Four Seasons Predicts Tourism Industry Rebound

　　Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts expects a recovery in the local tourism industry this year after a setback due largely to flooding late last year and political conflicts since late 2008.

　　Rami Sayess, the newly appointed regional vice-president and general manager for Thailand, said reservations for the Four Seasons Bangkok have grown to 70% this month and 80% in March.

　　"We started this month with a heavy flow of reservations. That"s why we"re optimistic about the tourism outlook, thanks to aggressive promotions by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as well as value-for-money products in Thailand," he said.

　　Overseeing Thai properties for four months, Mr Sayess believes the tourism industry recovered very quickly after the floods. He is confident the average room rate for Bangkok hotels can gradually increase because Thailand offers such value for money.

　　Even as high-end hotel supply continues to increase in Bangkok _ 64 five-star hotels and 41 beyond five-star hotels _ Mr Sayess believes having more choices is good for tourists though critics point to a glut.

　　He said even though Myanmar and Vietnam are trying to catch up to Thailand"s quality products and services, they still have a way to go.

　　But so many operators lowered prices during the political squabbles from 2008 to 2010 that it is difficult for luxury hotels to raise rates quickly now. The average room rate for the Four Seasons Hong Kong is three times higher than the Four Seasons Bangkok.

　　To increase room rates, Mr Sayess said TAT should organise a meeting for hoteliers to discuss the pricing issue.

　　In 2011, the hotel missed its occupancy rate target of 60% due to the floods.

　　It strongly believes the occupancy rate will pick up to 60-65% this year, while room rates jump by 5-6% this year.

　　Emerging markets such as India, China, the Middle East and South Korea will be a key factor for its growth.

　　He added the Four Seasons brand is quite strong in emerging markets. It operates six hotels in China and 12 in the Middle East.