The Hotel Public Relations Association (Thailand), led by its president Earth Saiswang, recently organized a one-day
“Image and Personality Development Workshop” at the Amari Atrium Hotel on Petchburi Road.
More than 100 members of the association attended the workshop, facilitated by Pranome Thavornvej, managing director of he John Robert Powers Institute.
Khun Pranome lectured on subjects such as social etiquette, corporate image development, and personality development.
Personality development has been a major topic of interest for some of the most prominent thinkers in psychology.
Our personalities make us unique, but how does personality develop? How exactly do we become who we are today? To answer these questions, many prominent scientists developed theories to describe various steps and stages that occur on the road of personality development.
The workshop touched on some theories that focus on various aspects of personality development, including cognitive, social, and moral development.
Thai travelers are likely to increase their budgets over 52% on their next trip, from the average US$1,304 spent on their last trip up to US$2,501 on their next one, according to the latest Visa Global Travel Intentions Study.
Visa’s regular barometer of travel trends said Asia Pacific would remain the Thais’ top travel destinations for the next few years. Japan emerged as the top destination, followed by Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa country manager, Myanmar and Thailand said: “It’s clear that Thais love to travel – whether domestically or abroad. This year’s Visa Global Travel Intentions study discovered that Thai travel behaviors are beginning to change as more go online to book their trips, and use Visa payment cards on-the-go. Visa credit or debit cards offer greater security for travelers, and peace of mind knowing that Visa is accepted worldwide and travelers don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.”
Visa has also gathered information and created a profile of Thai tourists´ market behavior. Evidently Thais like to travel together. Most travel with their family or spouses, a number of 71% of all outbound Thai tourists. A surprisingly large percentage, 38% of Thais travel with their friends or colleagues, while the global equivalent is only 19%. Moreover, 23% of them answered that their travel group sizes can go up to six or more people, while globally only 10% chose to travel in larger groups.
The strong presence of budget airlines in Asia is present in Thais´ flight purchases. Most of the flights Thais take are short haul and in the economy class (53%). With many affordable and accessible destinations nearby, the trips are often short getaways to other Asian countries, which extend over a weekend or take place on public holidays. While Thais may prefer cheaper transport, they however are willing to spend more on comfortable lodging, and choose accommodation in all star-categories from one to five.
Tulip Group Thailand has appointed Projects Asia as project managers for their luxury five star beachfront condominiun and hotel, Centara Grand Residence Pattaya. Building of Centara Grand Residence Pattaya is expected to start in October.
Project Asia has been managing more than 500 projects, such as luxury condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, and offices in Thailand for more than 23 years. In addition to them, another announced contractor for Centara Grand Residence Pattaya is Thai BAUER, affiliated to the German company BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, who will be in charge of the piling works.
With these “high profile appointments” the developer claims the new project to be “the most exclusive ever to be launched in Pattaya Thailand.
SamuiW Retreat Koh Samui is to host a week-long DJ boot camp and a final party for winners of the 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab, the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ search.
The 2013 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab is the third edition of one of the world’s best DJ searches that aims to recruit emerging music talents from around the world, where a week-long DJ Lab boot camp and a party will be taking place Sept. 24-29.
W Retreat Koh Samui Resort & Spa, a cutting-edge design resort on Thailand’s premier holiday island, will welcome the finalists and some the world’s best DJs, who will be designing the classes and training sessions during the period, such as W Hotels Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Acqua, DJ White Shadow whose instrumental works including Lady Gaga’s latest album, James Lavelle from A&R Records and two-time Grammy nominated Andy Caldwell.
Brian Segrave, general manager of W Retreat Koh Samui said, “We are delighted to host the Burn DJ Lab 2013 event. It is particularly exciting have our DJs and mentors travel to this fantastic island location, giving Samui advance exposure to tomorrow’s innovative beats.”
The DJs will be also spinning at the W Music Happening on Sept, 27 from 9 pm. until late at the iconic WOOBAR® where their exclusive mixes will be complemented by extravagant lights and sounds and innovative cocktails.
The event is open for public and entry fee is Bt500 per person inclusive of creative welcome cocktail, free entry for ladies. For more information and reservations, please contact 0 (66) 77915999 or email to bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joins hands with Thai Airways International, Asia Web Direct, and more than 30 leading providers of health, beauty, and spa treatments in the country to launch a digital marketing initiative promoting the country’s thriving health and wellness industry.
The campaign takes aim at women in the Asia-Pacific market, including Thailand, who are looking for ways to rediscover themselves. A wide selection of exclusive deals on wellness and beauty treatments, spa packages, and hotel stays in Thailand is prepared for them, and marketed through online platforms, such as Asia Web Direct, travel website.
TAT Gov. Suraphon Svetasreni said: “Fortunately for us, and for medical travelers, over 30 leading providers of wellness-related services including clinics, spas, and health centers signed up to offer over 150 packages of exclusive health, beauty, and hotel deals that allow tourists from all over the world to book online and receive special pricing.”
The TAT’ gov adds that the ‘Find Your Fabulous’ campaign will strengthen the image of Thailand as the leading beauty and wellness destination in Asia. “We estimate that the promotion will generate more than Bt50 million of income for health, beauty, and wellness providers in Thailand,” he said.
Olivier Dombey, executive general manager of Asia, Wotif Group and Asia Web Direct, said: “Australia has really good potential for this sort of promotion, and is one tourist market that beauty clinics would benefit from focusing on,” he hints. For more information, visit www.FindYourFabulousThailand.com.
The Photo Contest #2 of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has found three talented winners.
The first prize of Bt30,000 went to Phumiphat Jiarajetchai for his river boat photo titled, “The Beauty of Culture.” The second prize of Bt20,000 was awarded to Petcharee Tamawong-Benjamin for her awe-inspiring image, “Pray Time.” Dominik Bamberger won third place and Bt10,000 with his stunning temple picture, “Bangkok.”
“All three images literally show Thailand in a fascinating – yet distinct – light, which will surely inspire and entice visitors to come and explore Thailand for themselves,” said the TAT in their press release. This year’s theme was “The Magic & Mystery of Amazing Thailand.”
Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Da Nang Vietnam has been named as winner of The Guide Awards 2012-13, for the third consecutive year. The Guide is a lifestyle and leisure magazine published by Vietnam Economic Times, one of Vietnam’s leading business newspapers. The annual event of The Guide Awards is entering its 14th year, and celebrates the best products and services in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The awarded hotel is managed by Centara, and set directly on Non Nuoc Beach with 42 acres of garden. “This is a huge honor for us,” says Vatthanachai Phipatthontant, general manager of the resort. “I believe that it reflects both on the beautiful setting of the resort, and on the quality of our service. The team here are thrilled,” concludes the GM.
Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and the founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, a worldwide chain of luxury resorts based in Asia, held the merit making ceremony on the auspicious occasion of “Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel’s 16th Anniversary” at Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel recently. He was joined by the hotel’s executives and associates.Chatrium Hotels & Residences (CHR) have recently entered a partnership with Royal Orchid Plus, the frequent flyer program of Thai Airways International (THAI). Members of Royal Orchid Plus will earn up to 750 miles for each qualifying stay and earn 50 miles for every Bt500 spent at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok´s dining outlets; River Barge, Pier 28 and Silver Waves Chinese Restaurant.
Other participating properties in Bangkok are Chatrium Residence Sathorn Bangkok and Emporium Suites by Chatrium. Additionally, the promotion is valid in CHR´s one international hotel, Chatrium Royeal Lake Yangon.
Savitri Ramyarupa, CHR managing director said: “Our brand promise of a ´Remarkable Experience´ becomes even greater with the added value of Royal Orchid Plus benefits.” To kick off the partnership, CHR offers Royal Orchid Plus members a promotion valid until Sept. 30. For two-night stay, the guests will receive their third night for free, plus a room upgrade. For more information and reservations, visit www.chatriumpointplus.com/
BangkokThailand Post has chosen IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. to manage the recently restored Grand Postal Building in Bangrak, Bangkok. For IMPACT, this is the first city center property to manage, and their investment aims to bring a wider range of events to this centre for post and telecommunication services.
Paul Kanjanapas, IMPACT MD says: “The historic building will serve as a unique venue for hosting conferences, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, events, parties and even weddings, car launches and charity events all managed by our expert team. Our investment is more than Bt100 million over the next few years. We are confident, with our expertise the venue will grow in popularity and stature.” Additionally, there are mid-size meeting rooms and IMPACT is completing an 80-seater Manorah Thai Restaurant on the ground floor. The 1,000sqm outdoor area can be used for festivals, exhibitions, and other functions.
PhuketCentara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket inspects the final stages of additional 158 rooms (Deluxe, and Family Resident Suite categories) that will be completed and ready by the end of October. The new rooms bring the total accommodation to 432 rooms, and future expansion will eventually see a total number of 784 rooms.
In photo (from left to right): Dechanont Wangthong, executive assistant manager of Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket; Derek Beck (2nd right), project director; Andreas Korf, general manager.
BangkokDream Hotel Bangkok recently organized a charity party to support Foundation for Rehabilitation & Development of Children and Family (FORDEC). The event was highlighted by the performances of “Miss Southeast Asian 2013” candidates. They included three fashion shows (Heritage Costume, Cocktail, and Evening Gown) featuring the representatives of Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia. FORDEC provides material assistance and opportunities for physical and intellectual growth to uplift the living conditions of children, youth, and families in need.
David Baldwin, general manager of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square donated over 400 towels, duvet cover sheets, slippers and other care items to Suwat Ekwattanaphan, director of the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, and a representative of Art For All, a non-profit philanthropic arts organization. These items are meant to benefit the underprivileged children who participate in Art for All camp, improving their personal hygiene and well being.
Bangkok Gov. M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra recently presided over the “2013 Travelers´ Choice Destinations” award presentation held at the Bangkok Art & Culture Center. TripAdvisor selected Bangkok as the top destination. The city won the No. 1 spot over 25 other top travel destination as voted by TripAdvisor website visitors. Second place went to Tokyo and the third place to Beijing.
