Market Briefs

Demand for luxury housing has continued to grow, enabling The Emperor Co's sales to hit the targeted Bt106 million in the first half, managing director Suratchai Kunhakij said yesterday.

The company believes fullyear sales will be Bt280 million, up 10 per cent from last year's level.

The Emperor will unveil six new housing models priced between Bt10 million and Bt20 million at the Home Builder 2008 show, which runs from August 2024 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

It is offering special package tours to Italy for customers who sign contracts at the event, Suratchai said. - The Nation

Turkish firm Rixos launches Khao Lak hotel

The fivestar Rixos Premium Khao Lak Hotel will start taking reser¬vations this month, ahead of its opening in November. The hotel has 300 rooms and suites, plus a number of dining options.

The property will offer a wellness centre aimed at reflecting the peaceful atmosphere of the area, while offering unique treks and ways to relax.

The hotel is expecting to draw guests from around the world, espe¬cially Eastern Asia, Europe, Russia and the Americas. It predicts that most of its customers will come from the high and middleincome brackets.

HK hotel group wants Thailand to be hub

Andrew Jessop, vice president for Thailand, said the group saw the Kingdom as the regional hub for its longterm growth and expansion.

He added that the group expected to have 25 properties in the region over the next five years, from the current nine.

Apart from Thailand, the group is looking at markets with potential such as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In Thailand alone, the group will introduce three brands: the fivestar Langham Hotels and Resorts; the fourstar, boutiquedesign Eaton Hotels; and Langham Place.

Jessop said the group expected to manage 12 hotels and resorts in the Kingdom over the next five years, up from the originally planned five. - The Nation