Marriott's Courtyard brand eyes expanding in Kingdom
Courtyard, a business-hotel brand under the Marriott group, is looking at expanding its network in Thailand in the near future because it believes the country has potential as a business hub in Southeast Asia, especially when the Asean Economic Community
The company declined to reveal how many new properties it would open, but said the business-hotel concept was on the up-trend in Thailand. So far Courtyard claims an occupancy rate of 85 per cent.
Sanne Emborg, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, said the high occupancy rate showed the strong demand for this kind of hotel among business travellers. Currently, its foreign guests come mainly from the Netherlands, the United States and China.
Emborg took charge of the Courtyard Bangkok at the end of March. Previously, she was general manager of the Courtyard in Mumbai. She said Bangkok was a modern city and companies had set up their regional headquarters here. However, the hospitality industry faces high competition.
Edge over rivals
She believes the Courtyard Bangkok has an advantage over its rivals, especially its location on Rajdamri at the heart of capital, as well as its network under the Marriott umbrella, which underlines its service quality.
The four-star Bangkok hotel is the only Courtyard in Thailand. The 316-room hotel serves both business and non-business travellers, but for the latter, it focuses on young executives. It positions itself as a functional hotel by offering convenient service and easy access.
Emborg has found that younger business travellers look for a hotel that offers good value for money and at the same time fits their work and lifestyle.
Courtyard began opening its doors in Asia in 1997, with its first hotel in Hong Kong. Besides Thailand, there are now nine Courtyards in China, seven in India, and one each in Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Asia is considered an important market for this brand.
Marriott International is a leading hospitality company with more than 3,700 lodging properties in 71 nations and territories. It operates three brands in Thailand, namely JW Marriott Bangkok, Courtyard Bangkok, and Renaissance Koh Samui Resort and Spa. All three properties are owned by Erawan Group, a listed company.
