BANGKOK hotels continue to receive forward bookings for this week and next, but the travel trade is taking a cautious approach as Thailand counts down to the July 3 general election.
Hoteliers and tour operators are unsure about what will happen after the elections, with last year’s prolonged political protests against the Democrat-led government still fresh in their minds (TTG Asia e-Daily, May 17, 2010 & April 27, 2010).
“We will have to see if the election result will be respected, said Destination Asia CEO and group managing director, James Reed.
Go Vacation Thailand managing director, Christoph Mueller, said European clients were still booking trips to Bangkok, as most of them were unaware of the upcoming election. “But let’s wait and see after the election,” he said. “I don’t think the situation can be worse than last year.”
Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa sales and marketing director, Ludovic Gallerne, said the property was on track to reach its 80 per cent occupancy target for this week and next, up by 18 to 20 per cent over the same period last year, when the Thai capital had just resurfaced following the political turbulence.
Pullman Bangkok King Power general manager, Marc Begassat, also reported high to peak occupancy at the hotel for this week and next. He said forward bookings were from all markets. “Hong Kong business and regional corporate meetings remain very strong,” he added.
Accor director of Thailand operations, Paul Stevens, reported a status quo on this week’s bookings for the chain’s 26 hotels and more than 7,000 rooms in Bangkok, but added that there was a slight dip in next week’s business for some properties, from regional and domestic markets.
CCT Group president, Vichit Prakobgosol, said the political uncertainty in Thailand had so far not affected his business from the Chinese market. “The business is even better than last year. Barring any incident after the election, we can expect phenomenal growth on the Chinese market this year.”
By Sirima Eamtako
