COMPASS Hospitality, a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Compass Capital International, has reported that year-to-date occupancies at its Bangkok properties have recovered to around 90 per cent, but that room rates remain under pressure.
According to executive vice-president operations, Bernard Ng, occupancies at Compass’ 20 hotels in the Thai capital – consisting of about 2,900 rooms, mostly in the mid-tier segment – dipped to 80 per cent last year, due in part to the political crisis in the country.
Ng said the rebound this year was originating from its main markets, including Japan, the Middle East, Europe and the US, in addition to growth from new markets such as India and China.
He added that rates remained stagnant due to pressure from existing supply and new competition, but declined to reveal any figures.
Compass continues to expand in Bangkok, where 19 of its 20 hotels are located on Sukhumvit Road. These include the 582-room Windsor Suites on Sukhumvit 20, which came under Compass management in January.
The 79-room Citrus Sukhumvit 13 is slated to open by year-end, and three more mid-tier hotels and one serviced residence are under construction. All will be located along Sukhumvit Road.
Elsewhere in Thailand, the chain manages four hotels – two in Pattaya and one each in Hua Hin and Koh Samui – with another two under construction in Phuket.
By Sirima Eamtako
