The French hotel and restaurant association, which was established in 1954, supports its members with marketing and maximising revenue. It initially had eight hotel members in France and has gradually expanded its network to 460 members in 54 countries across five continents.

R&C president Jaume Tapies said yesterday the association had conducted a survey among customers of its member hotels and found that Thailand was among their top global destinations due to its scenery and culture.

It also accepted three hotels here as members late last year. They are The Rachamankha Hotel in Chiang Mai, The Eugenia in Bangkok and Phuket Pavilions Hotel in Phuket. It also expects to welcome a new Thai member next month.

Every hotel wishing to be accepted by R&C must meet five requirements: courtesy (quality of welcome and attentive service), charm (well-appointed properties and elegant interiors), character (unique style), calm (quiet and relaxation) and cuisine (the high standards of the Relais Gourmands). They must have from 30 to 100 rooms.

Tapies said Thailand's political problems and economic uncertainty were not big issues for international travellers because they were minor compared to problems in many other countries.

He said the Asia-Pacific region was being closely watched by people in the hotel and travel industries, because more and more travellers were coming to the region due to attractive destinations and good hospitality facilities.

R&C members pay ¤14,000 (Bt618,482) as an annual fee. The association helps them to build awareness and generate revenue through its reservation website and offices.

Tapies said the association did not set a target for recruiting members each year. At the same time, it also cuts 10-20 members that cannot maintain the association's criteria.

Nitida Asawanipont

 The Nation