General manager Sanya Saengboon said last week that the overall tourism business would grow as expected throughout the year despite the political unrest in the Kingdom.

Of the company's revenue target, 70 per cent is expected to come from guest rooms and 30 per cent from the food and beverage department.

Occupancy is expected to be only 50 per cent in the first year, compared to more than 90 per cent enjoyed by most of the hotels located along Rama I, Rajprasong and Sukhumvit roads.

The Bt600-million hotel had its soft opening on December 15 and plans to hold its grand opening on March 23.

The property is the latest project of automobile tycoon Phonpinit Phornprapha.

The family has been operating a hotel in Pattaya - the Tropicana - for three decades. It also runs an inbound travel agency and golf course.

Sanya said the hotel targeted 70 per cent Western tourists particularly from Germany, Switzerland and other European countries. The rest would come from Asia and Oceania.

The hotel is offering an introductory room rate of Bt2,100 per night.

With 203 trendy-looking rooms, a spa and a "party house," the hotel is focusing on young individual tourists who prefer to make their own travel plans and bookings.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation