(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, November 29, 2012 ) San Francisco, CA -- Executive Director of Seacon Group, Piya Sosothikul, who owns Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, recently spoke upon the outlook of Phuket tourism.
Piya stated his expectations for an increase of 15% in 2013, despite the current decline in arrivals compared to the traditional source markets in the West of Europe. The effects are said to be due to the macro-financial crisis in the region.
Phuket’s rise in tourism growth will be due to Russian and Chinese tourists, which has experienced a 30% annual growth in the previous three years, according to Piya.
Australian tourists are projected to yield more than 500,000 tourists in the Phuket region.
At the same time, he projected that the average hotel occupancy in 2013 could be as much as 70%, with a 5% increase in room prices.
The Chinese market is an area of particular benefit to the Phuket Town, and surrounding beach towns.
Hotels are becoming more competitive in their pricing and catering to a market that is preferring to sight-see rather than partaking in sunbathing on the beach.
According to Piay, the Russian tourists’ accommodations of choice range from two-start apartments to five-star hotels, located closer to the beach. The opportunity for many to escape the cold Russian winters for even a weekend help bolster Phuket’s appeal to the Russians.
When speaking on his own hotel, he stated: "We’re satisfied with hotel operations... We expect the occupancy average for 2012 to be as high as 75%. We also expect the average room rate to surpass our initial objectives due to the fact that direct bookings, which didn’t come via agents, have increased. This, in addition to the fact that the style of our villas are popular among clients."
Piya said the increased tourism news may not be positive for all pieces of the industry. The influx of rooms could cause challenges for some. Prices may have to rise in order to give customers what they desire in a serviced room.
Piya elaborated on the strategy of the market: "We aim to keep our prices steady, keeping to the standard – not reduce prices in order to lure clients from the competition... We’re trying [to target] the package market with high-potential clients, especially during low season. These include [packages for] marriage and reception ceremonies, seminars and Korean honeymooners who like to stay in villas."
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