A WELLNESS ESCAPADE OR A COUPLES’ GETAWAY; AND THE COUNTRY IS DETERMINED TO NOT ONLY WELCOME BUT WOW THIS LUCRATIVE MARKET.
The MENA market is on the radar of Thai hoteliers, both for its increasing share in figures as well as due to the fact that Arab visitors generate bountiful revenue.
“[MENA] is an important source market, representing five percent of total arrivals,” confirmed David Arul Pragasam, director of sales and marketing, Angsana Laguna Phuket, revealing that in 2015, the performance of the segment improved 20 percent compared to 2014, and it is expected to surge a further 15 percent this year.
The growth potential of the region was stressed by Holman Ho Mung Fong, group director, sales and marketing, Dusit International, who noted that business from MENA has been picking up in 2015.
“The numbers are still growing, especially with our website now being also available in Arabic and with our sales offices in Dubai, as well as the new one in Saudi Arabia.”
The region is also one of the highest growth segments for Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, confirmed Khemwanta Tangon, marketing communications manager, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.
“Our [numbers from] MENA grew over 25 percent [in 2015] thanks to the launch of our new, renovated guestrooms in late 2014,” Tangon explained, assuring that the region will continue to be a top priority for the management.
ACCOMMODATING AND BEYOND
The affinity of Middle Eastern voyagers for all things lavish and luxurious is well-known amongst hoteliers, and Thai hospitality experts recognise and cater to this aspiration.
“[MENA] is a market that books our premium resorts and premium rooms. In order to facilitate these travellers, we have special services offered and tailored to their requirements,” enthused Michelle Jamieson, corporate director, marketing and communications, international, Central Hospitality International (CHi).
“At CHi, we take into careful consideration the cultural sensitivities of our guests and are able to meet additional requirements such as spacious accommodations, luxury and privacy,” she noted, further highlighting the availability of exclusive Arab family floors, female housekeeping staff, ladies’ spa sections, private lounge areas for women and children by the hotels’ waterparks so that families can enjoy privacy.
For couples and honeymooners, CHi has properties in secluded locations, such as Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Phuket, where they can enjoy private amenities, including pool villas, suites and penthouses.
Privacy is also guaranteed at Conrad Koh Samui, where guests can choose from a collection of 81 free-standing luxury villas, all with their own swimming pools and balconies overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
“Apart from ocean-view pool villas suitable for honeymooners and couples, the resort also offers ocean-view two- and three-bedroom pool villas at the residential wing, which are perfect for families or groups of friends who wish to share the ultimate vacation experience,” recommended Benjawan Meksakul, business development manager, Conrad Koh Samui.
