At A Glance

Swiss-Belhotel International, a hotel chain and hospitality management group, is adding to its portfolio of more than 145 hotels, resorts and projects worldwide by signing up a new beachfront pool villa resort in Vietnam, the Swiss-Belresort Nha Trang. 
The addition of the resort marks the company’s second property in Vietnam, which is enjoying growth in tourist arrivals, particularly among travellers from Asia. 
Swiss-Belhotel International chairman and president Gavin Faull sees Swiss-Belresort Nha Trang as an important part of the company’s expansion in the country. 
“It is impressive what is happening in Vietnam and we are excited that Swiss-Belhotel International is part of the success story,” he said.
“Tourist arrivals have leapt 24 per cent in the last year. The appeal of Vietnam is global, with a 30 per cent rise in visitors from Asia, but also more than a 17 per cent increase in tourists from Australia, with European visitor numbers growing by 14 per cent and US tourist numbers by over 11 per cent.” 
The Hotel Management Agreement for Swiss-Belresort Nha Trang was signed in Hanoi on June 26.

Robinson launches campaign for Mothers Day

Robinson Department Store has launched the “Robinson Loving Mum” campaign for shoppers to find Mothers Day gifts.
Under the campaign, women’s items will be offered with up to 30 per cent discount. Partners, including Jubilee Diamond, will give customers a chance to win Bt2 million worth of diamond accessories, and Aeon Credit Card, offering a cashback of up to Bt3,500. Robinson Online Shopping is also offering products and privileges.
Anawat Sangkhasap, senior vice president – customer strategy for Robinson Public Co Ltd, said: “Robinson spent over Bt15 million on marketing to continuously stimulate shoppers’ spending in the third quarter. Our pioneering campaign, centre on a seasonal marketing strategy, is Robinson Loving Mum, the Mothers Day campaign that will help everyone find a Mothers Day gift for every lifestyle’ with up to 30 per cent discount on various items, including cosmetics, fragrance, watches, accessories, and ladies fashion. Shop till you receive The 1 Card points, Robinson Gift Card worth 12 per cent, and a chance to buy the designer scarf for your mother at a special price of Bt199, reduced from Bt790.
“In addition, to continuously pursue the Robinson Tumdee campaign, we have partnered with the leading ladies’ underwear brand Wacoal to promote the awareness and understanding of breast cancer through “Wacoal’s Pink Ribbon: A fight against breast cancer.”

MontAzure mixed-use project gains partners

An upmarket senior living village valued at about Bt3.5 billion will be integrated into Phuket’s rapidly expanding MontAzure mixed-use development in Kamala.
Kamala Senior Living Co Ltd, a partnership between Thai property firm Nye Estate Co Ltd, Chewathai Public Co Ltd, LPN Development Plc and CH Karnchang Plc, is part of a joint venture company that will develop the village within the larger MontAzure mixed-use community. 
Upscale residences are planned for the project, which will occupy a secluded hillside location offering buyers a peaceful, natural setting with exceptional sea and sunset views. The development will also provide a range of dedicated facilities and amenities for mature residents, and will be managed by a leading international senior living brand. 
Setthaphol Boottho, executive drector for MontAzure, believes the time is right to launch a high-quality |residential option for mature investors on Phuket, especially one with international standard facilities and services. 

TAT taps new ideas in bid to boost tourism

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently held an annual TAT Action Plan for 2018 meeting, which covers both international and domestic tourism. 
TAT’s marketing plan 2018 has been designed to serve the purpose of generating revenue and increase visitor arrivals, promote new ideas and follow the development agenda of Thailand 4.0 using the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, as well as inclusive tourism that maintains a balance between the economy, society and the environment. All the strategies are in line with the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 2nd National Tourism Development Plan.
Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor said: “TAT will use tourism to promote sustainable development with the community as the ultimate beneficiary. We believe this will pave the way for Thailand to be a preferred destination among international visitors.”
“For the international marketing plan strategy, TAT has segmented target customers worldwide ranging from first-timers to repeaters, senior citizens to sports enthusiasts.” 

Tata Motors reveals marketing strategies

Tata Motors (Thailand) has held its 2017 annual dealer conference and reported positive operational results for fiscal year 2016. The company disclosed key marketing initiatives for fiscal year 2017 and plans to build on a solid foundation for brand image improvement – to help further strengthen dealer confidence. The company reported improvements on its brand image from activities collectively executed in the last two to three years. 
Total vehicle sales in Thailand grew by 1-2 per cent, with sales of the heavy-duty truck segment at growing at 6 per cent and by the pickup segment at 3 per cent. The Thai automotive industry saw improvements in sales in the first quarter of 2017 from almost every segment, with strong growth generated by the heavy-duty and pickup truck segments.