Well managed and well attended with 130 of the industry’s top hoteliers attending and supported by SKL INTL, AustCham, JFCCT and PATA. The format was quick and punchy with a superb line-up of speakers, panelists and moderators. With the help of Sli.do providing live digital feedback, audience questions were flashed up on screen at regular intervals – it was thoroughly engaging.
Organised by Questex Asia Ltd the event venue was perfect – the JW Marriott Bangkok, with seasoned Bangkok hotelier Peter Caprez on hand to ensure perfect delivery.
2017 was another banner year for tourism in Thailand. One of the world’s most visited countries.Ê Thailand welcomed a record breaking thirty-five million visitors. With no disruptive events anticipated for 2018, hoteliers in Thailand are expecting a relatively smooth year ahead.
There are however challenges. An ever-increasing hotel supply (CBRE forecast that by 2021 downtown Bangkok hotels will increase by a further 20 per cent).
With increased competition, an ever-changing distribution landscape and challenging talent recruitment. Hotel managers are hungry for knowledge and tips. Information of latest developments is key to ensure profitable and sustainable growth. Not easy in a market with higher upstream supply and room rates expected to be constrained by the incoming new room supply.
The panel discussions were lively and interesting – OTAs were a hot topic. Competition amongst various distribution channels has intensified; requiring increased efforts for hoteliers to maintain rate parity. From the Bangkok discussions there is a question mark as to whether there is sufficient control. It is certain that the business model has to change before it breaks down.
Another hot topic was on the F&B front, the first Michelin Guide in Thailand having been published, panelists discussed its impact on the fiercely competitive restaurant and bar scene.
The Hotel Management Summit has firmly planted its feet as aÊmust-attend events for hoteliers.
Andrew J Wood
Bangkok
About the Author
Andrew J. Wood is a freelance travel writer andÊ long-time resident of Thailand. A seasoned hotelier and former General Manager of some of the country’s leading hotels including the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya.
Andrew is a former Board member and Director of Skal International’s (SI) Exec Committee, National President of SI THAILAND and is currently President of SI BANGKOK and Acting Vice President Southeast Asia of Skal’s Asian Area.
