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Published on November 1, 2007

It has 15 hotels and resorts under construction in seven countries, including one hotel and two resorts in Thailand with a combined value of Bt2.1 billion. The other countries are China, Oman, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and the Maldives.

Alila president Mark A Edleson said yesterday that the tourism trend in Asia was on the rise in many aspects and at all levels. More and more people are travelling to the region while many airlines have also tapped the opportunity to increase their Asian routes. The Asian travel industry is growing at 8 per cent annually.

Thailand has a high reputation in terms of culture and natural beauty. It also has the largest tourism industry in Southeast Asia.

Edleson said Alila was not concerned about the political problems and economic downturn because it was confident the country would give good returns in the long term.

Two local investors are developing the three Thai properties for Alila to manage. Somhansar is an investor for Alila Hansar Bangkok and Alila Hansar Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, while KS Resort is an investor for Alila Cha-am resort in Phetchaburi.

Alila Hansar Bangkok and Alila Cha-am are worth Bt800 million each and the Samui resort is valued at Bt500 million.

The Cha-am resort will have 79 rooms, the Samui resort will comprise 77 rooms and the Bangkok hotel will contain 62.

Edleson said the average room rate at the Cha-am resort, which will have a contemporary Thai style, would be US$200 (Bt6,800). Main target groups are local high-end travellers and Bangkok-based companies that want to have weekend meetings.

Edleson said Alila's hotels and resorts were positioned in the luxury-lifestyle segment and were generally small properties with attractive natural scenery and nearby culture.

The Alila Cha-am and Alila Hansar Koh Samui are scheduled to open next February.

Nitida Asawanipont

 The Nation