PHUKET: Phuket's Kata Group revealed its marketing strategy for the region at the sumptuous opening of the 1.1 billion baht Beyond Resort Khao Lak last night.
The launch of the Beyond Resort Krabi for next high season will give the Kata Group the chance to suggest that guests move from Phuket, to Khao Lak and to Krabi to see what the entire region has to offer on holidays.
Last night's opening, in which about 600 guests were shuttled from Phuket to be greeted by Kata Group President Pamuke Achariyachai and his wife Tunyaratt Achariyachai, gave the media a chance to assess the new 153 unit resort.
Khun Pamuke, honorary consul for Finland, and Senator Tunyaratt, Chair of the Senate Senate Standing Committee on Tourism, are two tourism straight-shooters who have faith in Phuket but do not attempt to hide the island's problems.
Their commitment has taken the Kata Group from pioneer beginnings with nine bungalows on Kata beach more than 30 years ago to being among the visionary leaders of Phuket region tourism.
The group now also includes the Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa and the Kandaburi Resort and Spa.
The latest offering, Beyond Resort Khao Lak, about an hours' drive from Phuket International Airport, sits on Pak Weep beach, a stretch of sand free from jet-skis and bothersome vendors.
In keeping with modern trends, the new resort offers wifi access throughout and has five fresh-water swimming pools, quality spa facilities, four dining options and a conference room. Kite surfing and scuba diving are seasonal activities.
The general manager of the four-star-plus villa resort is Robert Frei, a master chef as well as an experienced resort chief, who was introduced to guests last night.
In charge as general manager at Beyond Resort Krabi is Glenn Rodil Ferrer, a popular Kata Group figure who is overseeing the creation of the 171-unit resort across 24 rai.
The next Beyond in Krabi is described as a high class resort that ''will appeal to nature lovers and guests keen to place an intimate hand against the heart-warming elements of nature in a very relaxed resort environment.''
Several other well-known Phuket resort brands are expanding off Phuket into Phang Nga and Krabi.
The launch of the Beyond Resort Krabi for next high season will give the Kata Group the chance to suggest that guests move from Phuket, to Khao Lak and to Krabi to see what the entire region has to offer on holidays.
Last night's opening, in which about 600 guests were shuttled from Phuket to be greeted by Kata Group President Pamuke Achariyachai and his wife Tunyaratt Achariyachai, gave the media a chance to assess the new 153 unit resort.
Khun Pamuke, honorary consul for Finland, and Senator Tunyaratt, Chair of the Senate Senate Standing Committee on Tourism, are two tourism straight-shooters who have faith in Phuket but do not attempt to hide the island's problems.
Their commitment has taken the Kata Group from pioneer beginnings with nine bungalows on Kata beach more than 30 years ago to being among the visionary leaders of Phuket region tourism.
The group now also includes the Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa and the Kandaburi Resort and Spa.
The latest offering, Beyond Resort Khao Lak, about an hours' drive from Phuket International Airport, sits on Pak Weep beach, a stretch of sand free from jet-skis and bothersome vendors.
In keeping with modern trends, the new resort offers wifi access throughout and has five fresh-water swimming pools, quality spa facilities, four dining options and a conference room. Kite surfing and scuba diving are seasonal activities.
The general manager of the four-star-plus villa resort is Robert Frei, a master chef as well as an experienced resort chief, who was introduced to guests last night.
In charge as general manager at Beyond Resort Krabi is Glenn Rodil Ferrer, a popular Kata Group figure who is overseeing the creation of the 171-unit resort across 24 rai.
The next Beyond in Krabi is described as a high class resort that ''will appeal to nature lovers and guests keen to place an intimate hand against the heart-warming elements of nature in a very relaxed resort environment.''
Several other well-known Phuket resort brands are expanding off Phuket into Phang Nga and Krabi.
