SUNDAY, November 1, marks the first day of operation of the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, north of Phuket. It's the latest in a surge of openings as the Marriott brand makes its presence felt in the Andaman region.
Phuketwan asked Claas Elze, Senior Vice President, International Hotel Development, a few questions about the surge:
1. What was it about Phuket and the Andaman coast that triggered Marriott's increase in spending and branding over the past couple of years?
It goes without saying that Thailand ranks high among our development priorities. Widely regarded for its lush landscape and hospitality, Thailand and its Andaman Coast is a phenomenal destination with broad appeal among travelers from Europe, the Middle East, North America and indeed other Asian countries. Marriott has twelve more hotels and resorts under construction in Thailand at the moment - at least two more are in the vicinity of Phuket - which will join our 13 other properties in the country. However, please note that Marriott International is a manager and franchiser of hotel and resort brands and NOT an owner; thus, all our growth in Thailand is due to our local partners who actually own the properties.
2. Did the 2004 tsunami play any part in drawing the attention of Marriott (and the world) to the virtues of this part of Thailand?
The tsunami of 2004 was a tragedy that will be long remembered. But it did not influence our decision. Our JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Phuket was operating long before the tsunami and we were actively pursuing other opportunities on the Andaman Sea at the time. While the tsunami has not played any role in Marriott focusing its attention on Phuket, the aftermath of the tsunami, when hotels were negatively affected by its recent memory has resulted in more owners of hotels appreciating the value that a brand which provides a large sales network can offer a hotel. This has certainly accelerated the growth of branded properties on Phuket
3. Can you please tell us a little about the process that led to the speedy establishment of three Courtyards on Phuket, with a fourth on the way?
Currently, we have three Courtyard hotels on Phuket. These hotels are all owned by the same company and, because these properties are all located in uniquely differentiated locations (in the heart of Patong, on Surin Beach and Kamala Beach), they all offer a very different product and experience from each other. The three properties do not compete with each other but rather complement the Marriott offering on the island, which also includes the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa as well as two additional properties which are scheduled to open in the next 18 months, the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa and the Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove.
4. What are the natural and sales attributes of Phuket and the Andaman that have led to Marriott coming?
Phuket is one of the premier resort destinations in Asia. On a macro-basis, there are few destinations in Asia which have a tourism infrastructure that is as developed as that of Phuket. The destination is easily accessible from a range of source markets with a large number of affordable flights.
5. Is the increase in establishments expected to bring a rise in numbers of visitors from specific markets, perhaps the US and Europe especially?
Marriott's growth on Phuket is expected to enhance our company's ability to market the destination. With hotels virtually across all segments - ranging from luxury products such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott to Courtyard by Marriott, we will offer an alternative for virtually every travel budget and type of customer.
6. Is there any other region in Asia that has this number of Marriott properties?
Actually, Thailand has the most number of resorts of any country in Asia. Apart from that, only China has more total hotels . . .
7. How much research and time goes into the decision-making about a new JW Marriott, say?
Marriott carefully selects the properties and locations for potential JW Marriott hotels, Marriott's flagship brand. Discussions for the new JW Marriott resort in Khao Lak date back as far as three years when the owner of the property first contacted Marriott.
Tsunami Coast Gains Second JW MarriottPhuketwan asked Claas Elze, Senior Vice President, International Hotel Development, a few questions about the surge:
1. What was it about Phuket and the Andaman coast that triggered Marriott's increase in spending and branding over the past couple of years?
It goes without saying that Thailand ranks high among our development priorities. Widely regarded for its lush landscape and hospitality, Thailand and its Andaman Coast is a phenomenal destination with broad appeal among travelers from Europe, the Middle East, North America and indeed other Asian countries. Marriott has twelve more hotels and resorts under construction in Thailand at the moment - at least two more are in the vicinity of Phuket - which will join our 13 other properties in the country. However, please note that Marriott International is a manager and franchiser of hotel and resort brands and NOT an owner; thus, all our growth in Thailand is due to our local partners who actually own the properties.
2. Did the 2004 tsunami play any part in drawing the attention of Marriott (and the world) to the virtues of this part of Thailand?
The tsunami of 2004 was a tragedy that will be long remembered. But it did not influence our decision. Our JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Phuket was operating long before the tsunami and we were actively pursuing other opportunities on the Andaman Sea at the time. While the tsunami has not played any role in Marriott focusing its attention on Phuket, the aftermath of the tsunami, when hotels were negatively affected by its recent memory has resulted in more owners of hotels appreciating the value that a brand which provides a large sales network can offer a hotel. This has certainly accelerated the growth of branded properties on Phuket
3. Can you please tell us a little about the process that led to the speedy establishment of three Courtyards on Phuket, with a fourth on the way?
Currently, we have three Courtyard hotels on Phuket. These hotels are all owned by the same company and, because these properties are all located in uniquely differentiated locations (in the heart of Patong, on Surin Beach and Kamala Beach), they all offer a very different product and experience from each other. The three properties do not compete with each other but rather complement the Marriott offering on the island, which also includes the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa as well as two additional properties which are scheduled to open in the next 18 months, the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa and the Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove.
4. What are the natural and sales attributes of Phuket and the Andaman that have led to Marriott coming?
Phuket is one of the premier resort destinations in Asia. On a macro-basis, there are few destinations in Asia which have a tourism infrastructure that is as developed as that of Phuket. The destination is easily accessible from a range of source markets with a large number of affordable flights.
5. Is the increase in establishments expected to bring a rise in numbers of visitors from specific markets, perhaps the US and Europe especially?
Marriott's growth on Phuket is expected to enhance our company's ability to market the destination. With hotels virtually across all segments - ranging from luxury products such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott to Courtyard by Marriott, we will offer an alternative for virtually every travel budget and type of customer.
6. Is there any other region in Asia that has this number of Marriott properties?
Actually, Thailand has the most number of resorts of any country in Asia. Apart from that, only China has more total hotels . . .
7. How much research and time goes into the decision-making about a new JW Marriott, say?
Marriott carefully selects the properties and locations for potential JW Marriott hotels, Marriott's flagship brand. Discussions for the new JW Marriott resort in Khao Lak date back as far as three years when the owner of the property first contacted Marriott.
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