p28-29 Hotels mar13 10/3/09 14:06 Page 29
ttglive.com
hotels news
UK drive for Malaysian resort
A LUXURY resort in Malaysia is hoping operators and incentive bookers in
for a change of fortune this year after the UK, following what he described
its attempt to break into the corporate as “unlucky timing”.
incentive market was blighted by the The organisation has also appointed
economic downturn. a sales director – to be based in Kuala
Owners of the 331-room Meritus Lumpur – to rejuvenate the corporate
Pelangi Beach Resort (pictured) in arm of the business.
Langkawi spent $1.5 million building Pelliccia claimed the size of the
state-of-the-art conference and Pelangi, at 31 acres, gave it an advan-
banqueting facilities two years ago. tage over its competitors: “Leisure and
Despite a positive start, meetings meetings don’t always go together.
and events bookings started to decline Leisure customers will not want to see
as the global credit crunch kicked in. large groups migrating around the
But general manager Roberto property, while business clients may not
Pelliccia now aims to target agents, want to see children running around.”
Make it a family affair,
says Hong Kong hotelier
Martin Ferguson in Hong Kong.
The hotel recently launched its
A HOTEL popular with business executive family “quad” room, which
travellers in Hong Kong is turning aims to help clients economise.
to families and the retired to help alle- “By booking one room instead of
viate “unavoidable” falling occupancy two it saves the guest money and they
levels throughout the downturn. will enjoy the cosy experience of all
Anita Chan, general manager of The family members staying together.”
Cosmopolitan Hotel, said exploring Chan also sees “great potential” in
new markets was critical to coping the retired traveller market: “Seniors
with the effects of the credit crunch. who have time to travel after retire-
She acknowledged corporate and ment are an untapped market.
leisure travellers were cutting back “They have spending power and can
on travel, but insisted there was still enjoy various special offers from the
business to be won. travel industry,” she said.
“We see a lot of potential in family While the emerging markets in the
travel, including businessmen travel- Pacific-Asia region are all feeling the
ling with their families, as air fares slowdown, Chan claimed hotels in
have fallen so fiercely,” she said. Hong Kong were less affected.
“By creating products that suit this She added: “As long as business
market and keeping the prices reason- activities are going on in China, Hong
able, we expect a positive return.” Kong hotels have an advantage.”
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