Kanchanaburi resort ups it competitiveness with Bt30m renovation
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The COMSAED River Kwai Resort and Spa in Kanchanaburi has undergone a Bt30-million renovation ahead of the completion of a mega-project linking Thailand and Myanmar in five years. The overland project is expected to increase travel flowing between Thaila
The overhaul was aimed at increasing the property’s competitiveness, especially in the meeting and conference markets, amid the proliferation of hotels in the area.
Dussadee Ramsomphob, representative of the hotel’s owner and adviser to the hotel, said last week that the major changes to the building included the upgrading of River Wing’s in-room facilities and amenities.
That helped the hotel raise its room rate from Bt1,400 to Bt2,500 and gain more free individual travellers (FIT) and families.
“The hotel wants to increase FIT guests and families after the renovation,” he said.
Last year, the hotel renovated its swimming pool, conference rooms and meeting rooms to better serve meetings, incentives and conference groups.
It started a weekend market in the hotel with villagers living near the hotel coming and selling their vegetables and fresh food to its guests.
It opened a working farm on its grounds featuring the local way of life in the countryside. Guests can enjoy planting rice and feeding the livestock as well joining in many activities.
As the hotel is located on the Kwai Yai River, it continues to offer optional rafting trips to guests at an additional charge.
If they are not interested in rafting, they can try gardening. There are 2,700 big trees on the grounds.
Almost 100 per cent of the guests are locals, with 60 per cent there to attend meetings and conferences. Very few are foreigners.
To attract more business, the hotel will soon launch online applications for social media like Facebook and Line, which are expected to reach out to the young generation.
However, the hotel still maintains its traditional markets, participating in at least one tourism fair in Bangkok a year.
The hotel averages about 50-per-cent occupancy. The rate climbs to 60-70 per cent during the high season and falls back to 30 per cent during the off season.
The recent outbreak of bombings in Hua Hin and the southern provinces has stifled domestic travel, but tourism is expected to rebound in the coming peak season.
Tourism in Kanchanaburi has been hampered by the fear of natural calamities for years, such as dam collapses and earthquakes.
However, the province remains one of the favourite destinations for local and foreign tourists, particularly those from Japan, Germany, Australia and Sweden.
They want to experience the province’s variety of tourism products ranging from natural to historic sites and unique communities, he added.
