|
|
| • EXCH RATES |
|
Baht/$ 33.59/61
Bid/Ask
|
GOLD |
14,000
- 200
|
|
HOTELS
CHADAMAS CHINMANEEVONG
Political instability, high inflation and soaring oil prices would push down the revenue growth of the local hotel chain Dusit International to 10% next year, from 18% expected this year.
High inflation and oil prices have affected long-haul travelers while political problems are hurting Thailand's image. Consequently, the company has revised down its 2009 revenue growth projection, said Simon Burgess, global director of sales of Dusit International.
However, he did not disclose precise revenue targets for this year and next year.
Dusit has been building more business flexibility for both operations and sales. It has also shifted from a heavy reliance on long-haul customers from the United Kingdom and Europe to the short-haul markets from the Middle East and Asia Pacific, particularly China and India, because these countries have bright economic outlooks.
The group also focuses more on the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) market, which is considered a main target group, because its hotel and service facilities can serve Mice guests.
''Thailand is value for money. It's a real destination for Mice,'' Mr Burgess said.
He expects that the Mice market will contribute around 50% of the company's total revenues next year, up from 35% now.
The cost of staging Mice events in Thailand is much lower than in nearby destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong, said Jurairat Poonsin, the global director for sales and marketing of Dusit Princess Hotels and Resorts.
In addition to pricing, Thailand also had better facilities and tourist attractions, she noted.
She said the company planned 20 overseas trips to promote its hotels and three trade shows in the country next year. Most of the promotions will target the Mice market.
The group reported that its average room rate (ARR) increased by 8% for the year to date, with some of its hotels doing better, such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Thani Bangkok, and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. It expects to maintain this figure for the rest of the year.
In 2009, the group targets a 10% minimum growth in ARR, with occupancy increasing at a smaller margin, said Ms Jurairat.
Early this year, Dusit set up a new global sales structure in line with its new marketing strategies. The new structure will provide an online customer database exchange for its six branches including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and Germany. The system will be in full operation this September.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Next
