By: CHATRUDEE THEPARAT
Published: 26/01/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Business

A-One Hotel, the Thailand-based operator of hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya, plans to invest 300 million baht this year to develop the 150-room A-One Resort in Bangkok next to its A-One Boutique Hotel.

The development will cater to a recovery in tourism demand expected by the end of this year, according to managing director Somchai Ratanaopath.

The company originally planned to build the resort early in the year but the construction plan was put on hold when tourism was battered by political turmoil, which culminated in the closure of Bangkok's two airports late last year.

"We all need to take an equal part in promoting tourism and the economy, not only to rely on government support. Continued investment by operators will help shore up the confidence of local people and foreign tourists," said Mr Somchai.

A-One currently operates Royal Cruise Pattaya, Pattaya Beach Resort, Bangkok Airport Hotel and the recently opened Boutique Hotel Bangkok.

Built at a cost of 120 million baht, the 213-room, four-star Boutique Hotel Bangkok offers a convenient location near the Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway and the new Airport Link.

According to Mr Somchai, the A-One Group's occupancy rate stayed up last year at 80-90% because its guests are mainly from Malaysia, Singapore, India, Eastern Europe and Thailand.

To maintain the rate, Mr Somchai said the group planned to participate more in international tourism trade shows to build links with foreign agents. It took part in the Asean Tourism Forum in Hanoi in early January to update overseas operators.

The company plans to focus more on promotions and privileges such as late checkout, free WiFi and free shuttle buses to subways, skytrains and shopping areas.

Mr Somchai said the hotels also were the first in Thailand to provide equipment for disabled and elderly guests. They also have nurses on call.