Movenpick counting on political stability for boost
Thailand’s greater political stability is expected to draw more tourists from Europe this year and next, predicts Olivier Chavy, president and chief executive of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, a leading Swiss hospitality chain.
Thailand’s economy is recovering and its tourism sector is performing well, Mr Chavy said.
More Europeans are travelling to Thailand and this trend should continue well into next year, he said.
“The prospects for European tourist arrivals are promising, thanks to increasing aviation infrastructure such as the new airport terminal in Phuket and the second phase of Suvarnabhumi airport’s expansion,” Mr Chavy said.
“More importantly, I think Thailand’s political situation is stable under the military government. The country will be a safe place to relax in, and many international airlines are doing a good job offering direct routes from Europe to Bangkok.”
He said Thailand’s affordable prices and sunny weather are major draws for Europeans.
“Thailand is considered a very competitive market for international hotel chains and I believe more Europeans are coming here,” Mr Chavy said.
The company embarked on its Asia strategy with the opening of Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket in 2006.
Movenpick operates five properties in three destinations in Thailand — Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya — and has signed management agreements for four additional hotels as part of growing its portfolio to over 1,800 rooms nationwide by 2020.
Movenpick Resort Khao Yai and Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai are scheduled to open this year, Movenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin and Movenpick Resort Mai Khao Beach Phuket are set for completion in 2018.
“We are looking at new opportunities in locations such as Sri Racha, Rayong and Krabi,” Mr Chavy said.
He said Thailand is strategically important for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, as one of the company’s top three performing locations in Southeast Asia.
He said Thailand is not only a gateway to Asia and one of the region’s most flourishing hospitality markets, but the country also has strong development potential. Thailand has so much potential and is one of the best-recognised destination countries in the world and Bangkok arrivals are very high, and still growing, with the GDP quite high as well, indicating a growing economy that is the best opportunity for the Movenpick group, he said.
Movenpick operates 10 hotels and resorts in seven Asian destinations. In addition to five hotels and resorts in Thailand the company manages one property per country in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Movenpick expects to have at least 30 properties under management in Asia by the end of the decade.
The occupancy rate in Thailand is expected to be 85% on average this year.