VARIABLE results are being reported by resorts in the latest Phuketwan survey of occupancy rates around the region.
Not only are political and economic factors having an effect, so too is increased competition in some areas.
About 150 media representatives are expected on Phuket this week as part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's plan to revitalise tourism.
Some 800 journalists are coming to Thailand under the plan.
About half of the travel warnings by 23 countries have now been lifted.
A small party of diplomats visited Phuket last week, and had dinner with local honorary consuls.
This is what a selection of Phuket resorts told us in the latest occupancy rate and outlook survey:
The Surin Bay Inn (12 rooms, open 2000) reports occupancy at 70 percent, with guests mostly from Australia and Scandinavia. Last year was better that this year. At this time last year, bookings for high season were full. This year, bookings are at 80 percent. The cost is 2354 baht for a standard room, including breakfast and free internet.
Club Bamboo Resort (47 rooms, open 2001) A four star in Soi Nanai, Patong, Club Bamboo Resort reported occupancy at 41 percent. Vilaiporn Thana-udomsup, Secretary to the MD, said that this coming high season, bookings were at 70 percent, largely from agents. Guests were mostly Dutch. Last year was better than this year, Khun Vilaiporn said, because of the political situation as well as the tougher economy. The resort also underwent renovations. Two resorts are under construction not far from the Club Bamboo Resort.
The two-star Ramaburin Resort (40 rooms, open 1998) in Patong has an occupancy rate at 50 percent, Reservations staff say. Forward bookings were at 70 percent, although last year was better. Regular guests are from Sweden and Britain. Dynamic rates begin at 810 baht for bungalows without tv and a deluxe room costs 2268 baht.
Naiyang Garden Bungalow (12 rooms, open 2003) reports occupancy at 50 percent, says Kittiphong Chalermvong. The bungalow is a family business, with regular customers from Europe, and especially Germany. Fixed rates all year begin at 800 baht, with 1500 baht for an air-conditioned room.
On the beachfront at Bang Tao is the Andaman Bang Tao Bay Resort (14 rooms, open 2003). The four-star declined to report an occupancy rate because that is considered to be confidential. General Manager Thanakorn JongJamfha said that this year is better than last year by about 20 percent because of regular guests from Europe . This high season, the resort has full bookings until January 1. Dynamic rates begin at 2900 baht.
In central Phuket City, the four-star Royal Phuket City Hotel (250 rooms, open 1998) also declined to report an occupancy rate. Uraivun Tohom, Reservations Manager, said that most guests were part of corporate groups from Korea and China. Last year was better than this year by 20 to 30 percent, with the decline due to political conflict and economic problems. This high season has already attracted some bookings. Room rates begin at 1900 baht, including breakfast.
Near Patong's Bangla entertainment zone is the C & N Resort and Spa (104 rooms, open 1995). The three-star reports occupancy this year down 20 percent to 30 percent on last year. Chief Accountant Or-ranun Mahavongthong said bookings are running at 60 percent for November with guests from Europe, especially Great Britain and Germany. From May until the end of October, a promotion has been offering buy three nights, get one free. The offer includes breakfast and a free sauna for two. Dynamic rates begin at 1500 baht for standard rooms, including breakfast.
Phuket Naithon Resort (46 rooms, open 1998) the two-star hotel reports occupancy at 40 percent. Manager Anoma Fhangsen said last year was better than this year by about 30 percent because of the economy and the political situation. Two or three new resorts had also opened on the beach. This high season, bookings are at 20 percent, with guests from Europe, mostly Sweden and Germany. Dynamic rates begin at 1000 baht for a standard room.
Between Kata and Karon, the three-star Baan Karon Resort (58 rooms, open 1996) reports occupancy at 30 percent. A spokeswoman said last year was better than this year. Increased competition was a factor, along with political and economic uncertainty. Guests are largely drawn from Scandinavia, especially Sweden. During October, a promotion offers buy four nights, get one free (1400 baht a night). This high season, the resort is booked solid for December and January.
At Cape Panwa, the three-star By The Sea Residence (36 rooms, open 2005) reports occupancy at 60 percent. Assistant Operations Manager Meechai Sook-koo says that this high season, bookings are at 90 percent. However, last year was probably better than this year.
Not only are political and economic factors having an effect, so too is increased competition in some areas.
About 150 media representatives are expected on Phuket this week as part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's plan to revitalise tourism.
Some 800 journalists are coming to Thailand under the plan.
About half of the travel warnings by 23 countries have now been lifted.
A small party of diplomats visited Phuket last week, and had dinner with local honorary consuls.
This is what a selection of Phuket resorts told us in the latest occupancy rate and outlook survey:
The Surin Bay Inn (12 rooms, open 2000) reports occupancy at 70 percent, with guests mostly from Australia and Scandinavia. Last year was better that this year. At this time last year, bookings for high season were full. This year, bookings are at 80 percent. The cost is 2354 baht for a standard room, including breakfast and free internet.
Club Bamboo Resort (47 rooms, open 2001) A four star in Soi Nanai, Patong, Club Bamboo Resort reported occupancy at 41 percent. Vilaiporn Thana-udomsup, Secretary to the MD, said that this coming high season, bookings were at 70 percent, largely from agents. Guests were mostly Dutch. Last year was better than this year, Khun Vilaiporn said, because of the political situation as well as the tougher economy. The resort also underwent renovations. Two resorts are under construction not far from the Club Bamboo Resort.
The two-star Ramaburin Resort (40 rooms, open 1998) in Patong has an occupancy rate at 50 percent, Reservations staff say. Forward bookings were at 70 percent, although last year was better. Regular guests are from Sweden and Britain. Dynamic rates begin at 810 baht for bungalows without tv and a deluxe room costs 2268 baht.
Naiyang Garden Bungalow (12 rooms, open 2003) reports occupancy at 50 percent, says Kittiphong Chalermvong. The bungalow is a family business, with regular customers from Europe, and especially Germany. Fixed rates all year begin at 800 baht, with 1500 baht for an air-conditioned room.
On the beachfront at Bang Tao is the Andaman Bang Tao Bay Resort (14 rooms, open 2003). The four-star declined to report an occupancy rate because that is considered to be confidential. General Manager Thanakorn JongJamfha said that this year is better than last year by about 20 percent because of regular guests from Europe . This high season, the resort has full bookings until January 1. Dynamic rates begin at 2900 baht.
In central Phuket City, the four-star Royal Phuket City Hotel (250 rooms, open 1998) also declined to report an occupancy rate. Uraivun Tohom, Reservations Manager, said that most guests were part of corporate groups from Korea and China. Last year was better than this year by 20 to 30 percent, with the decline due to political conflict and economic problems. This high season has already attracted some bookings. Room rates begin at 1900 baht, including breakfast.
Near Patong's Bangla entertainment zone is the C & N Resort and Spa (104 rooms, open 1995). The three-star reports occupancy this year down 20 percent to 30 percent on last year. Chief Accountant Or-ranun Mahavongthong said bookings are running at 60 percent for November with guests from Europe, especially Great Britain and Germany. From May until the end of October, a promotion has been offering buy three nights, get one free. The offer includes breakfast and a free sauna for two. Dynamic rates begin at 1500 baht for standard rooms, including breakfast.
Phuket Naithon Resort (46 rooms, open 1998) the two-star hotel reports occupancy at 40 percent. Manager Anoma Fhangsen said last year was better than this year by about 30 percent because of the economy and the political situation. Two or three new resorts had also opened on the beach. This high season, bookings are at 20 percent, with guests from Europe, mostly Sweden and Germany. Dynamic rates begin at 1000 baht for a standard room.
Between Kata and Karon, the three-star Baan Karon Resort (58 rooms, open 1996) reports occupancy at 30 percent. A spokeswoman said last year was better than this year. Increased competition was a factor, along with political and economic uncertainty. Guests are largely drawn from Scandinavia, especially Sweden. During October, a promotion offers buy four nights, get one free (1400 baht a night). This high season, the resort is booked solid for December and January.
At Cape Panwa, the three-star By The Sea Residence (36 rooms, open 2005) reports occupancy at 60 percent. Assistant Operations Manager Meechai Sook-koo says that this high season, bookings are at 90 percent. However, last year was probably better than this year.
