mosaic.
I can recommed the smoked salmon with cantaloupe, tuna ricotta cheese, prawn cake ball, toasted bread with N'duja and the fruit skewer.
Six Senses Hideaway Samui has been praised for its breathtaking views of the gulf and outlying islands. It's best to try refreshments while enjoying the sunset at Dining on the Rocks, located at the tip of the headland with a 270-degree view.
Among the creations are hamachi sushi, lamb somtam, smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and hot lime ice cream.
If you yearn for Italian cuisine in a romantic seaside setting, Olivio at the Baan Haad Ngam Resort is where most people go.
Italian chef Luigi Fadda warmly welcomed us with a mixed starter of antipasto. Among the signature dishes are fettuccine seafood, salmon steak, baked snowfish with rosemary and garlic asd ink risotto with prawn and seafood.
You should save room for dessert, because his tiramisu in a cup of coffee is terrific.
Another option for a fantastic dinner is the Pier, right at the pier at Fisherman's Village. The two-storey, loft-style eatery was designed by noted architect Duangrit Bunnag and serves both Thai and European dished with nice presentations.
After running the Mangrove restaurant next to Samui airport for seven years, French chef Yannick Tirbois and his wife Ilse Dumont joined with the Thai businessman who owns the Karmakamet Aromatic Hotel. They took over the Pier, adding more European dishes in the menu.
The mixed seafood starter is a must, with laab gai(spicy chicked salad) , pad thai(stir-fried Thai noodles), deep fried herbed pork ribs and crispy softshell crab with curry powder.
When night falls, up your beat at the Red Snapper Bar & Grill at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, which boasts live Latin music.
The menu here focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, and of course, red snapper in an herbed crust is the signature dish.
For starters, opt for grilled chichked on bamboo marinated in Moroccan spices or tuna carpaccio with balsamic and olive oil dressing. The roast duck breast with red wine sauce is also terrific.
BE VERY, VERY HUNGRY
Krua Chao Baan at Hua Thanon near Wat Sila-ngu is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call(077)418 589 or (089) 009 5560.
Samui Seafood Restaurant at the Muang Samui Spa Resort is open daily from 11am to midnight. Call(077)429 700 or visit www.MuangSamui.com.
The Page at the Library Hotel is open daily from 6:30am to 11pm. Call(077) 422 767-8 or visit www.TheLibrary.name.
Dining on the Rocks at the Six Senses Hideaway Samui is open daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Call(077) 245 678 or visit www.SixSenses.com.
Olivio at the Baan Haad Ngam Resort is open daily from 11am to 10.30pm. Call(077) 231 500-8 visit www.BaanHaadNgam.com.
The Pier at Fisherman's Village is open daily from 11am to midnight. Call(077) 430 680.
The Red Snapper Bar&Grill at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is is open daily from 5pm to 1am. Call(077) 422 008 or visit www.ChawengRegent.com
Dubai World restructures
The government conglomerate Dubai World shifted hotel and property assets, as well as executives, from developer Nakheel to its Istithmar World unit on Thursday, as part of its restructuring process.
The conglomerate said the assets were mainly in international markets and would place Nakheel Hotels, which has properties in Asia, Europe and the United States, under Istithmar.
Analysts said the changes - including a new chief investment officer following the departure of Istithmar's two co-chief investment officers last week - sent a comforting signal to foreign investors,worried about Istithmar's prospects.
"The fact they have appointed a new teammeans that this vehicle is continuing," said Mohammed Yasin, chief executive of Shuaa Securities.
"They will have new objectives to try to arrange refinancing for investments,to refinance the leverage and maybe try to recoup as much as can be from some of those investments that were done."
There had been speculation that Istithmar, the investment arm of the Dubai government and owner of US luxury retailer Barneys New York, may be facing difficulties.
It hired an advisory firm in August to help it mull options to shore up Barneys'financial position and a media report last week said Istithmar is freezing investments as part of a restructuring that may result in the sale of the fund or its assets.
Dubai World said in its statement on Thursday that the changes were "part of an ongoing organisational operational restructuring process within the group."
The media report also said its chief executive's job was under review. In a statement last week, Istithmar said chief executive David Jackson's job was safe,but did not comment on the rest of the report.
"There was a widening opinion that Istithmar World was potentially being wound down, but this contradicts that opinion," said Fahd Iqbal, vice-president of research at EFG-Hermes.
Dubai World named Andy Watson as chief investment officer of Istithmar World and Binod Narasimhan as chief financial officer, from developer Nakheel and Nakheel Hotels, respectively.
It also appointed Sandesh Pandhare,who already worked at Istithmar, as managing director, private equity at the investment arm.
Hamza Mustafa was appointed managing director, real estate. He was formerly general manager of Nakheel's The World project, a series of man-made islands shaped like a map of the world.
Dubai World, which also owns port operator DP World, also said Joe Sita,chief executive of Nakheel Hotels, had left the company.
Istithmar is one of the flagship companies of state-owned Dubai World,which has been hit hard by the global financial crisis. Its real estate unit Nakheel, famous for developing man-made islands shaped like palms, is being closely watched for its ability to refinance $3.52 billion of Islamic bonds, maturing in December.
Dubai World has $59 billion of liabilities, a large proportion of the Gulf emirate's total debt.
"They keep on giving these ad hoc restructuring announcements ... this is all good, but how does it actually repay their debt?" said Abdul Kadir Hussain,chief executive at Mashreq Capital.
Hussain said the move could be a precursor to selling some of the hotel assets but there was little clarity on plans.
"If this transfer of assets is part of an overall strategy then great, as long as the end result is a less leveraged, less risky company."
Nakheel Hotels, which include the Mandarin Oriental and W hotels in New York and Corinthia Metropole in London,bought luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2007 with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel, off one of its palm islands.
In July, the company said it was mulling moving the ship from the emirate to another location in the region or Africa.
The conglomerate said the assets were mainly in international markets and would place Nakheel Hotels, which has properties in Asia, Europe and the United States, under Istithmar.
Analysts said the changes - including a new chief investment officer following the departure of Istithmar's two co-chief investment officers last week - sent a comforting signal to foreign investors,worried about Istithmar's prospects.
"The fact they have appointed a new teammeans that this vehicle is continuing," said Mohammed Yasin, chief executive of Shuaa Securities.
"They will have new objectives to try to arrange refinancing for investments,to refinance the leverage and maybe try to recoup as much as can be from some of those investments that were done."
There had been speculation that Istithmar, the investment arm of the Dubai government and owner of US luxury retailer Barneys New York, may be facing difficulties.
It hired an advisory firm in August to help it mull options to shore up Barneys'financial position and a media report last week said Istithmar is freezing investments as part of a restructuring that may result in the sale of the fund or its assets.
Dubai World said in its statement on Thursday that the changes were "part of an ongoing organisational operational restructuring process within the group."
The media report also said its chief executive's job was under review. In a statement last week, Istithmar said chief executive David Jackson's job was safe,but did not comment on the rest of the report.
"There was a widening opinion that Istithmar World was potentially being wound down, but this contradicts that opinion," said Fahd Iqbal, vice-president of research at EFG-Hermes.
Dubai World named Andy Watson as chief investment officer of Istithmar World and Binod Narasimhan as chief financial officer, from developer Nakheel and Nakheel Hotels, respectively.
It also appointed Sandesh Pandhare,who already worked at Istithmar, as managing director, private equity at the investment arm.
Hamza Mustafa was appointed managing director, real estate. He was formerly general manager of Nakheel's The World project, a series of man-made islands shaped like a map of the world.
Dubai World, which also owns port operator DP World, also said Joe Sita,chief executive of Nakheel Hotels, had left the company.
Istithmar is one of the flagship companies of state-owned Dubai World,which has been hit hard by the global financial crisis. Its real estate unit Nakheel, famous for developing man-made islands shaped like palms, is being closely watched for its ability to refinance $3.52 billion of Islamic bonds, maturing in December.
Dubai World has $59 billion of liabilities, a large proportion of the Gulf emirate's total debt.
"They keep on giving these ad hoc restructuring announcements ... this is all good, but how does it actually repay their debt?" said Abdul Kadir Hussain,chief executive at Mashreq Capital.
Hussain said the move could be a precursor to selling some of the hotel assets but there was little clarity on plans.
"If this transfer of assets is part of an overall strategy then great, as long as the end result is a less leveraged, less risky company."
Nakheel Hotels, which include the Mandarin Oriental and W hotels in New York and Corinthia Metropole in London,bought luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2007 with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel, off one of its palm islands.
In July, the company said it was mulling moving the ship from the emirate to another location in the region or Africa.
PLAZA ATHENEE COMPLETES BT400M FACE-LIFT
Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien hotel, has completed construction and renovation of facilities and meeting rooms worth Bt400 million. The changes are aimed at retrieving meetings and conferences from overseas and local markets.
The hotel has added 11 function rooms, including a huge meeting space, Crystal Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500 persons. The hotel is now able to offer 28 meeting rooms and conference halls.
Georges Baurin, hotel general manager, expects that the new facilities will attract more meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) events from both local and overseas companies and other groups.
Although hotels in Bangkok are facing difficulties in the MICE market this year due to the global economic crisis and internal political unrest, some indicators show Bangkok is getting closer to being "back on track".
"In the past months, there has been widespread resistance to considering this destination, but things will recover soon," he said.
To deal with the slowdown, the hotel is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to promote Thailand as a "best value" meeting destination.
Over the last 12 months, representatives from the hotel have travelled to India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Eastern Europe and the Middle East to introduce the hotel's new functions.
Meanwhile, all sales and marketing units of the hotel's mother management company, Starwood, are assisting in promoting the hotel's new attractions.
Hotel manager Patrick Schaub said the changes include training staff and bringing the number of chefs to 120 in order to cope with huge meetings. It will soon introduce a "wedding gallery" to capture wedding business.
According to Baurin, the hotel expects to fill 25-30 per cent of room nights by next year.
Revenue from MICE business is also expected to increase from 25 percent in 2008 to 29 percent this year and to rise to 35 percent by 2011.
The hotel invited Preeda Tantemsub of the Thai racing car team to promote facilities, as MICE participants appreciate speed and will see that the hotel "runs faster" than rivals located nearby.
The hotel has extended its current promotion "Free Meeting & Free Nights" to the end of March.
The hotel has added 11 function rooms, including a huge meeting space, Crystal Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500 persons. The hotel is now able to offer 28 meeting rooms and conference halls.
Georges Baurin, hotel general manager, expects that the new facilities will attract more meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) events from both local and overseas companies and other groups.
Although hotels in Bangkok are facing difficulties in the MICE market this year due to the global economic crisis and internal political unrest, some indicators show Bangkok is getting closer to being "back on track".
"In the past months, there has been widespread resistance to considering this destination, but things will recover soon," he said.
To deal with the slowdown, the hotel is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to promote Thailand as a "best value" meeting destination.
Over the last 12 months, representatives from the hotel have travelled to India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Eastern Europe and the Middle East to introduce the hotel's new functions.
Meanwhile, all sales and marketing units of the hotel's mother management company, Starwood, are assisting in promoting the hotel's new attractions.
Hotel manager Patrick Schaub said the changes include training staff and bringing the number of chefs to 120 in order to cope with huge meetings. It will soon introduce a "wedding gallery" to capture wedding business.
According to Baurin, the hotel expects to fill 25-30 per cent of room nights by next year.
Revenue from MICE business is also expected to increase from 25 percent in 2008 to 29 percent this year and to rise to 35 percent by 2011.
The hotel invited Preeda Tantemsub of the Thai racing car team to promote facilities, as MICE participants appreciate speed and will see that the hotel "runs faster" than rivals located nearby.
The hotel has extended its current promotion "Free Meeting & Free Nights" to the end of March.
SWEET DREAMS DOWNTOWN
For the majority of backpackers,the most important aspect of any hostel is the atmosphere.Just a year old ,Lub D Hostel in the cetre of Bangkok has plenty of atmosphere,and it offers a friendly welcome to those who venture down Decho Road in an attempt to find it.It's about a 10-minute walk from Chong Nonsri BTS Station and a bout the same distance if you're planning to visit the lively clubs on silom soi 4.
The hostel may be housed in an old four-storey building but step inside and you'll find it's absolutely spotless. The design is simple and easy on the eye,with a steel staircase, bright paint and bare concrete and a theme that follows Bangkok streets. Rooms are named after such well known thoroughfares as Silom,Sukhumvit and Khao San, and there are maps of Bangkok pinned up at almost every corner.
Check in takes place on the ground floor in a spacious lobby that serves as the communal lounge and offers many board games,free 24-hour Internet, a travel information desk, plus a cafe and bar.Once registered, you receive an electronic keycard to access the upper floors.
The biggest dormitory room at Lub D has 10 beds; other dorms have eight and six beds. Each bed has a big,thick mattress and is equipped with its own reading light,electrical socket and a big locker on the side.Most dormitory rooms are quite bright with a big glass windoew that allows the sun to shine in and looks out over a Silom backstreet. Rates start at Bt 550 a night, which is not bad for the space,cleanliness and location.
Interestingly,the hostel provides a "ladies-only"section for female travellers.This offers a little more space plus a large shared bathroom designed especially for the fairer sex and equipped with Thai spa amenities.
Couple can opt for a private bunk bed room with shared bathroom.This room type, priced at Bt 1,400 a night,is known as the Railway twin room and comes with a study table,sccurity safe box,towels and blanket. The hostel also features a Lub D double room, which is furnished with a queen-size bed,LCD television and has a bathroom en-suite. It's yours for Bt 1,800 a night
There's no swimming pool or spa, but travellers can chill at Viewpoint Theatre on the second floor, a sizeable room with lots of floor cushions and pillows.
The hostel also has a laundry room where guests can do their own washing at anytime of the day.
All the rooms are clean and air conditioned,the shared bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot.
While not supercheap,Lub D is well suited to Thailand's backpacker scene.
ATGLANCE
High Point: If you're looking for brand new budget accommodation in central Bangkok, give Lub D a try. This is a mart, new generation hostel that should appeal to most types of budget travellers as much as to gap-year backpackers.
Low Point: It's right in the heart of the commercial district and is a 10-minute walk from the nearest Skytrain. It's surrounded by old and not particularly attractive buildings and very few trees. Decho Road also tends to get gridlocked during peak hours.
Find it:4 Decho Road ,Silom area,Bang Rak,Bangkok 10500
Pay for it:Prices start from Bt550 a night per bed in a dormitory room and go up to Bt1,800 a night for a double room.Special Internet rates are always on offer.
Browse it : www.LubD.com
Book it: contactus@lubd.com.
Book it: Call(02)634 7999 or e-mail:contactus@lubd.com.
The hostel may be housed in an old four-storey building but step inside and you'll find it's absolutely spotless. The design is simple and easy on the eye,with a steel staircase, bright paint and bare concrete and a theme that follows Bangkok streets. Rooms are named after such well known thoroughfares as Silom,Sukhumvit and Khao San, and there are maps of Bangkok pinned up at almost every corner.
Check in takes place on the ground floor in a spacious lobby that serves as the communal lounge and offers many board games,free 24-hour Internet, a travel information desk, plus a cafe and bar.Once registered, you receive an electronic keycard to access the upper floors.
The biggest dormitory room at Lub D has 10 beds; other dorms have eight and six beds. Each bed has a big,thick mattress and is equipped with its own reading light,electrical socket and a big locker on the side.Most dormitory rooms are quite bright with a big glass windoew that allows the sun to shine in and looks out over a Silom backstreet. Rates start at Bt 550 a night, which is not bad for the space,cleanliness and location.
Interestingly,the hostel provides a "ladies-only"section for female travellers.This offers a little more space plus a large shared bathroom designed especially for the fairer sex and equipped with Thai spa amenities.
Couple can opt for a private bunk bed room with shared bathroom.This room type, priced at Bt 1,400 a night,is known as the Railway twin room and comes with a study table,sccurity safe box,towels and blanket. The hostel also features a Lub D double room, which is furnished with a queen-size bed,LCD television and has a bathroom en-suite. It's yours for Bt 1,800 a night
There's no swimming pool or spa, but travellers can chill at Viewpoint Theatre on the second floor, a sizeable room with lots of floor cushions and pillows.
The hostel also has a laundry room where guests can do their own washing at anytime of the day.
All the rooms are clean and air conditioned,the shared bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot.
While not supercheap,Lub D is well suited to Thailand's backpacker scene.
ATGLANCE
High Point: If you're looking for brand new budget accommodation in central Bangkok, give Lub D a try. This is a mart, new generation hostel that should appeal to most types of budget travellers as much as to gap-year backpackers.
Low Point: It's right in the heart of the commercial district and is a 10-minute walk from the nearest Skytrain. It's surrounded by old and not particularly attractive buildings and very few trees. Decho Road also tends to get gridlocked during peak hours.
Find it:4 Decho Road ,Silom area,Bang Rak,Bangkok 10500
Pay for it:Prices start from Bt550 a night per bed in a dormitory room and go up to Bt1,800 a night for a double room.Special Internet rates are always on offer.
Browse it : www.LubD.com
Book it: contactus@lubd.com.
Book it: Call(02)634 7999 or e-mail:contactus@lubd.com.
Friday, September 18, 2009
GLOBAL TOURISM OPERATORS TO FLOCK TO CHINA FAIR
Tourism operators from around the world are set to join the annual PATA Travel Mart in Hangzhou from September 22-25, with Thailand intending to win back Chinese visitors.
Altogether 591 sellers from 38 countries and 305 buyers from 51 countries including Thailand have confirmed their attendance at the tourism mart to be organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Chairwoman Phornsiri Manoharn yesterday said China was ranked as the fifth-strongest source market globally by the World Tourism Organisation, as measured by tourism-related expenditures. That means there is no doubt operators will be in the right country at the right time this year.
More than 4.2 million Chinese travelled to Southeast Asian countries last year. Singapore gained the most, with nearly 1 million visitors. However, the figure was down due to the global economic crisis and type-A (H1N1) influenza.
CEO Greg Duffell said Chinese arrivals to the Kingdom during the first half dropped 38 per cent year on year, due to political issues.
However, tourism here and in other countries would recover soon and operators hoped to reclaim customers from China and also other markets, he said.
Some of the new participants this year include tourism ministers from Tonga and Vanuatu.
Suparerk Thongsuk, deputy managing director of Fair House Villa and Spa Samui, said it would be first time for the hotel to join the event and that he expected to draw interest from China and other short-haul markets.
Luzi Matzig, CEO of Bangkok-based Asia Trails, said it was an opportunity to discover a new and most interesting destination, which most operators do not know about yet, and also to network with existing clients and secure new ones.
"I expect our company to meet with many first-time participants at the Pata Mart for further deals," he said.
Alison Partridge, president of Canada's Proof Positive Solutions, said attendees were decision-makers from every corner of the world and that they were there to do business.
Akbar Shareef, CEO of Pakistan's Rakaposhi Tours, said the company had prescheduled appointments that some of the other travel exhibitions do not have even though they are bigger in size and in number, so it was a chance for local sellers to exhibit in greater numbers.
Bob Malcolm, managing director of Australia's Travel Masters, said he wanted new relationships with product providers to be established that would hopefully be mutually beneficial over time.
Altogether 591 sellers from 38 countries and 305 buyers from 51 countries including Thailand have confirmed their attendance at the tourism mart to be organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Chairwoman Phornsiri Manoharn yesterday said China was ranked as the fifth-strongest source market globally by the World Tourism Organisation, as measured by tourism-related expenditures. That means there is no doubt operators will be in the right country at the right time this year.
More than 4.2 million Chinese travelled to Southeast Asian countries last year. Singapore gained the most, with nearly 1 million visitors. However, the figure was down due to the global economic crisis and type-A (H1N1) influenza.
CEO Greg Duffell said Chinese arrivals to the Kingdom during the first half dropped 38 per cent year on year, due to political issues.
However, tourism here and in other countries would recover soon and operators hoped to reclaim customers from China and also other markets, he said.
Some of the new participants this year include tourism ministers from Tonga and Vanuatu.
Suparerk Thongsuk, deputy managing director of Fair House Villa and Spa Samui, said it would be first time for the hotel to join the event and that he expected to draw interest from China and other short-haul markets.
Luzi Matzig, CEO of Bangkok-based Asia Trails, said it was an opportunity to discover a new and most interesting destination, which most operators do not know about yet, and also to network with existing clients and secure new ones.
"I expect our company to meet with many first-time participants at the Pata Mart for further deals," he said.
Alison Partridge, president of Canada's Proof Positive Solutions, said attendees were decision-makers from every corner of the world and that they were there to do business.
Akbar Shareef, CEO of Pakistan's Rakaposhi Tours, said the company had prescheduled appointments that some of the other travel exhibitions do not have even though they are bigger in size and in number, so it was a chance for local sellers to exhibit in greater numbers.
Bob Malcolm, managing director of Australia's Travel Masters, said he wanted new relationships with product providers to be established that would hopefully be mutually beneficial over time.
Hotelier ventures into villas for sale
Astudo Hotel & Resort Group, a local developer and hotel management company, has allocated a 500-million-baht budget to develop residential units on its properties.
The company last week launched sales of pool villas at its X2 Kui Buri resort, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Residential sales at X2 Samui on Koh Samui will start next month and at X2 Koh Kood, in Trat province, near the year-Unit price end, said Anthony McDonald,the CEO of Astudo.
X2 Residences in Kui Buri will require an investment budget of 150 million baht with each villa priced at 3.5 million baht.
"After the launch of pool villas, we got a warm welcome from our regular customers. Our property is very unique particularly in terms of design. Above all, the villas are not only summer houses but can generate money for owners as well because we also provide a management service with a guaranteed rental return of 5% to 7%," he said.
Under the five-year management contract, an owner can stay in the villa for up to 60 days per year and rent it out for the rest of the time, for which Atsudo will charge a management fee.
A 50:50 revenue share between Atsudo and the villa owner is another option which allows the owner the freedom of an unlimited stay.
Mr McDonald said those who buy the villa as an investment can break even within seven to 10 years. Foreigners can buy a 30-year leasehold.
At present, Astudo has four of its own
properties and also manages another six.
Mr McDonald B3.5m
said the company is expanding into the both the Asia Pacific's hotel management and residential property markets.
It expects to close deals in Cambodia and Bali this year and is also in talks with a developer in the Maldives, he said.
The average year-to-date occupancy rate at the firm's 10 resorts was 50%while revenue rose by 20%, said Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, the company's group vice-president for business development.
The company plans to launch a new brand of budget hotel called The Case Hotels. The first properties, in Manila,the Philippines, and Bangkok, are scheduled to be launched next year.
The company last week launched sales of pool villas at its X2 Kui Buri resort, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Residential sales at X2 Samui on Koh Samui will start next month and at X2 Koh Kood, in Trat province, near the year-Unit price end, said Anthony McDonald,the CEO of Astudo.
X2 Residences in Kui Buri will require an investment budget of 150 million baht with each villa priced at 3.5 million baht.
"After the launch of pool villas, we got a warm welcome from our regular customers. Our property is very unique particularly in terms of design. Above all, the villas are not only summer houses but can generate money for owners as well because we also provide a management service with a guaranteed rental return of 5% to 7%," he said.
Under the five-year management contract, an owner can stay in the villa for up to 60 days per year and rent it out for the rest of the time, for which Atsudo will charge a management fee.
A 50:50 revenue share between Atsudo and the villa owner is another option which allows the owner the freedom of an unlimited stay.
Mr McDonald said those who buy the villa as an investment can break even within seven to 10 years. Foreigners can buy a 30-year leasehold.
At present, Astudo has four of its own
properties and also manages another six.
Mr McDonald B3.5m
said the company is expanding into the both the Asia Pacific's hotel management and residential property markets.
It expects to close deals in Cambodia and Bali this year and is also in talks with a developer in the Maldives, he said.
The average year-to-date occupancy rate at the firm's 10 resorts was 50%while revenue rose by 20%, said Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, the company's group vice-president for business development.
The company plans to launch a new brand of budget hotel called The Case Hotels. The first properties, in Manila,the Philippines, and Bangkok, are scheduled to be launched next year.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fico diversifies into hotel management
Fico Group, a diversified conglomerate,is moving into the hotel management business with a goal of managing at least six hotels in the next five years.
Fico bought a half-stake of Eugenia Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 31 and made the property its prototype boutique hotel before deciding to manage others. Fico then entered a 50:50 joint venture,Eugenia Fenix, with a Taiwanese designer, the hotel's co-owner, to offer hotel management services.
The 12-room Eugenia Hotel, which presents a colonial touch and homey feeling, is scheduled to relaunch in the next fewmonths after adding a spa and bar. Average occupancy is 70% now.
"It was love at first sight when I went to the hotel," said Sofi Sui, Fico's chief operating officer."It is not just a hotel but it has history and a warm atmosphere unlike other hotels. I believe that many people want to own a hotel like this but they do not know how to do it."
Fico is in talks with local and international investors as well as an investment fund in Hong Kong about a similar hotel project in the future. Fico will be the investor and Eugenia Fenix will manage the hotel.
"They are interested in our project and some of them are considering coinvesting with us. We expect to see another Eugenia Hotel in the Sukhumvit area in 2010," she said.
The company wants its hotel brand to differ from others in terms of de' cor and food, something it feels small hotels need to take seriously.
Eugenia Hotel is already listed in the Relais & Chateaux Fine Hostelries of the World and will be managed personally by Ms Sui, who is also the CEO of Eugenia Fenix.
Fico is also investing 4.2 billion baht to develop four properties: the 380-room Novotel Fenix Ploenchit and the 176-room Muse Hotel, expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2010, the 301-room Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22, due to open in early 2012, and a Marriott Hotel on Samui to open in two years.
The company also allocated 450 million baht for two more projects. It will spend 200 million baht to renovate the 150-year-old governor's mansion in downtown Phuket into an entertainment club and 250 million baht for a facelift of the Novotel Fenix Silom.
Ms Sui said Fico was confident in Thai tourism. Thailand offers value for money, more attractions than most countries, and cheaper hotel rates than Hong Kong and Singapore, she said.
"I do think travellers will slowly come back this year but they should obviously pick up in the second half of 2010 when the global economy is expected to recover," she said.
The group also owns the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, Interchange Tower,and the Exchange Tower in the Asok area, and a premium serviced apartment in Lang Suan.
Fico bought a half-stake of Eugenia Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 31 and made the property its prototype boutique hotel before deciding to manage others. Fico then entered a 50:50 joint venture,Eugenia Fenix, with a Taiwanese designer, the hotel's co-owner, to offer hotel management services.
The 12-room Eugenia Hotel, which presents a colonial touch and homey feeling, is scheduled to relaunch in the next fewmonths after adding a spa and bar. Average occupancy is 70% now.
"It was love at first sight when I went to the hotel," said Sofi Sui, Fico's chief operating officer."It is not just a hotel but it has history and a warm atmosphere unlike other hotels. I believe that many people want to own a hotel like this but they do not know how to do it."
Fico is in talks with local and international investors as well as an investment fund in Hong Kong about a similar hotel project in the future. Fico will be the investor and Eugenia Fenix will manage the hotel.
"They are interested in our project and some of them are considering coinvesting with us. We expect to see another Eugenia Hotel in the Sukhumvit area in 2010," she said.
The company wants its hotel brand to differ from others in terms of de' cor and food, something it feels small hotels need to take seriously.
Eugenia Hotel is already listed in the Relais & Chateaux Fine Hostelries of the World and will be managed personally by Ms Sui, who is also the CEO of Eugenia Fenix.
Fico is also investing 4.2 billion baht to develop four properties: the 380-room Novotel Fenix Ploenchit and the 176-room Muse Hotel, expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2010, the 301-room Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22, due to open in early 2012, and a Marriott Hotel on Samui to open in two years.
The company also allocated 450 million baht for two more projects. It will spend 200 million baht to renovate the 150-year-old governor's mansion in downtown Phuket into an entertainment club and 250 million baht for a facelift of the Novotel Fenix Silom.
Ms Sui said Fico was confident in Thai tourism. Thailand offers value for money, more attractions than most countries, and cheaper hotel rates than Hong Kong and Singapore, she said.
"I do think travellers will slowly come back this year but they should obviously pick up in the second half of 2010 when the global economy is expected to recover," she said.
The group also owns the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, Interchange Tower,and the Exchange Tower in the Asok area, and a premium serviced apartment in Lang Suan.
Monday, September 14, 2009
LE CORDON BLEU DUSIT CULINARY SCHOOL'S SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS held at the Napalai Ballroom,Dusit Thani Bangkok
LE CORDON BLEU DUSIT CULINARY SCHOOL'S SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS held at the Napalai Ballroom,Dusit Thani Bangkok.
Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School's 2nd Anniversary Celebrations was recently held under the auspicious presence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The event was organized by Dr Parichart Jumsai Na Ayudhaya and hosted by Mr. Gary Cromie, Joint - Venture Director of Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and Mr. Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International. The event was sponsored by Dato Dr A Nikhil Prasad (Jai) from PRExpress and was well attended by Local Celebrities, Members of the various Foreign Diplomatic Missions, Thai Business Leaders and Leading Socialites.
Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School's 2nd Anniversary Celebrations was recently held under the auspicious presence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The event was organized by Dr Parichart Jumsai Na Ayudhaya and hosted by Mr. Gary Cromie, Joint - Venture Director of Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and Mr. Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International. The event was sponsored by Dato Dr A Nikhil Prasad (Jai) from PRExpress and was well attended by Local Celebrities, Members of the various Foreign Diplomatic Missions, Thai Business Leaders and Leading Socialites.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
FLIPPING OUT ON PHUKET
Not known as big air travellers, it seems strange that the turtles of Phuket should choose Mai Khao beach to lay their eggs. The sands are just a few flipper flaps from Phuket International Airport, but perhaps the turtles are drawn by the local JW Marriott, right on the beach. Since it opened in 2002, the resort has donated significant sums of money each year to conserve the endangered species.
I washes up at Phuket's Marriott last month, when rainstorms were lashing the island several times a day. Mai Khao beach was peaceful and empty of tourists, but its three-metre high waves looked unswimmable. That judgement was obviously shared by the turtles, who has left the 17-kilometre strip of sand to the wind and rain.
Despits the inclement weather, couples and families were out in force at the resort, enjoying the three swimming pools that sprawl across the large grounds. The Main Pool in the middle of the resort is a whopping 107 metres long and comes complete with children's pool, slide, Jacuzzi and waterfalls. The North Pool is also the size of a lake but more tranquil while the Blue Pool to the south is a little livelier with a bar in the middle. With lagoons like these on your doorstep, who needs the sea?
Also on the grand scale is the resort's choice of guestrooms, 265 in all and 13 of them suites. I opted for one of the Deluxe rooms. Generous with space. they offer a minimum 47 square metres with a private balcony and sala-style lounge. Drawing back the curtain I got an eyeful of lush gardens and blue sea.
Although the balcony is a little cramped compared with the room itself, I was well satisfied. The bed is roomy and I had no complaints about the bathroom, which has both bathtub and shower area.
Back in the living room there's a DVD player, satellite TV, Internet access, mini bar, coffee/tea making facilities and safety deposit box. No need for an upgrade then, but if had felt like treating myself, the Royal Suite has a princely 340 square metres plus 300 metres of garden with an 18-metre pool and heated outdoor whirlpool.
A stroll around the resort quickly convinces you that a map is a must. Aside from the sheer size of the place, it's hard to keep track of where all the restaurants are. Breakfast is served at the Marriott Cafe but the options get more complicated for lunch and dinner. If you can find them, there's Cucina for Italian dining, the Andaman Grill for seafood lovers, Ginja Taste Thai restaurant, the Kabuki sushi bar and the Siam Deli. The poolside bars also do snacks and light meals.
After pampering their tastebuds, guests can sample the menu at the Mandara Spa. Its stunning architecture houses 16 treatment suites. Those who've piled on the pounds can take advantage of the health club and fitness centre nearby. Well equiped, it comes with a sauna and Jacuzzi to wind down from your workout. If you're feeling sporty you can ask the friendly staff for directions to the resort's tennis courts or to the golf course at the Blue canyon Country Club just up the road. Meanwhile, younger folk can get their kicks at the Children's Pavilion.
Visitors who arrive towards the end of next month will find much calmer seas and plenty of opportunities for swimming, diving and other water sports. Perhaps the turtles will be back, too.
With last year's opening of the nearby Anantara Phuket resort as well as the launch of Turtle Village, a small shopping and dining complex, Mai Khao beach feels a little less secluded than it once did. But only a little - those seeking the bright city lights still have a long journey to find them. Thai's fine with the guests who come back year after year to the Marriot on Mai Khao. Peace and seclusion is obviously their idea of a good time.
I washes up at Phuket's Marriott last month, when rainstorms were lashing the island several times a day. Mai Khao beach was peaceful and empty of tourists, but its three-metre high waves looked unswimmable. That judgement was obviously shared by the turtles, who has left the 17-kilometre strip of sand to the wind and rain.
Despits the inclement weather, couples and families were out in force at the resort, enjoying the three swimming pools that sprawl across the large grounds. The Main Pool in the middle of the resort is a whopping 107 metres long and comes complete with children's pool, slide, Jacuzzi and waterfalls. The North Pool is also the size of a lake but more tranquil while the Blue Pool to the south is a little livelier with a bar in the middle. With lagoons like these on your doorstep, who needs the sea?
Also on the grand scale is the resort's choice of guestrooms, 265 in all and 13 of them suites. I opted for one of the Deluxe rooms. Generous with space. they offer a minimum 47 square metres with a private balcony and sala-style lounge. Drawing back the curtain I got an eyeful of lush gardens and blue sea.
Although the balcony is a little cramped compared with the room itself, I was well satisfied. The bed is roomy and I had no complaints about the bathroom, which has both bathtub and shower area.
Back in the living room there's a DVD player, satellite TV, Internet access, mini bar, coffee/tea making facilities and safety deposit box. No need for an upgrade then, but if had felt like treating myself, the Royal Suite has a princely 340 square metres plus 300 metres of garden with an 18-metre pool and heated outdoor whirlpool.
A stroll around the resort quickly convinces you that a map is a must. Aside from the sheer size of the place, it's hard to keep track of where all the restaurants are. Breakfast is served at the Marriott Cafe but the options get more complicated for lunch and dinner. If you can find them, there's Cucina for Italian dining, the Andaman Grill for seafood lovers, Ginja Taste Thai restaurant, the Kabuki sushi bar and the Siam Deli. The poolside bars also do snacks and light meals.
After pampering their tastebuds, guests can sample the menu at the Mandara Spa. Its stunning architecture houses 16 treatment suites. Those who've piled on the pounds can take advantage of the health club and fitness centre nearby. Well equiped, it comes with a sauna and Jacuzzi to wind down from your workout. If you're feeling sporty you can ask the friendly staff for directions to the resort's tennis courts or to the golf course at the Blue canyon Country Club just up the road. Meanwhile, younger folk can get their kicks at the Children's Pavilion.
Visitors who arrive towards the end of next month will find much calmer seas and plenty of opportunities for swimming, diving and other water sports. Perhaps the turtles will be back, too.
With last year's opening of the nearby Anantara Phuket resort as well as the launch of Turtle Village, a small shopping and dining complex, Mai Khao beach feels a little less secluded than it once did. But only a little - those seeking the bright city lights still have a long journey to find them. Thai's fine with the guests who come back year after year to the Marriot on Mai Khao. Peace and seclusion is obviously their idea of a good time.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Nine new Best Western hotels by 2011
Best Western International, the world's largest hotel chain, plans to open nine hotels nationwide by 2011, to address growing numbers of budget ravellers.
Four will open this year : near Suvarnabhumi Airport and in Sukhumvit Soi 13 in Bangkok, Phuket's Patong Beach and Pattaya.
Thre hotels are planned for next year, in Hua Hin, Phetchaburi and Koh Samui. The other two will be Sukhumvit Sois 1 and Soi 20 in Bangkok in 2011.
The group now operates 10 hotels in Thailand for a total of 1,238 rooms. With the nine new hotels, that number will rise to 2,283 rooms in 2011.
Chris Chen, regional manager for marketing services, said most of the new hotels would be run under franchise contracts and the rest by company management.
The group will also increase its its rooms in Asia, from 12,250 this year to 19,079 rooms in the next few years. Thailand is of a key market in this expansion.
"The global economic crisis has brought us an opportunity, because many small individual hotels need brand hotel chains to help in terms of marketing and sales network," said Chen.
He said difficult times were not good for making new investments or doubling sales volume but were good for expanding management.
Many international hotel chains are spreadeing into budget hotels, because many travellers today demand lower prices and a degree of comfort rahther than a luxury hotel. Thailand is becoming an emerging market for the budget-hotel industry.
Chen said Best Western Hotels Asian revenue dropped 30 per cent year on year between December and June. Revenue in japan fell 109 per cent, followed by India (80 per cent), Malaysia (50 per cent) and Thailand (40 per cent).
Spending by Asian tourists at Best Westerns outside of Asia fell 17 per cent between December and July, the poorest performance in five years, against average growth of 19 per cent per year. The group predicts its Asian hotels' revenue will rebound from a decline of 40 per cent in recent mounths to one of only 15 per cent in the next few months. Asian tourists will spend more at hotels outside of the region, with expectations of growth of 5 per cent at most.
To help improve the situation, the group will encourage spending by its 12 million members worldwide through its Best Western Rewards loyalty programme.
The group will join hands with airlines, credit-card companies and new alliances to create new promotions and packagtes to boost revenue and encourage online bookins.
Four will open this year : near Suvarnabhumi Airport and in Sukhumvit Soi 13 in Bangkok, Phuket's Patong Beach and Pattaya.
Thre hotels are planned for next year, in Hua Hin, Phetchaburi and Koh Samui. The other two will be Sukhumvit Sois 1 and Soi 20 in Bangkok in 2011.
The group now operates 10 hotels in Thailand for a total of 1,238 rooms. With the nine new hotels, that number will rise to 2,283 rooms in 2011.
Chris Chen, regional manager for marketing services, said most of the new hotels would be run under franchise contracts and the rest by company management.
The group will also increase its its rooms in Asia, from 12,250 this year to 19,079 rooms in the next few years. Thailand is of a key market in this expansion.
"The global economic crisis has brought us an opportunity, because many small individual hotels need brand hotel chains to help in terms of marketing and sales network," said Chen.
He said difficult times were not good for making new investments or doubling sales volume but were good for expanding management.
Many international hotel chains are spreadeing into budget hotels, because many travellers today demand lower prices and a degree of comfort rahther than a luxury hotel. Thailand is becoming an emerging market for the budget-hotel industry.
Chen said Best Western Hotels Asian revenue dropped 30 per cent year on year between December and June. Revenue in japan fell 109 per cent, followed by India (80 per cent), Malaysia (50 per cent) and Thailand (40 per cent).
Spending by Asian tourists at Best Westerns outside of Asia fell 17 per cent between December and July, the poorest performance in five years, against average growth of 19 per cent per year. The group predicts its Asian hotels' revenue will rebound from a decline of 40 per cent in recent mounths to one of only 15 per cent in the next few months. Asian tourists will spend more at hotels outside of the region, with expectations of growth of 5 per cent at most.
To help improve the situation, the group will encourage spending by its 12 million members worldwide through its Best Western Rewards loyalty programme.
The group will join hands with airlines, credit-card companies and new alliances to create new promotions and packagtes to boost revenue and encourage online bookins.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
LANDMARK PLANS LUXURY HOTEL FOR BUSINESSMEN
The Landmark Group, after 16 years of success in running the Royal Lancaster and three other hotels in London, is returning home with plans to open a luxury hotel on New Phetchaburi Road in 2011.
Lancaster Bangkok, situated near the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection and the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan complex, will cost Bt1.5 billion and will have 230 rooms.
"Due to the economic slowdown, it has become easier to cut deals with contractors. This saves on investment costs," said Landmark Group's president and managing director, Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul.
He said the group had pondered a resumption of investment in Thailand for a few years, but the decision had been accelerated by the economic slump in the United Kingdom. Alhough the group's four properties in London are "doing fine", this is the right time to be returning home, he said.
As well as the Royal Lancaster, which will be rebranded as the Lancaster London this week, the group owns and operates Landmark London, K West and Basil Street Apartments. The properties remain successful and have 70 to 85 per cent occupancy rates, although the room rates are 5-per-cent higher than those of international chains, he said.
The Lancaster Bangkok, although barely off the drawing board, will be positioned as a business hotel. As such, it will mainly target individual business travellers and upper-level tourists. With an average room rate of Bt4,500 to Bt5,000 per night, it will compete with other luxury hotels in Bangkok. However, it will be the only luxury hotel close to the Airport Rail Link.
"We expect a 50-per-cent occupancy rate in the first year of operation and 60 to 70 per cent in later years," Jatuporn said.
The new property is expected to appeal to visitors from the UK, France and other European countries who are familiar with the Lancaster and Landmark brands in London. The new property will complement the group's existing Landmark Hotel, on Sukhumvit Road, which also targets mostly businessmen.
Jatuporn's youngest son, Tosaporn Sihanatkathakul, will be a key executive driving establishment of the new hotel.
Lancaster Bangkok, situated near the Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection and the Airport Rail Link's Makkasan complex, will cost Bt1.5 billion and will have 230 rooms.
"Due to the economic slowdown, it has become easier to cut deals with contractors. This saves on investment costs," said Landmark Group's president and managing director, Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul.
He said the group had pondered a resumption of investment in Thailand for a few years, but the decision had been accelerated by the economic slump in the United Kingdom. Alhough the group's four properties in London are "doing fine", this is the right time to be returning home, he said.
As well as the Royal Lancaster, which will be rebranded as the Lancaster London this week, the group owns and operates Landmark London, K West and Basil Street Apartments. The properties remain successful and have 70 to 85 per cent occupancy rates, although the room rates are 5-per-cent higher than those of international chains, he said.
The Lancaster Bangkok, although barely off the drawing board, will be positioned as a business hotel. As such, it will mainly target individual business travellers and upper-level tourists. With an average room rate of Bt4,500 to Bt5,000 per night, it will compete with other luxury hotels in Bangkok. However, it will be the only luxury hotel close to the Airport Rail Link.
"We expect a 50-per-cent occupancy rate in the first year of operation and 60 to 70 per cent in later years," Jatuporn said.
The new property is expected to appeal to visitors from the UK, France and other European countries who are familiar with the Lancaster and Landmark brands in London. The new property will complement the group's existing Landmark Hotel, on Sukhumvit Road, which also targets mostly businessmen.
Jatuporn's youngest son, Tosaporn Sihanatkathakul, will be a key executive driving establishment of the new hotel.
NEED TINY, PERFECT LODGINGS?
Itake a five-minute walk from Saladaeng Skytrain station and discover that the HQ Hostel is one of the most interesting little inns in Bangkok, an excellent budget choice away from the usual Khao San Road hubbub.
The HQ is near Silom Soi 3, 50 metres off Silom Road and right opposite the main Bangkok Bank. That kind of prime location and the low room rates make this a highly attractive spot to park your bags and get your shut-eye.
The hostel has been welcoming backpackers for a year and, according to the friendly staff, business is good.
Bare concrete walls and metal decor give the place that trendy "industrial" look. At check-in you get keys to your room and locker, plus a keycard for the residential area, where dormitory-style guestrooms start at Bt380 a night per bed.
That's the price of the small Type A rooms, which accommodate 10 people in bunk beds. It's kid of cramped, but with a lamp at my bedside I'm happy with a book, charging up my phone before getting some sleep.
There are shared oilets and showers on each floor, and everything's nice and clean.
For a little more elbow room, book into a Type E dorm for eight people for Bt490. If you need enough space to swing your cat, Type L handles six people and Type M four people, and both cost Bt600.
You won't be square dancing, regardless of room type, but the HQ's first floor has a spacious, airconditioned common area for everyone.
Guests hang out in front of the big cable television, watch DVDs, read books, magazines and tourist brochures, or surf the Net for free. There's a foosball table and beanbags too. It's quite pleasant.
Couples can get a private room for Bt1,500 with a comfy queensize mattress on the floor and an en-suite bathroom, separated from the sleeping area only by a curtain.
The sleeping area is rather small with a tiny window above your head, but the shower is big.
Keep in mind that the private rooms are on the fifth floor, and you'll be climbing all those stairs. Think of it as the morning exercise you never got around to.
A light breakfast at the hostel's Mofu Cafe is included in the room rates, and by light I mean cereal and tea, coffee or milk. Order your fill from the regular menu or see what's steaming at the 7-Eleven is a few steps away.
Silom is the avenue that never sleeps, so catch the Bangkok buzz a short hop away, at the best place in the city for people watching.
Lumpini Park is aflutter with tai chi classes early in the morning, and the hungry business-district office crowds erupt at lunchtime.
And, even late into the night, you'll never see a yawn on Patpong Road and Silom Sois 2 and 4.
Unlike Khao San, this is a place to rub shoulders with the locals, not your fellow travellers. And that's a nice change.
AT A GLANCE
High point: Centrally located to all the amenities, friendly staff, good security
Low point: The rooms are made for aliens from the planet Tiny.
Pay for it: Bt380 to Bt600 in the dorms, Bt1,500 for a double, with a light breakfast included
Find it: 5/3-4 Silom Soi 3, Bangrak, Bangkok
Phone it: (02) 233 1598.
Browse it: www.HQHostel.com
The HQ is near Silom Soi 3, 50 metres off Silom Road and right opposite the main Bangkok Bank. That kind of prime location and the low room rates make this a highly attractive spot to park your bags and get your shut-eye.
The hostel has been welcoming backpackers for a year and, according to the friendly staff, business is good.
Bare concrete walls and metal decor give the place that trendy "industrial" look. At check-in you get keys to your room and locker, plus a keycard for the residential area, where dormitory-style guestrooms start at Bt380 a night per bed.
That's the price of the small Type A rooms, which accommodate 10 people in bunk beds. It's kid of cramped, but with a lamp at my bedside I'm happy with a book, charging up my phone before getting some sleep.
There are shared oilets and showers on each floor, and everything's nice and clean.
For a little more elbow room, book into a Type E dorm for eight people for Bt490. If you need enough space to swing your cat, Type L handles six people and Type M four people, and both cost Bt600.
You won't be square dancing, regardless of room type, but the HQ's first floor has a spacious, airconditioned common area for everyone.
Guests hang out in front of the big cable television, watch DVDs, read books, magazines and tourist brochures, or surf the Net for free. There's a foosball table and beanbags too. It's quite pleasant.
Couples can get a private room for Bt1,500 with a comfy queensize mattress on the floor and an en-suite bathroom, separated from the sleeping area only by a curtain.
The sleeping area is rather small with a tiny window above your head, but the shower is big.
Keep in mind that the private rooms are on the fifth floor, and you'll be climbing all those stairs. Think of it as the morning exercise you never got around to.
A light breakfast at the hostel's Mofu Cafe is included in the room rates, and by light I mean cereal and tea, coffee or milk. Order your fill from the regular menu or see what's steaming at the 7-Eleven is a few steps away.
Silom is the avenue that never sleeps, so catch the Bangkok buzz a short hop away, at the best place in the city for people watching.
Lumpini Park is aflutter with tai chi classes early in the morning, and the hungry business-district office crowds erupt at lunchtime.
And, even late into the night, you'll never see a yawn on Patpong Road and Silom Sois 2 and 4.
Unlike Khao San, this is a place to rub shoulders with the locals, not your fellow travellers. And that's a nice change.
AT A GLANCE
High point: Centrally located to all the amenities, friendly staff, good security
Low point: The rooms are made for aliens from the planet Tiny.
Pay for it: Bt380 to Bt600 in the dorms, Bt1,500 for a double, with a light breakfast included
Find it: 5/3-4 Silom Soi 3, Bangrak, Bangkok
Phone it: (02) 233 1598.
Browse it: www.HQHostel.com
Friday, September 4, 2009
THE SINGING HOTELIER
WHAT IS THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? If you are going to do something you have to give it your best and when you make your decisions you commit to them. That has always been a habit of mine. YOU RUN SEVERAL HOTELS, PERFORM IN CONCERT, ARE A MOTHER OF FOUR AND WE HAVE HEARD THAT YOU ONLY SLEEP FOR THREE OF FOUR HOURS A DAY. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THIS ENERGETIC? It's always been like this. I'm a hyper-energetic person. It's more of my personal physical makeup,something to do with my metabolism I suppose.When I was in school I would sometimes stay up for 48 hours at a time to cram everything in before exams. I'd take an occasional 20-minute nap and I would be fine. You can always sleep later. I wish I could be something like a vampire and never have to worry about sleep. When I choose to I can sleep for about 20 hours but when I'm busy, using a pillar to make a quick napping pillow works well, as I recently did during a shopping trip with my daughter-inlaw. WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Sometimes people show me some of my performances on YouTube. I don't know how to open these websites because I'm not computer literate, so I get my secretary to help me look up football fixtures and results. I'll ask,"When is the Champions League? When are Arsenal playing? Check it for me."YOU LIKE FOOTBALL? A little. I like to follow Arsenal. They're a team that doesn't depend on buying expensive players.If I had the money I would buy their team but I don't. I really would love to be a team owner but now that I think about it I would rather worship them on screen. Sometimes when you hear football stars speak you realise how uneducated some of them are. Watching their games really fills me up with adrenalin though,and a feeling that my heart is about to leap out of my chest. It's good, it's healthy! Interests are important. If you don't have any then you become obsessed with yourself. You will be in a marriage of Mr and Mrs Me. With nothing to do people only think of themselves, while ignoring the rest of the world. It's like football; one player can't hog the ball and always go for the goal, it has to be a team effort. EVER THOUGHT ABOUT GOING INTO POLITICS? Politics is dangerous territory. Long ago I was approached by Thaksin Shinawatra. He told me he was forming a political party called Thai Rak Thai and wanted me to be a prominent member.I told him,"Politics is a bad idea. You will be sorry."G
To see an extended interview with Kamala visit gurubangkok.com
To see an extended interview with Kamala visit gurubangkok.com
LIFE'S A BEACH!
Thailand's economy is supposedly getting a little better as the global recession eases, so it's time to bust out the big prizes. One lucky reader has the chance to win a voucher for a two-night stay in Banthai Beach Resort & Spa in Phuket, valued at B13,000.
Giveaway prizes courtesy of BanThai Beach Resort & Spa (94 Thaveewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket,076-340-850,info@banthaiphuket.com,www.banthaiphuket.com). Each of the 290 rooms at this 20-year-old resort has been crafted to reflect Thai traditions with modern comfort. The winner of this voucher will enjoy two nights of a luxurious stay with breakfast included, with the added bonus of relaxing at any of the hotel's three pools or indulging in Spanakarn Spa.
ANSWER THIS:Good things don't come easy. So,to get your hands on this voucher, you must contribute to the Guru Community by choosing one of the following:
1. Upload a video clip to gurubangkok.com 2. Send in some of your photos (whether they were snapped with friends on a night out, or are professional pictures) to guru@bangkokpost.co.th 3. Write a short blog on any subject and send it to guru@bangkokpost.co.th
To see how some other readers have been contributing to the Guru Community, check out p6. Everyone who sends in their work will possibly have a chance to be published in Guru , but only one lucky reader will be randomly selected to win the voucher to vacation in Phuket.
Please include your name and full contact details with your submission. Deadline Sep 7. Winners will be randomly drawn and notified by e-mail. Winners must pick up their prize at the Display Department,The Post Building, by Sep 18.
CONGRATULATIONS
Well-done to Napaporn Iem, Maricel Diaz, Chairat Kesboot and Rahman Faizur Rafique for winning vouchers to dine at Sensual Restaurant.
Giveaway prizes courtesy of BanThai Beach Resort & Spa (94 Thaveewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket,076-340-850,info@banthaiphuket.com,www.banthaiphuket.com). Each of the 290 rooms at this 20-year-old resort has been crafted to reflect Thai traditions with modern comfort. The winner of this voucher will enjoy two nights of a luxurious stay with breakfast included, with the added bonus of relaxing at any of the hotel's three pools or indulging in Spanakarn Spa.
ANSWER THIS:Good things don't come easy. So,to get your hands on this voucher, you must contribute to the Guru Community by choosing one of the following:
1. Upload a video clip to gurubangkok.com 2. Send in some of your photos (whether they were snapped with friends on a night out, or are professional pictures) to guru@bangkokpost.co.th 3. Write a short blog on any subject and send it to guru@bangkokpost.co.th
To see how some other readers have been contributing to the Guru Community, check out p6. Everyone who sends in their work will possibly have a chance to be published in Guru , but only one lucky reader will be randomly selected to win the voucher to vacation in Phuket.
Please include your name and full contact details with your submission. Deadline Sep 7. Winners will be randomly drawn and notified by e-mail. Winners must pick up their prize at the Display Department,The Post Building, by Sep 18.
CONGRATULATIONS
Well-done to Napaporn Iem, Maricel Diaz, Chairat Kesboot and Rahman Faizur Rafique for winning vouchers to dine at Sensual Restaurant.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
SMALL PHANG NGA HOTELS ARE THROWING IN THE TOWEL
More than 100 small hotels and resorts in Phang Nga are up for sale, while many in the area and other parts of the South have already closed down following the lack of visitors, says Phang Nga Tourism Association president Krit Srifa.
The Casuarina Hotel in Patong, in Phuket province, has already been bought by a new investor, and the downturn has spread to tour operators, he said. While the Andaman Princess, the best-known cruise liner in the country has stopped running, Sea Tran Travel is temporarily halting operations.
"The problem is they [the operators] cannot obtain loans from banks, which are concerned about non-performing loans and the risk of natural disasters. Many hotels are disappointed with the government's assistance measures," Krit said, adding that since the December 26, 2004 tsunami, Khao Lak had never been rebuilt as a world-class destination.
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) president Surapol Sritrakul said small tour operators had been forced out of business, due to a lack of visitors. The luckier ones are selling out to bigger operators.
"ATTA members are close to the market, and they know inbound tourism will not recover this year, so they're unable to stay in business," Surapol said.
The ATTA expects tourist arrivals to fall from 14 million last year to 11.5 million this year.
Many hotels and tour operators are hoping to generate business at the Discovery Thailand Fair, which runs from Thursday until Sunday in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
The Thai Hotels Association also plans to host a seminar tomorrow and Wednesday entitled "A Bright New Future: The Vision for Asean Hospitality". Experts will speak about tourism strategies.
Marketing Association of Thailand president Somboon Prasit-jutrakul yesterday said the Kingdom's tourism industry had already declined more than 70 per cent year on year. He said it would be very difficult for the industry to recover, because there were so many negative factors, including political unrest.
The Casuarina Hotel in Patong, in Phuket province, has already been bought by a new investor, and the downturn has spread to tour operators, he said. While the Andaman Princess, the best-known cruise liner in the country has stopped running, Sea Tran Travel is temporarily halting operations.
"The problem is they [the operators] cannot obtain loans from banks, which are concerned about non-performing loans and the risk of natural disasters. Many hotels are disappointed with the government's assistance measures," Krit said, adding that since the December 26, 2004 tsunami, Khao Lak had never been rebuilt as a world-class destination.
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) president Surapol Sritrakul said small tour operators had been forced out of business, due to a lack of visitors. The luckier ones are selling out to bigger operators.
"ATTA members are close to the market, and they know inbound tourism will not recover this year, so they're unable to stay in business," Surapol said.
The ATTA expects tourist arrivals to fall from 14 million last year to 11.5 million this year.
Many hotels and tour operators are hoping to generate business at the Discovery Thailand Fair, which runs from Thursday until Sunday in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
The Thai Hotels Association also plans to host a seminar tomorrow and Wednesday entitled "A Bright New Future: The Vision for Asean Hospitality". Experts will speak about tourism strategies.
Marketing Association of Thailand president Somboon Prasit-jutrakul yesterday said the Kingdom's tourism industry had already declined more than 70 per cent year on year. He said it would be very difficult for the industry to recover, because there were so many negative factors, including political unrest.
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