RevPAR @ Hotels in Samui Jumps 24%

A sharp upswing in visitor arrivals to the resort island of Koh Samui translated into a US$25.5 million increase in hotel room revenue in the first six months of this year compared to H1 2009, according to research by consulting firm C9 Hotelworks' Samui 2010 Hotel Market Update.

C9 Hotelworks' Managing Director, Bill Barnett, said rates and occupancies grew through a marked increase in visitors. "The first half of 2010 suggests that a sustainable recovery for Samui tourism has begun despite the Bangkok political events in the final months of the period," Mr Barnett added.

C9's research showed a recovery in international visitors was fuelled by international flight capacity rising 67% from 2009. Tourist arrivals increased 8% during the same period since 2008. Wholesale gains made from 2009 were due in part to weak demand in the early part that year.

RevPAR soared 24% over the same period last year, driven by a moderate occupancy increment of 5% and a substantial increase in room rates of 13%.

"Growth from regional markets signaled potential change in the island's tourism profile with a strong Thai Baht coupled with weak British Pound and Euro slowing the rebound for the traditionally strong long-haul visitor sector," Mr Barnett added.

Looking to the future, Mr Barnett said, "Clearly luxury loves company as the tier is set see room inventory grow 109% in second half of the year, adding 205 rooms to supply.

"Globally recognised brands such as W and Conrad along with recent entries such as Banyan Tree are poised to drive new interest in the destination."

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