Phuket 2.0

Market dynamics are evolving with a game changing shift in tourist profile from a historical ‘Eurocentric' dependence on long haul European visitors to short haul Asian travelers. Driving this trend is a weakening of the euro and pound which have jolted traditional market sentiment and transformed travel patterns to the resort island destination.

First half of 2010 signaled a rebound of Phuket tourism with a growth of passengers by 28% vs. H1 2009 and 11% compared to H1 2008. A boost in direct flights from Asia and Australia contributed to a surge in the number of flights by 30% and 11% compared to first half of 2009 and 2008 respectively.

The effect of political demonstrations in Bangkok hit passenger traffic through Phuket International Airport in Q2 2010 as evidenced by a 38% decrease from the previous quarter comparing to a 26% shortfall for the same period last year.

Thailand’s Airport Authority (AOT) expansion program of Phuket International Airport is underway with a start of construction activity by the end of this year announced. Scheduled to complete by 2013 the improvements will double annual airport capacity to 12.5 million passengers. AOT is soliciting bids for a jet terminal as part of its business development strategy. The proposed terminal is planned to be up and running in the next three years to serve demand from private charter jets and high net worth individuals.

A significant sign of recovery can be seen in the improvement of hotel wide performance. Hoteliers saw higher occupancies rise from 61% in H1 2009 to 70% in the same period this year.

This came at a cost resulting in a decrease in room rates by 9%. There might be blood as the hotel pipeline still shows development resilience and investment confidence with an additional 4,538 rooms or an 11% spike over the next four years. A concern on oversupply could be cushioned by induced demand and larger trading volumes come into play in the long term prospects.

The key storyline of infrastructure enhancements aimed at supporting a mass tourism model continues to create controversy about the future of Phuket 2.0.”

Upward trend in room demand will gradually drive average daily rates and RevPAR higher. As east coast hotels reach critical mass, questions

remain on market acceptance and resulting penetration. Forecasted robust growth from Asia and Eastern European visitors will create challenges to hotels with new pricing sensitivity, shift in location preference and demand generators.

Currency devaluation of the euro and U.K. pound could prolong a move back to sustained growth. Increasing concern on supply and demand with new openings representing 33% of the development pipeline expected to enter the market supply within the second half 2010.

“Phuket hotels are back on track from the low point of last year. Passenger traffic through Phuket International Airport in H1 2010 surged 28% from a year ago, and 13% from the latter half of 2009 signaling a solid return in its tourism industry. A significant sign of recovery can be seen in the improvement of hotel wide performance. Hoteliers saw higher occupancies rise from 61% in H1 2009 to 70% in the same period this year. This came at a cost resulting in a decrease in room rates by 9%.

Upward trend in room demand will gradually drive average daily rates and RevPAR higher. As east coast hotels reach critical mass, questions remain on market acceptance and resulting penetration. Forecasted robust growth from Asia and Eastern European visitors will create challenges to hotels with new pricing sensitivity, shift in location preference and demand generators.

Currency devaluation of the euro and U.K. pound could prolong a move back to sustained growth. Increasing concern on supply and demand with new openings representing 33% of the development pipeline expected to enter the market supply within the second half 2010.

Sustained devaluation of U.K. pound has directly impacted shrinking British inbound market. Australian visitors have been the number one source market since 2005 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31%. The global economic crisis in 2008 initiated a dramatic shift from the long haul European tourists to the short haul Asian and Middle East market, contributing to a transition in guest profile and needed adjustment of product offerings. U.S. and European currencies remain volatile and have contributed to a potential transformation in Phuket’s guest profile towards greater reliance on Asian countries with growth economies.

Source: C9 Hotelworks Market Research

C9 2010 Hotel Market Update: Mid-Year Edition August 2010

About C9 Hotelworks : C9 Hotelworks is an internationally recognized consulting firm with extensive experience in the Asia Pacific region.

Their core business focus includes: Hotel and Resort Development / Asset Management / Ownership Representation / Project Feasibility and Analysis

With key competencies including international hotel operator search, selection and contract negotiation, mixed use hotel and residential planning and operation reviews. A wide range of both institutional and private developers and a comprehensive portfolio of completed projects, give C9 the skill set and background to focus on key issues, evaluate complex ones and assist their clients in achieving solid results.

A toast to Mom Tri for his four award-winning restaurants.

The Wine Spectator honours Mom Tri’s gourmet restaurants with prestigious ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ and ‘Award of Excellence’ awards.



Once again Mom Tri’s gourmet restaurants have been honoured by the prestigious Wine Spectator.  For the fifth consecutive year Mom Tri’s Boathouse is again sole winner in Phuket of the Wine Spectator ‘Best of Award of Excellence’. Mom Tri’s Kitchen – also for the fifth consecutive year – and Mom Tri’s Oasis for the second consecutive year have won the ‘Award of Excellence’. Newly opened, New York Times’ recommended Mom Tri’s Boathouse Regatta, celebrates winning its first ‘Award of Excellence’.



What does it take to get a Wine Spectator Award … or four?
Georges Ciret, Wine Director of Mom Tri’s gourmet restaurants elaborates.
“We are proud and delighted with these awards. It has been a long process that started more than 20 years ago with the creation of Phuket’s first wine cellars. Mom Tri could not imagine owning a restaurant without a fully equipped wine cellar.”
Mom Tri’s passion drove him to reach for the best. He spared no expense to create a wine cellar that received accolades from international wine experts.  Today Mom Tri’s Kitchen lists over 350 wines and the Boathouse 820, including a Romanée-Conti Grand Cru ’91 and Châteaux Latour ‘82.



“Our price range is extensive in order to allow our guests to select a bottle of wine suited to their liking and the occasion. Prestigious labels and beautiful vintages enhance luxurious and festive events.
“Our wine lists are alive; continuously evolving and incorporating fashionable wine trends including organic, fruit and ice wines and a rotating selection of over 40 wines by the glass.
“Hopefully, in the near future, there will be a reduction of taxes and import duties currently amounting to about 400%. It would then enable us to develop our wine list even further.”



Mom Tri’s four restaurants today reflect his original vision of creating gourmet restaurants with magnificent wine cellars and spectacular waterfront views yet each retaining their own distinctive style.

On the water front ...

Phuket is one of the magnificent tourist destinations in the world, with its amazing coves and bays, palm-fringed beaches, glinting island-dotted seas, stunning turn of the century architecture, and an abundant tropical landscape.

Phuket Cultural Center, Butterfly Garden and Sea Aquarium, Phuket Sea Shell Museum, Chana Charoen Crocodile Farm, Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai village, Khao Rang, and Ko Si Re, are just few among many of its interesting attractions. Phuket also boasts of some brilliant nature attractions, such as Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Perhaps one of the main reasons why tourists flock to Phuket is due to its exceptional beaches. From active as well as fun beaches providing superb facilities to quiet beaches blessed with brilliant coves backed by sumptuous hillsides, each of the Phuket’s beaches are individually and collectively famous all with their unique charm.

Boasting of more than 3000 kilometers of shores and a variety of superb beaches;  Phuket is very a paradise for ocean lovers. All the Phuket’s beaches allow a superb opportunity to enjoy an excess of water sport activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and jet skiing, among many others.
One of the most admired water sport activities in Phuket is undoubtedly sailing, as it is a great way to explore the beauty of the Andaman Sea, and is now considered the best sailing destinations in South East Asia.

Another much favored water sport activity in Phuket is sea kayaking. Sea kayaking through the Phang-Nga, one of the world’s unique attractions, is a once in a lifetime experience, as it allows you to come through a range of waterway estuaries with dense forests composing mangrove and nipa palm which can be found stretched out in the sea.
Popular water sports activities in Phuket also include water skiing.Situated near the Loch Palm Golf Course, Hat Patong is considered a wonderful refuge for water skiing in Phuket. For those interested in night sea fishing, Phuket’s offshore islands form a perfect location. Also, a must do water sport activity in Phuket is yachting, with a range of yachts and super yachts to cater for all tastes and budgets.

Scuba diving is yet another popular water sport activity in Phuket, with such renowned diving destinations such as Phi Islands, Similan, and Surin. There are also a whole range of experienced diving schools and shops to cater for all your underwater needs. In addition, with an array of protected bays, Phuket forms a great destination for snorkeling.
For those who want to try something rare or new during your trip in Phuket, then travel out to Kata or Patong beaches to hire a jet ski. If you are an adventurer and want to make your Phuket break a memorable one, then fantastic and adventurous then parasailing could be the adrenalin rush you are looking for.For the less adventurous take a day cruise around all the famous Phuket sites.

With water sports galore and facilities to die for, a holiday break to Phuket would unquestionably be a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Tiger means business

PHUKET is likely to be central to the ambitions of the new Thai Tiger budget airline, with details to be formally announced in Bangkok today.

AirAsia’s declaration of Phuket as a regional hub and its rapid expansion to link up the region at low cost has pushed the increasingly popular red brand’s claim to be the industry leader.

Now Thai Airways, the national carrier, is finally reacting. Tiger, based in Singapore, and with a toe-hold in Australia and growing international exposure, is a natural ally.

Thai Airways has suffered from the conceit that as the national airline, it somehow automatically warrants the support of air travellers in Thailand. That approach may have worked through the 20th century, but the 21st century is redrawing the global flight patterns and many fliers are choosing V for value over S for superior service.

Phuket is being seen as one of the key destination battle zones for the new era of budget competition. The battle over value is matched by the battle to lock in the rougher V shape geography formed by Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.
In Southeast Asia, this three-country zone is likely to be the target for rapid air travel expansion over the next 20 years, both for business and tourism.

In many ways, Phuket is in the process of breaking free and proving its independence from its traditional links to Bangkok. The recent political violence in the capital only served to emphasise the difference.

Plans have been approved to double the capacity of Phuket International Airport before 2015. And already existing flight entry space has become precious as carriers seek a trouble-free destination within Thailand.

In Australia, fares have tumbled as Tiger challenges Virgin Blue and Qantas in a market that has never previously supported more than two national carriers for longer than two years. Tiger has nine planes based in Australia, where it has been leading the competition for lower prices.

Jetstar, the Qantas budget arm, has driven an enormous increase in the number of Australians choosing Phuket for holidays. AirAsia meanwhile is reaching out from Phuket to Hong Kong and China.

Opting to enter the international low-cost duel, Thai brings fresh resources, including the recent purchase of seven more A330-300 wide-bodied Airbus aircraft in a deal worth $1.5 billion.

Today’s deal shows that the national carrier means business.

Love is all you need

Relax and rejuvenate in our tranquil spa amid the beauty of lush tropical vegetation. Choose from a selection of massage services, plus body and beauty treatments in our eight treatment rooms, then plunge into a starlit jacuzzi as you sip freshly squeezed juice made from exotic fruit and wheatgrass.

Work up an appetite in the fitness room, then dine on gourmet cuisine at Eclipse, or sample Thai and international dishes at the Beach Terrace. As night draws in, cool down with cocktails in the exotic pool bar.

“Absolute Beach Hideaway “ Package 3 Days 2 nights 1 April – 31 October 2010

Special Rates for 2 persons: BHT 13,900 net

Descriptions
» 2 nights stay in Studio Pool Villa
» Welcome fruits in room on arrival day
» Daily breakfast for 2 persons
» Be tasty with Thai set dinner at Beach Terrace Restaurant.
» Free Thai massage for 15 minutes
» Free shuttle boat service to Naka Island
» Special 15% discount on food and beverage at Beach Terrace Restaurant.
» Airport round trip transfers
» Tax and VAT included
» Extending stay will be charged at THB 6000 per room per night. Rate is inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons
Itinerary
Day 1 : Pick up at the airport and check in at Absolute Chandara Resort & Spa.
Day 2 : Enjoy Thai set dinner at the Beach Terrace restaurant
Be pampered with Thai massage for 15 minutes
Discover the private beach and beach activities at your leisure at Naka Island, free shuttle boat service is offered.
Day 3 : Half day relaxing. Check out and transfer to Airport.

“Absolute Birthday For Lover “ Package 3 Days 2 nights 1 April – 31 October 2010

Special Rates for 2 persons: BHT 22,500 net

Descriptions
» Date of birth of the guest should be the same period of staying at Absolute Chandara Resort & Spa.
» 2 nights stay in Studio Pool Villa.
» Welcome fruits in room on arrival day
» Daily breakfast for 2 persons
» Be pampered with Body treatment for 55 minutes at Chandara spa for 2 persons.
» Be romantic with a candle light seafood set dinner with a bottle of wine.
» Be surprised with a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a birthday cake on your special dinner with your    sweetheart .
» Airport round trip transfers
» Tax and VAT included
» Extending stay will be charged at THB 6000 per room per night. Rate is inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons
Itinerary
Day 1 : Pick up at the airport and check in at Absolute Chandara Resort & Spa.
Day 2 : Body treatment for 55 minutes for 2 persons at Chandara spa.
Candle light dinner at Beach Terrace Restaurant.
Day 3 : Half day relaxing. Check out and transfer to Airport.

Bangla specials

Within the über cool world of Absolute Bangla Suites you will find yourself at the heart of the action of Patong’s most vibrant street Soi Bangla, yet just two minutes from the beach. Inside, we’ve captured the electrifying with modern and exciting finishings, quirky lighting design and music systems. Up on the roof sits Climax, one of Phuket’s most fashionable hang outs, offering poolside dining, a buzzing music lounge and a unique bird’s-eye view of the town that never sleeps. It’s all cool, chic and very, very sophisticated. And yet all wrapped up in a package that’s luxurious, exclusive and curiously elegant. How can you resist?

Last Minute Rates

Benefits: » Stay 1 night up, get special discount rates ( within 14-21    days) per room per night » Daily breakfast for 2 persons. » Welcome drink and tapas upon arrival. » Complimentary airport pick up if guests stay over 4 nights. Conditions : » Rates are inclusive of VAT and service charge. » Applicable for all room categories.

Long stay Promotion: 20% discount per night

Benefits: » Welcome drink and cold towel upon arrival. » Minimum 7 nights- stay is required. » Complimentary breakfast for 2 persons. » Complimentary use of Swimming Pool. Conditions : » This promotion is applicable from now to 31 October 2010. » Applicable for all room categories.

Free night promotion – Stay 3 Pay 2

Benefits: » Welcome drink and tapas upon arrival. » Minimum 3 nights- stay is required. » Stay 3 nights, pay only 2 nights, get one night FREE » Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 persons. » Booking Code “Super Save Stay” Conditions : » This promotion is applicable from now to 31 October 2010. » Applicable for all room categories.

One of the most luxurious new resorts in Patong, Absolute Bangla Suites offers 29 studios, nine junior suites, seven executive suites, two grand jacuzzi suites and seven penthouses. Refresh and relax in the rooftop pool with poolside dining and music lounge looking out over the dramatic bay of Patong.

Or choose to dine in our private Climax dining room. Enjoy secure parking, state-of-the-art security, in-room treatments and a buzzing bar and lounge. Absolute Bangla is a jewel as beautiful as the emerald waters of the neighbouring Andaman Sea.

Feel like a king in your balcony jacuzzi as you take in extraordinary views of colourful Patong Bay. Back inside your studio or suite, enjoy a European-style kitchen, well stocked fridge and snacks and complimentary water, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player, Zeppelin iPod docking station, soundsystem, broadband WiFi, luxury furnishings, international direct-dial telephone, air-conditioning and a stunningly appointed bathroom with your own bathrobes and slipper.

Phuket - Asia's Best Centre For Ocean Travel

Phuket, voted as the Best Asian Maritime Capital 2010, will bring US$306 million revenue by maritime tourists annually and the number will continue to rise, said Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, head of Phuket's Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).



He said Phuket is also deemed as Asia's best centre for ocean travel surpassing rivals Hong Kong, Singapore, and Italy, according to Thai News Agency on Friday.

Statistics from TAT show that large number of tourists are annually drawn to southern Thailand's resort island of Phuket including affluent maritime travellers with personal yachts visiting the coastal province dubbed the Pearl of the Andaman.



At a recent Asia Boating Award 2010 in Hong Kong, worldwide sales entrepreneurs and travel buyers voted Phuket as the "Best Asian Maritime Capital"

Bangornrat said: "Phuket is the centre for travellers to easily sail their yacht to other Asian cities, as the marinas here readily provide conveniences to those who sail. The resort island also a a central point that connects with other destinations".

Meanwhile, Phuket Tourist Association vice-president Bhuritt Maswongssa believes there should be a well-equipped standardised public marina similar to privately-owned facilities to attract more ocean travellers.



"If we have a public marina managed by local authorities like in other countries, management and services fees will become cheaper, and the marina will provide services to more yachts," said Bhuritt.

Absolute Bangla Suites Football Fiesta

Within the über cool world of Absolute Bangla Suites you will find yourself at the heart of the action of Patong’s most vibrant street Soi Bangla, yet just two minutes from the beach. Inside, we’ve captured the electrifying with modern and exciting finishings, quirky lighting design and music systems. Up on the roof sits Climax, one of Phuket’s most fashionable hang outs, offering poolside dining, a buzzing music lounge and a unique bird’s-eye view of the town that never sleeps. It’s all cool, chic and very, very sophisticated. And yet all wrapped up in a package that’s luxurious, exclusive and curiously elegant. How can you resist?

From the 11th of June we are making it even more enticing as Absolute Bangla Suites introduce a selection of special football fiesta packages to celebrate the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. Join us to cheer on your team in the one of the most luxurious new resorts in Patong.

Terms and conditions:
Promotion is valid from 10th June to 11th July, 2010 This promotion can’t be use with another promotion. This promotion can’t be use with conjunctionwith Room Service. Minimum stays 2 nights. Packages are subjected to availability. Reservations can be made via central reservations, directly to our hotel or in our website: www.absolutebanglasuites.com Please quote “Absolute Bangla Football Fiesta Packages” to enjoy offer. Rates are quoted for room and breakfast unless otherwise stated, and based on single or double occupancy. Alcohol will not be serve for under age guest. Reservations must be made in advance and confirmation subject to availability. Bookings are non-exchangeable and non-transferable. Cancellations made less than ONE (01) day prior to arrival will impose a penalty charge of one (01) night stay. Promotional rates are not applicable in conjunction with any other promotions, discounts or privileges. Absolute Bangla Suites reserve the right to amend or terminate this promotion at any time without prior notice. Reservation hot line number +66 (0) 76-343-600 or email tofo@absolutebanglasuites.com

Feel like a king in your balcony jacuzzi as you take in extraordinary views of colourful Patong Bay. Back inside your studio or suite, enjoy a European-style kitchen, well stocked fridge and snacks and complimentary water, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player, Zeppelin iPod docking station, soundsystem, broadband WiFi, luxury furnishings, international direct-dial telephone, air-conditioning and a stunningly appointed bathroom with your own bathrobes and slipper.

Phuket Film Festival June 2010

Scheduled for June 4-13, the Phuket Film Festival offers 10 days of award-winning movies, parties and networking events with international filmmakers, cultural activities and, of course, world-famous Thai hospitality.

The film festival is unique in that events will be held all over Phuket, allowing visitors to experience the spice of island life as activities take place in their backyards.

It will kick off on June 4 at the SFX Coliseum in Central Festival with a screening of India's official entry in the 2010 Oscars, Harishchandrachi Factory. Director/writer/producer Paresh Mokashi will be in attendance.

The Gala Opening will take place on June 5 at Royal Phuket Marina, one of the biggest boat marinas on the island. This is an evening of networking with movie stars, politicos and other VIPs from the island. It is supported by Kingfisher Beer, Mont Claire wine and great food from Skippers and Silk restaurants.

On June 6, moviegoers and music fans are invited to The Green Man pub and restaurant on Rawai beach to experience the Thai premiere of a Hollywood movie filmed in the kingdom, The Prince and Me 4: The Elephant Adventure. The screening will be followed by a music performance by internationally acclaimed rap band Thaitanium. Thai stars Ase Wang, Vithaya Pansringarm, Parinya Intachai and Amarin Cholvibul will attend.

The "Meet the Directors" session on June 8 at Cape Yamu will provide some of the most spectacular views of the islands in the Gulf and also some great company as film aficionados will join Hollywood director Darnell Martin for an informal evening of movie talk, networking, food and refreshment, while watching a screening of Darnell's Cadillac Records.

June 11 will see the Thai premiere of another film also shot here, Bitter/Sweet. Joining the movie's gala reception at Vijitt Resort on Rawai beach will be Thai actresses Napakprapa 'Mamee' Nakprasit and Viyada Umarin.

The festival winds up with a world premiere screening of Thai director Yuthlert Sippapak's Friday Killer, which will be held at Kargo in the Laguna area on June 13.

Discounted beverages and great food will be available as Yuthlert unfurls his 'director's cut' of the first in his Killers trilogy. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back with one of Thailand's most prolific movie directors to discuss the Thai film industry.

Also included in the programme line-up is the international premiere of Adrian Granier's documentary Teenage Paparazzo, the Vietnamese action thriller Bay Rong (The Clash), Australian comedy Bran Nue Dae and Canadian thriller Repo Men.

The festival also pays tribute to Thai director Kom Akadej by offering free screenings of his classic films.

Tickets for all events are available at the main theatre screening location, the Coliseum Cineplex in Phuket Town.

For more information, please call the Festival Hot Line on 081-722-4461 or visit http://www.phuketfilmfestival.asia.

Phuket Country Club

Phuket Country Club is the realisation of a remarkable transformation of a former tin mine located at the heart of Phuket, which since 1989 has been the site of one of the very best courses in Phuket, and one that is a must for any group visiting the popular holiday destination.

10 minutes from the centre of Phuket town and 15 minutes from the famous Patong beach, the Country Club is easily accessible, and has played host to a number of prestigious national professional championships. The par-72 layout is just shy of 6,500 yards, and is characterised by holes of hugely differing characters.

The layout can be approximately divided in three stylistically; six holes span natural undulations, six are flatter, while the remaining six are carved through lush woodland. Severe dog-legs and enormous lakes are among the hallmarks of this Thailand golf holiday gem, which is a superb option for Phuket visitors.

THE OLD COURSE provides a strenuous resort 18-hole, 6483 yards, par 72 golf game.

Hole #10, 557 yards par 5, is one of the most unusual holes you will find anywhere; a dog-leg right that snakes around an enormous lake and reachable in one!

To achieve it, you must aim 90 degree right of the fair way – and be able to carry you drive 240 yards over the water. The course is fun and friendly. Set in a valley, the fairways meandering through the hills and limestone cliffs.

You will traverse 3 distinct environments:- six holes in undulating hills, six holes on the level and six holes through landscape forest.

It is generally not humiliating or intimidating (depending on your temperament, of course!). Wayward shots are not too severely penalized; just stay away from the ‘vertical-cliff’ wall bunkers guarding strategic Greens.

Although high handicappers have the best round of their lives and keep coming back for more, the low handicap golfers still find the course quite a challenge.

THE COUNTRY CLUB COURSE is a challenging 3375 yards (championship tee) par 36, 9-hole course, particularly suitable for the low handicap golfer. The picturesque beauty of the scenery and layout, somewhat softens the difficulty of the course. Watch out for those wayward shots; all are penalized either landing in water or out-of-bounds. However, with five tee-off boxes at each hole, you have a choice of making it less of an ordeal.

The distinct feature is water- water comes into play 90% of the time. Black swans glide amongst the water lilies taking very little heed of your slices! (Hint: high handicap golfers, remember to purchase a few dozen second hand balls from the Pro Shop before tee off! You just might need a few!)

THE DRIVING RANGE is conveniently situated at the entrance of the Country Club Course.

It has 52 floodlit bays and just about everything necessary to help you improve your game- chipping and putting greens, practice bunkers, including a restaurant, serving delicious Thai cuisine.

Need help with your technique? Book a lesson or three with the PGA professional.

No time during the day? Day or night, rain or hail, the weather proof bays and floodlight system will allow you to practice your swing any time,seven days a week. Hitting practice balls here is an experience in itself!