Phuket Hotels Association

HELPING TO CHAMPION the tourism offering of the region is the Phuket Hotels Association. Trisara Hotel Managing Director and General Manager Anthony Lark took on the role of founding President, building the membership of the island’s leading hotels, which now totals 65 properties.

We asked Lark for some more insight on both the work of the organisation and the growing appeal of Phuket as a destination.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Phuket Hotels Association, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Anthony Lark (AL): Phuket Hotels Association was formed in January 2016. The Association was founded by Bill Barnett of Phuket-based hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks.

The original vision was to provide a forum for the hotel owners and management to discuss issues that were of common interest and to develop a healthy dialogue between hotels. The main goals were to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the island, to support education of Phuket’s future local hoteliers, and to promote the good news stories about the destination in marketing Phuket.

A long-time advocate of the destination, publishing regular hotel and tourism data on the market, it has also been long believed that the island’s hospitality sector needed to continue to not only take out, but also promote a sustainable path of long-term success. Mr Barnett brought in key tourism figures such as former Laguna Phuket Managing Director Michael Ayling, who contributed time to help set-up the organisation.

AsO: Since inception, how has the Phuket Hotels Association developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

AL: All of the hotel members have a strong commitment to the destination and through Phuket Hotels Association are active in investing in its future through key long-term environmental and educational programmes, which will provide the foundations for ongoing development and sustainable success.

We currently support 33 fulltime scholarship students in Phuket hotel schools. We work in an industry where human capital is key to the sector. Within the year we will have over 50 students in the programme.

The Phuket Hotels Association’s events are not just about charity; it’s investing in the most important hotel asset – people. PHIST has a similar focus on our own local community and recognising the impact of mass tourism. While the association is a small organisation, it has power to initiate and influence the broader island tourism players. Lead by example remains the best mantra.

AsO: How would you say Phuket has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

AL: You can’t stay there if you can’t get there. Airlift is key, the rise of low-cost airline carriers. Ultimately, it’s location, location and location.

One third of the world’s population is within easy door to door travel time and the emergence of a growing Asian consumer class has packed a powerful punch.

AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Phuket?

AL: Warm weather all year, Asia’s cleanest air, sincere hospitality, great value and of course some of the best food in the world. In addition, the island is the gateway to the magical Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and hundreds of beautiful tropical islands accessible via Phuket’s five international marinas.

AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

AL: Ask a local. Get out of the hotel or resort and explore. Now is the best time to be a traveller with all the resources on our smartphones, but I still prefer old school and ask locals where they prefer. One thing that is great in Thailand is you can eat 24-seven – it’s a cultural phenomenon and there is no place like it.

AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Phuket at present, and how do you see Phuket developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

AL: Hotels and destinations are being driven by offering unique lifechanging experiences.

With access and more large facilities, Phuket is attracting a growing MICE (meetings, incentives, exhibitions and events) scene. Last year this was to the tune of around $340 million according to TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau).

AsO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

AL: Central Group has a new mega mall in Phuket and in 2019 the Aquaria marine themed attraction will open… it’s a world class facility. Another is Blue Tree, a family-oriented attraction. As the island is growing into a broader market, tourism is no longer just about the beach.

AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Phuket?

AL: Absolutely. Phuket remains a dynamic destination that has helped define Asia’s leisure growth. It’s scale of quality hotels and tourism infrastructure is demonstrated and with the new expanded airport, geared to grow.

“One thing that is great in Thailand is you can eat 24-seven

– it’s a cultural phenomenon and there

is no place like it”