Hyatt targets 70% occupancy this year

The hotel averaged 70% occupancy throughout 2008, but this fell to 60% in the first quarter this year. Occupancy rates are anticipated to improve in June, General Manager Richard Greaves said.

“The Thai market is unique,” he said. “We have been through many crises and we could pick up in a short time. Thailand is a desirable destination and people want to come here as soon as the window of opportunity opens.”

Long-haul arrivals have been affected by many negative factors, but local and intra-Asian tourist arrivals, notably from Southeast Asia, have shown an upward trend.

Though the global tourism industry is now facing a new threat from the New Influenza 2009 outbreak in Mexico, the General Manager said it was still too early to say what the virus’s impact would be on Thai tourism, as the disease has not broken out in Asia.

“What I can say now is, at the moment, Thailand is still safe from New Influenza 2009. I’m still confident that we can handle the outbreak as we have been through similar problems like Sars and the bird flu before,” he said.

The hotel projects its 2009 revenues will increase by 4%, on par with last year, but it would not list a target.

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok would try hard to create added-value packages for its customers, and have more on-line promotions to cope with the downturn. Its on-line bookings grew at double-digit rates last year, and the trend is expected to continue, as tourists now prefer to make travel decisions just a few days before booking, he said.

Recently, the hotel opened the Campus, a new venue worth 142.5 million Baht on its lower lobby floor, which targets meetings industry activities and social events. It has 14 functions rooms, totaling more than 3,000 square meters, which can accommodate a maximum of 1,100 people.

The venue, which was conceived to evoke the nostalgia and romance of university life, is expected to generate about 3 million Baht per month, he said.

The hotel will plan to open a new signature restaurant to strengthen its food and beverage services by November.