Hilton upbeat about Hua Hin prospects

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buksida
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Hilton upbeat about Hua Hin prospects

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Hua Hin's hotel business has tremendous growth potential, and hoteliers should continue to work closely to promote the resort town as a destination, says Michael Schmitt, general manager of the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.

He said many new hotels and condominiums have been developed in Hua Hin in recent years, but the industry's growth in the town remains healthy.

Hua Hin is favoured as both a short- and long-haul tourist destination for Thais and foreigners alike.

And with the entry of new players, competition is increasing naturally.

"But this is good for both customers and hoteliers. We welcome new competition, as it keeps us on our toes while we continue to innovate new concepts to create a memorable and unique guest experience," said Mr Schmitt, who assumed his position just three months ago.

During the first few months of this year, Hua Hin tourism was feeling the effects of the massive flood crisis late last year.

But the market has since picked up again, and the positive trend is expected to last through the coming high tourism season.

Mr Schmitt said Hua Hin hoteliers should continue to collaborate closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to increase tourism further and drive awareness of the seaside town.

"Great work has been done in the past few years, and we look forward to being part of this working group. We should go out to promote Hua Hin as a single destination with joint marketing campaigns and attractive events," said the newly appointed general manager.

"If we can do that effectively, then all of us will benefit. Social media already plays a vital role and will assist us in our efforts."

Mr Schmitt said for the 296-room Hilton Hua Hin, business is always very good even in the low season, with full occupancy almost every weekend.

Average occupancy of Hua Hin hotels is expected to stay at 68-70% this year, and Mr Schmitt is confident the Hilton will beat this.

At 17 storeys, the Hilton Hua Hin is the tallest hotel in town.

Its location is ideal, with a beautiful beachfront and just a few steps away from Hua Hin's bar, restaurant and entertainment area.

Most low-season guests are Thais, especially families, and other Asians, while European and other long-haul tourist numbers increase during the high season.

"The Thai tourism business may feel some effect from the euro-zone debt crisis, but European tourists will still come for their holiday in Thailand, although the stay might be shorter. However, the strong growth in Asian tourist numbers can offset the decline in European guests," said Mr Schmitt.

He plans to refine the meeting facilities at the hotel to attract more Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) business.

The Hilton Hua Hin now has several function rooms and enough food and beverage outlets to serve 600 guests.

Source: Bangkok Post
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Re: Hilton upbeat about Hua Hin prospects

Post by Terry »

One could say that the Hilton would always be upbeat and maybe talk-up the prospects.

However

It's been an interesting 'Low season' for us at the Lodge

OK - we get some regular customers - non tourists that just keep us ticking over at this time of year, and in the past it has been quite slow.

But this year we have had a good increase in new customers, both local and tourist alike.
We have also got far more inquiries for the upcoming season than before.

Maybe the Hilton have got their info correct.

Thailand is often referred to as the Teflon economy, always bouncing back after SARS, Yellow Shirts, Red Shirts, Floods and maybe we are seeing more of this.

I DO however feel that Thailand and maybe Hua Hin might get affected in the not too distant future with the upturn of tourism here in Vietnam - and also with Burma opening up.

Anyway I'm watching with interest :)
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