Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts Triumphs Again at TTG Travel Awards and Secures Place in Prestigious Travel Hall of Fame

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is celebrating a double success at the 30^th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2019, after it entered the prestigious Travel Hall of Fame-Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand.

These impressive honors were presented to the company in a glittering award ceremony and gala dinner held in Bangkok on Thursday, September 26, 2019. The winners were voted for by the readers of TTG Asia, the region’s leading travel trade magazine, and its six sister publications.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has been named Asia’s “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” every year since 2007, reflecting the group’s position as the unsurpassed leader in its field. As a result, Best Western Hotels & Resorts has now been inducted into TTG Asia’s Travel Hall of Fame - Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand, a permanent home recognizing the region’s most exceptional travel, tourism and hospitality organizations.

“At Best Western we are committed to development efforts in Asia, where we are focused on expanding our scale in premier destinations across this key region,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “With accommodation options available across every chain-scale segment, we are proud to see our midscale offerings recognized yet again by TTG Asia for our success in this area. As we look to the future of Best Western in Asia, we remain committed to providing superior service and delivering unparalleled travel experiences.”

“We are delighted and deeply honored to have been awarded a place in the Travel Hall of Fame – Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand,” added Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “To have achieved such consistent and long-running success is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and the close working relationship we have with our esteemed partners in the travel trade. We are extremely grateful for their enduring support and confidence.”

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has achieved many milestones in the last 12 months, including the launch of Asia’s inaugural Vīb Best Western^® branded hotel in Bangkok, which introduced a new era of midscale accommodation to the region, and the opening of Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, which marked the company’s return to Vietnam. The company has introduced its innovative SureStay Hotel Group^® to Japan and the Philippines, and signed its inaugural hotels in the popular cultural cities of Chiang Mai and Kyoto, the latter of which becomes Japan’s first BW Signature Collection^® hotel.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has also strengthened its presence in several key Asian markets, such as Phuket, Bangkok and Osaka, and bolstered its core brands, including Best Western^®, Best Western Plus^® and Best Western Premier^®.

The year’s biggest development however, was the acquisition of the WorldHotels Group in February 2019, which completes Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ brand portfolio with upper upscale and luxury hotel brands. This will also lead to a new office and larger team in Singapore, allowing the group to provide stronger support all its partners and clients across Asia. Discover more about our brands at www.bestwesternasiadevelopers.com 

Jill Enfield - “Legend of the Lens”- visits ISB

Photography and visual art can be extremely impactful in raising awareness around key issues and in creating social change. The work of internationally-acclaimed fine art photographer, Jill Enfield has achieved just this.

International School Bangkok (ISB) are proud and excited to host Jill as our Artist-in-Residence throughout the month of October. Enfield’s residency provides a truly unique opportunity for ISB students, parents and faculty to collaborate with a professional artist. Members of our community will be challenged to broaden their knowledge of a traditional craft and be inspired to unfetter their imagination and self-expression. Students will gain greater understanding around how their skill-set can be used to positively impact the world around them, as Enfield has done.

One of Enfield’s most notable works is Eco Peace. Conceived in Jordan in 2012, Jill led a group art project and exhibition that brought awareness to the polluted state of the Jordan River. This art project brought together various local adversarial factions and through the artistic process succeeded in reconciling these groups. Eco-Peace fulfilled its ambitious mission of finding common ground and fostering collaboration. Another of her art projects, The New Americans took 10 years to make and was inspired by her father’s experiences as a German immigrant to the U.S.A in the 1950’s.

Enfield’s career has been varied and prolific. In addition to her art, she is an author, educator and leading authority on Alternative Photographic Processes. She has given workshops in dozens of countries and in cities across the U.S.A and her work features in the permanent collections of many institutions like The Amon Carter Museum of Art, Bibliotheque Nationale, The Boca Raton Museum of Art, The Crocker Art Museum, The Florida Senate, The Toledo Museum of Art, and Museo de Arte Moderno de Medillin, Bogota and Cartagena.

Enfield has authored two photographic books and was the recipient of the Golden Light Award for Best Technical Book of 2003 by the Maine Photographic Workshop. In the commercial space Enfield has worked with an extensive portfolio of clients. She was coined the “Legend Behind the Lens” for Nikon; nominated as a Mentor for the Nikon Mentor Series and chosen as a Kodak Ambassador and a Pro Shooter Spokesperson for Lowepro and SanDisk.

In response to ISB’s invitation Enfield has expressed excitement at the opportunity of being part of our school’s top faculty and programs for the October period, “It is interesting that my very first photo teaching job, was as a photography instructor, at an exclusive NYC [...] And now with my trip to Bangkok, everything has come full circle. Since then, I have enjoyed dozens of teaching positions with young people around the world, who are inspired and exuberant about everything they can learn,” shares Enfield.                           

Enfield will be exhibiting her work at International School Bangkok (ISB) through to November 8th, with a grand opening taking place on Wednesday, 2 October, 6:30pm where prints from her project The New American and more will be showcased. We look forward to this collaboration with Jill as we cultivate the learning attributes that are necessary to flourish in our lives, such as being creative, globally-minded, value-driven and adaptable.

To learn more about Jill Enfield, her work at ISB, and to reserve a ticket for the opening, contact: events@isb.ac.th

INVESTORS SHIFT INTEREST TO RESORT PROPERTY

Resort properties have sprung back to popularity, according to CBRE, a leading international property consultant. Sales performance of resort properties has risen, deriving from the pent-up demand for projects in the luxury and super-luxury segments.

Over the past 2-3 years, developers have been focusing on launching new housing and condominium supply in downtown Bangkok. CBRE Research reveals that there are around 30,000 units in downtown Bangkok from condominium projects launched between 2016 and 2018.

One major challenge faced by the housing and condominium markets is that the cost of investment has been increasing along with the hike in land prices, leading to escalating asking prices. CBRE found that 70% of buyers in the luxury residential market are Thais who have recently made purchases for own-living and long-term investment purposes rather than for short-term investment. Meanwhile, 40% of purchasers of residential properties priced below THB 10 million are foreigners.

As many residential developers concentrate on building projects within Bangkok, the new supply of resort properties in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, and Phuket, especially in the high-end segment, has decreased. Therefore, there has been pent-up demand as there are fewer new projects being launched.

CBRE also found that there is growing demand this year for resort properties in top resort destinations, and buyers in this segment are ready to make purchases for own-use and long-term investment purposes. “Although prices are higher, if projects are on the beachfront or with ocean views; with five-star hotel management; or with attractive rental guarantees, buyer response and sales performance have been positive for luxury and super-luxury projects launched in 2019. Some good examples include the Residences at Club Med Krabi and the Residences at Sheraton Phuket Grand Bay, which have an average price per square meter of THB 185,000 and THB 230,000, respectively. Both projects saw impressive sales performance at around THB 300 million during a 3-day event in Bangkok. Their updated sales rates are now 85% and 65%, respectively”, said Ms. Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, Director – Head of Resort Property Sales, CBRE Thailand.

Veyla Natai Residences, which was launched this year and comprises THB-67-to-98-million pool villas on Natai beach, Phang Nga, reached a sales performance of 50% in less than a month, even without show units. MGallery Residences MontAzure Lakeside and Twinpalms Residences MontAzure, with an average of THB 150,000 – 180,000 per square meter, have also shown impressive sales revenue reaching THB 300 million in the first four days of its launch in Bangkok in August 2019, especially for Twinpalms Residences MontAzure which has now reached a sales rate of 80%.

These impressive sales performances prove that demand is still strong for resort properties in prime locations that can generate good returns and have the potential for value appreciation in the future. This is backed by being in sough-after locations and professional property management by leading hotel brands.

Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts Congratulates Long-Term Partner, Habitat Group, on the Launch of its New Corporate Branding

Pictured: Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat Group (second right) and Ms. Sasivimol Sutthibut, Chief Operating Officer, Habitat Group (right) are congratulated by Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director, International Operations - Asia, BWH Hotel Group^SM (second left) and Sirimanas Maungrod, Regional Senior Marketing Communications Manager – Asia, BWH Hotel Group (left).

Best Western Hotels & Resorts recently attended a major event hosted by long-term development partner, Habitat Group. The award-winning Thai real estate pioneer hosted the event to celebrate the launch of the company’s new corporate branding strategy.

In a press conference held in Bangkok on September 17^th, 2019, Habitat Group announced its vision to become “The Creator of Lifestyle Investments” and its target of reaching THB10 billion in annual sales in the next five years. This strategy was set out by Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat Group, in a major event attended by the media and leading partners, including Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ senior executives from Asia.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts and Habitat Group are currently working together on two exciting projects on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard: Best Western Premier Bayphere and Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, both of which are scheduled to open and begin welcoming guests in 2020.

“On behalf of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, I would like to congratulate Khun Chanin and the entire team at Habitat Group on their new corporate branding strategy. Having worked together for several years, I have been very impressed with their ambition and professionalism. I have no doubt they will achieve their goals, and I look forward to working even closer with Habitat Group in future as we move towards the opening of our two exceptional new upscale hotels,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations - Asia.

As a reflection of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ confidence in Habitat Group, the company recently signed a full Management Agreement with Habitat Group for Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, which will become the first newly-built BW Premier Collection hotel in Asia.

This impressive project has already won a series of prestigious awards, including the “New Hotel Construction & Design – Thailand” title at the 2018 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Additionally, the Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western won the ‘Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)’ honor, demonstrating the quality of Habitat Group’s design and construction.

ATa Services Plus (Recruitment), our Executive Search firm has been expanding

Our company has welcome two new team members: Mr. Christophe Helfer and Ms. Sudawan Manraya.

Christophe Helfer, our General Manager, is leading the Executive Search team based in our Bangkok Headquarter. Christophe is an experienced Talent Consultant, assisting clients in successfully recruiting executive candidates. His scopes of positions are ranging from Middle Management roles to Executive and SVP roles. Christophe maintains a wide international network and his most recent experience has been within the Oil & Gas, Consultancy, Manufacturing and Hospitality.

Sudawan Manraya is our talented Senior Recruitment Consultant and Team leader in our Bangkok Headquarter. She continually assists clients in successfully recruiting top candidates for positions. Her scope of action is ranging from First-Level Management to Department Heads and Middle Management roles (General Manager, Plant Manager, Regional Manager, and Divisional Manager). Sudawan has gained long terms relationships with her clients in various industries. Indeed, her most recent experiences have been within Renewable Energy, Automotive and Manufacturing.

See our website at:  https://www.ata-servicesplus.com

Share with us your requirements and needs, we will get back to you with a personal and confidential quotation at : info@ata-servicesplus.com

You can also contact us for any other needs such as Office Rental, PEO services, Work Permit and Visa, Accounting and Payroll, Virtual Office, Meeting Room Rental, Car rental, Paralegal Services at info@ata-services.com

BANGKOK RANKED 86TH IN THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE OFFICE RENTS

According to the latest CBRE’s Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs report, which tracks the cost of leasing prime office space in 122 markets globally, Bangkok ranked 86^th in terms of most expensive prime office rents at THB 1,208 per square metre per month and ranked 46^th in terms of biggest annual increase.

The Most Expensive Office Rents In The Best Quality Buildings

Source | CBRE Research

Note: Office rents include service charges and taxes and are standardized on a net internal area basis

Exchange rate as of Q1 2019 at USD 1 = THB 31.28

Office occupiers continue to seek higher-quality space in markets with robust infrastructure and social amenities, despite the weaker global economic growth in Q1 2019 and worries about the U.S.-China trade war. The race to attract talent by securing the most desirable work environments remains intense. Due to the limited supply and moderate construction amount in pipelines in most cities, prime office occupancy costs have risen to new heights.

These increases persist even as space efficiency and cost management are top concerns for many tenants around the world. The continuing challenge for office occupiers is how to secure quality space and location that meet the increasingly exacting demands of the workforce, while also controlling costs. In this context, measuring superior productivity and user-experience of such space becomes ever more important.

Bangkok is following this global trend. A handful of the best grade A buildings in the central business district (CBD) are achieving rents significantly higher than the average. These buildings are not just in prime locations, but are also technically better than their competitors in terms of air conditioning, lifts, energy efficiency and several other factors.

The highest rents achieved in Bangkok are in Gaysorn Tower at THB 1,500 per square metre per month; Park Ventures at THB 1,300 per square metre per month and Bhiraj Tower at EmQuartier at THB 1,250 per square metre per month, higher than the average CBD grade A rent of THB 1,040 per square metre per month for a small unit.

The rate of increase has, however, slowed over the last 12 months and was below the five-year average. There will be a limited amount of new supply up to 2021; but, after that, new supply will exceed historic levels of growth in demand. Many of the new buildings will be of a very high standard in terms of design, specification and amenities.

For many tenants, there is an incentive to upgrade as they move to agile workplace where there are no fixed desks. The population densities will be greater and so buildings need better lifts and air conditioning systems to deal with the additional staff. Employees also want better amenities and facilities and, if companies want the best talent, they will have to have the best office environment.

The unanswered questions are how many office tenants will be willing to pay a premium rent that is higher than the average grade A rent for a better-quality building and how big will that premium be.

YOUR GATEWAY TO WORLD’S LEADING UNIVERSITIES

From left, Bhumikorn (Bhu) Kongtaveelert , Petra Pongsudhirak  and Tanai (Prompt) Chotanaphuti

Top achieving IGCSE exam students earn 12 A* grades

TOP EXAM RESULTS FOR SHREWSBURY STUDENTS

2019 (I)GCSE

• 70% A*/A (vs 21% UK average)
• 98%  A*-C grades
• 1 in 3 students score 7+ A*/A grades

2019 A LEVELS

• 65% A*/A (vs 26% UK average)
• % A* grades 4½ x  UK average
• Over 1 in 3 students score straight A*/A
• 92% percentile worldwide for grade added value

This year’s examination results once again underline Shrewsbury’s reputation as one of the most successful schools in Asia, recognised not only for its unparalleled academic achievements, but also for excellence in sport, the creative and performing arts, and the wide variety of co-curricular opportunities that are offered and enjoyed by students in parallel to their studies.

At (I)GCSE 70% of the 1167 exams taken by Shrewsbury students earned the top A*/A grades (vs 21% in the UK), with 1 in 3 students securing 7 or more A* grades, and 98% exams scoring A*-C grade. Of the 361 A level exams taken by Shrewsbury students, 65% scored the top A*/A grades, whilst the proportion of A* grades is 4½ times higher than the UK average.  Over 1 in 3 students scored straight A*/A grades.

Results across the entire ability range are strong, ranking Shrewsbury within the top 8% of schools globally in terms of the progress that students make during their A level years, when comparing their final grades against the predictions generated by standardized tests that are used by schools around the world.

These results see Shrewsbury’s Class of 2019 take up places in 59 different universities around the world; nearly half of them to world top 100 universities, and 16 to world top 10 universities, including Stanford, Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, where 5 Shrewsbury graduates will enroll this year.

We are now accepting applications for the Senior School starting August 2020, limited places available. Please contact Ms Ilka Hodapp for a school tour by calling on 02 675 1888 ext. 1110 or email to admissions@shrewsbury.ac.th. To read more click HERE

LEASED OUT 60% OFFICE SPACE IN THE BRAND-NEW “MS SIAM TOWER”

THE FIRST PREMIUM OFFICE BUILDING ON RAMA III

The first premium office building at the corner of Rama III & Industrial Ring roads with an investment value of THB 2.6 billion. Thunsrisiam Company Limited is very proud to have officially opened “MS SIAM TOWER”.

Board of Thunsrisiam along with honorary guests, Surayud Chulanont, Li Chunlin - Counselor and Consul-General of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Zhang DongHao - Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Jitti Tangsithpakdi - President of Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Sangchai Sottheeworakul - President of Tae Chew Association of Thailand held the Grand Opening on August 23, 2019, in the front of the office building before a walking tour on the 38th fl. to marvel at spectacular 360-degree views.

Thunsrisiam Company Limited is a merged organization between Mahatun Plaza and Srisiam Property Company Limited, who operates Mahatun Plaza (Ploenchit) and Thai CC Tower (Sathorn) buildings. Mr. Korrawit Sawatyanon - Thunsrisiam’s General Manager said, “MS Siam Tower is 38-floor office building with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya river and green space of Bangkrachao, known as Bangkok’s green lung. Currently, our project has been leased out 60% which major tenants are technology and food companies. It was constructed based on an environmental-friendly concept as proven by its LEED – Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the US. This concept could effectively address the needs of tenants that require large space due to the flexibility of having knock-out panels in the building design; while, organizations who require smaller space also have options as they can lease 100 sq.m. offices in a premium building at a lower price.

Ms. Roongrat Veeraparkkaroon, Director and Head of Office Services CBRE Thailand, who has been appointed as MS Siam Tower’s sole agent said, “Because of the premium quality brought by MS Siam Tower to the Rama III area being the first premium office building, it has successfully leased 60% of its total space from leading companies”

MS Siam Tower is efficiently located on a 7-1 Rai plot of prime land with useable areas of approx. 43,000 sq.m. including 40,000 sq.m. office space and around 3,000 sq.m. of retail space. It has office floor plates of 1,200 – 1,300 sq.m. with a ceiling height of 2.80 m. There are 12 passenger lifts, 1 service lift, and 2 car parking lifts. Furthermore, with its 10 floors of car parking would allow tenants to have roughly 800 parking lots. MS Siam Tower conveniently provides canteen, restaurants, café, fitness, convenient store, and so on. However, the asking rental is only THB650 per month per sq.m. The project was already completed in Q1, 2019.

Best Western Rewards® Named Top Loyalty Program by U.S. News & World Report for Seventh Consecutive Year

Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) celebrates the continued success of its industry-leading loyalty program, Best Western Rewards (BWR®), which has earned a top five ranking in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Rewards Programs list. This marks the seventh consecutive year that BWR has received this coveted recognition, honoring the tremendous value it brings to the program’s members. 

“It is an honor to see BWR recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh year,” said Dorothy Dowling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “We are committed to providing travelers with a rich rewards program that delivers real value. As part of this commitment we are constantly evolving the program, offering new redemption options and superior benefits to our members. We are proud to see that these enhancements are delivering the perks that today’s travelers are looking for.”

This recognition is the latest example of BWHR’s revamped BWR program, which has earned its position as a leading innovator in the industry. BWR’s tagline – Go.Get.Rewarded.® – demonstrates BWHR’s commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience through a simplified, meaningful and rapid rewards program. As part of the program’s ongoing refresh, BWR members can enjoy more benefits than ever, including:

Top-Ranked, Rich Rewards

BWHR is committed to providing travelers with one of the richest rewards programs in the industry, with enhanced point earning opportunities and perks. BWHR is the only major hotel chain to offer a loyalty program whose rewards points do not expire due to account inactivity, and members can now earn gift cards redeemable with popular shopping, entertainment, gas, and airline partners. BWR members earn points with each stay that can be redeemed for free nights at any Best Western-branded hotel worldwide, with no blackout dates. Members also have access to special rates of up to 10 percent off every night.

Instant Enrollment, Instant Rewards

As part of the BWR refresh, members are given instant rewards and gratification on every stay. Additionally, the Status Match…No Catch® program allows members to instantly have their status matched with other hotel loyalty programs upon enrollment.

Elite Members, Elite Rewards

In addition to enjoying the perks and benefits of BWR, elite members also receive elite rewards. Upon arrival elite members are given a choice of a “Thank You” gift or bonus points. A digital membership card enables BWR members to easily access their membership number, point balance, current tier level and exclusive deals and offers. These new benefits let travelers maximize their stays across all Best Western brands. 

BWR has emerged as an award-winning powerhouse in recent years, and this seventh consecutive recognition by U.S. News & World Report is a welcomed addition to the brand’s award winning track record.

U.S. News & World Report identifies the top hotel rewards programs each year using a methodology that weighs five components: network size, property diversity, geographic coverage, added benefits and ease of earning a free night. In total, 15 of the most prominent hotel loyalty programs were evaluated for the 2019-20 rankings. This year’s full list can be found at https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/travel-rewards/

For more information or to become a BWR member, please visit BestWesternRewards.com

For more information on Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit BestWestern.com.

Angsana Laguna Phuket’s Professionals Hold Two Global Events & Meetings Recognitions

Angsana Laguna Phuket’s most leading MICE destination, is proud to introduce events and meeting key team members who have received International events & meetings specialized award and certification, Mr. Watcharaphong Saikaew and Ms. Thidarat Prapasrang.

Mr. Watcharaphong Saikaew, Director of Events has been honored as the first Thai citizen to receive the industry standard Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification. With 15 years in the field of Events & Meetings, Watcharapong Saikaew holds professional expertise in MICE & Events in the Hotel Industry. “It is an honor to achieve the CMP Certification as it is a positive accreditation in quality event management. Those in the MICE & Events industry will respect that those who passed the CMP have cemented a solid understanding and mastery of the regulations, laws and best practices that must be adhered to in organising meetings. With this achievement, I am thankful for Angsana Laguna Phuket for giving me this opportunity to create a name in the industry and thank you everyone for their kind support” Watcharapong said.

Also, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) awards the recognition of Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) to Ms. Thidarat Prapasrang, Director of Sales MICE for successfully having passed the examination on the CIS 12 hour education program contents.

The initiative is part of Angsana Laguna Phuket’s strategy to provide its team with tools and development skills to improve the way incentives experiences and incentives programs are designed. 

 “We are proud that both of them have been recognized with these value certifications.” says Mr. Michal Zitek, Area General Manger  “It has become exceptionally important to create engaging experience to connect with our clients, and knowing every single aspect of the incentive and experience design is essential. Education and training, such as SITE’s CIS and CMP program, provide important tools for success.”

Apart from international certified meetings & events professionals, Angsana Laguna Phuket has long maintained an excellent standard for its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions areas. Its Angsana Ballroom 1 and 2 had first been given Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) accreditation in 2015, and Three additional meeting rooms – Anchan, Orchid and Tabak were also certified by the same organization in 2017. Currently, this beachfront resort has the most number of meeting room that are TMVS-certified in Phuket.

Angsana Laguna Phuket is the ideal venue for international and regional meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, social events, concerts and weddings. With a totally integrated support system providing world’s standard facilities serviced by international certified and dedicated team will assist its clients’ functions perfectly succeeded.

More information about Angsana Laguna Phuket and reservations are available at MICE-LagunaPhuket@angsana.com  or +66 76 358 500.