GOOD LUCK TO THEM THEY NEED TO DO SOME GOOD MARKETING BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.

Posted by barka on March 3, 2010 21:24

Interesting that they're marketing to China heavily. Obviously, it's a huge untapped market with a growing middle-class.

The other side of the coin is that in the future Phuket can expect less and less European and US visitors. Among Anglophones, the word is largely 'out' about the visitor experience and price gouging on Phuket. There are a hundred other destinations in Thailand alone that will welcome you more and charge you less.

The jet-ski operators, tuk tuk drivers and the rest of them might care to note that Chinese people will be a lot more careful with their money. They won't just shrug their shoulders and pay the prices asked; they'll shake their heads and walk away.

Editor: I would expect that five-star resorts will realise one of these days that they cannot reclaim their former rates without attending to the island's mess. If they don't lobby Bangkok, there won't be a recovery.

Posted by Doug on March 4, 2010 08:34

Editor said: I would expect that five-star resorts will realise one of these days that they cannot reclaim their former rates without attending to the island's mess. If they don't lobby Bangkok, there won't be a recovery.

I agree wholeheartedly. You can't charge 5 star prices without a 5 star holiday experience. Contrast the lack of facilities, transport, plus the aggressive tone of some vendors against a genuine 5 star holiday experience, such as is to be had in the Maldives.

It may be that the likes of Paul Mercer have seen the writing on the wall. There are too many entrenched interests, the network of patronage and corruption is too deeply embedded in the Phuket power structure for there ever to be meaningful change.

In this context, the slashing of the Splash Jungle rates and the targetting of Chinese tourism isn't so much a new marketing strategy as an acknowledgment that the European/US/Antipodean 5 star market on Phuket is ebbing away as the island becomes more famous for its problems and its shortcomings than for its beauty.

Effectively, they're sobering up quickly to the reality that things won't change in terms of what ails the island, so they have to target less wealthy tourists in order to fluff up the numbers.

Ultimately Phuket will get the business it deserves. An economy and social structure built on greed and vested interests won't attract premium rates or wealthy vacationers. Shoddy practices, lack of transport and bullies running amok will leave 5 star hotels empty and water parks rusting.

The major hotel chains will sell off their interests to locals, prices will deflate and it will become a cheap charlie destination. No one will be using the jet-skis or tuk tuks and it will become less the Jewel of the Andaman and more the Majorca of SE Asia.

Like I say, ultimately the island will get the business it deserves.

Posted by Doug on March 4, 2010 18:26

DOUG ,What a good and true, honest opinion about what's wrong with PHUKET.

Keep it up. Maybe some one, one day will listen to you, I hope so

Posted by barka on March 7, 2010 07:33

"it will become less the Jewel of the Andaman and more the Majorca of SE Asia."

Patong already has turned into the Costa Andaman. It's now full of foreign touts touting for the discos, gogo joints and Absolute timeshare. Even foreigners working behind bars in some of the discos. Never thought I would see that here when we keep getting told there are so many jobs only Thais can do. Now there's even a gogo bar with only Russian/East European women dancing in it.

Posted by Ivan on March 7, 2010 22:39

As long as excellent shopping centre operators believe they are just as excellent at mixed use accommodation and resort operations, we will see properties such as West Sands struggling on, the current track record of experienced expats coming and going like a revolving door is indicative of owners with no clear and rational vision of where they are going. Before talking China maybe it would be wise to ensure the existing operation is working first.

Posted by Interested on March 8, 2010 14:57

As an owner at West Sands - first purchased in March 2010 and have paid 90 percent of the cost of my apartment. However, I am still awaiting hand over of owner's registration. After many requests, I am none the wiser as to the reason for such delay ( I have also now discovered that my apartment block and room numbers have been changed ... I now await some rational explanation from management... On a good note, my wife and I enjoyed a recent stay at West Sands and experienced the most attentive/kind/ exceptional staff.... PS: I welcome any comments from other West Sands owners.

Posted by peter wright on September 14, 2010 08:48

Have read all comments below and pretty much agree with all. Re West Sands, it's pretty amazing that they can consider opening more resorts in China, when they appear to have yet to make a success of this one. They need to get their act together and have some care and respect for those who have entrusted their money with them (ie. owners )

Posted by "owner " on July 20, 2011 12:56