Bangkok back on road to popularity

If you mentioned Bangkok to overseas incentive houses six or seven years ago, traffic was the only thing on their minds. It seemed everyone was keen to find a way to avoid spending time in the Thai capital. Many incentives were skipping Thailand in favour of other destinations as Bangkok traffic jams were not deemed motivational. Just the thought of round-trip airport transfers and one night in Bangkok was enough to strike fear in the hearts of even veteran incentive planners. Back then, an airport transfer to riverfront hotels could take three hours and the Riverjet service on the Chao Praya River had just been launched. Once the second stage expressway was completed in 1997, connecting the Don Muang International Airport with riverfront hotels off Silom Road, the Riverjet was forced out of business. About the same time, the Asian financial crisis took thousands of cars off the road, clearing Bangkok's streets further. Most Thai destination management companies (DMCs) are quick to point out the improved freeway network as the single biggest reason for traffic improvement. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place last December when the Bangkok Transit System, or Skytrain, opened on HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday. Thai DMCs are exploring ways to use the Skytrain in incentive programmes, from treasure hunts to transfers or providing participants with maps and tickets. Bangkok is back in favour with incentive planners, so much so that many are specifically requesting events in the Thai capital and are staying longer than ever East West Siam general manager Mr Stephan Pohu said. In the case of a Compaq incentive last year, the client specifically wanted achievers to meet back in Bangkok after tour programmes to neighbouring countries, something that would have been unheard of a few years ago. "Only incentive planners who haven't been here in a while still talk about the traffic. When they see for themselves the situation has changed dramatically, they agree it is not an issue anymore. Bangkok traffic is now no worse than many other big Asian cities." East West Siam is still exploring ways to integrate the Skytrain into programmes. The company provides participants with maps to use the system during free time. "We have done trains, trams and subways in other big cities, why not Bangkok? Trips to and from the Shangri-La Hotel down by the river are possible," Mr Pohu adds. He laments that, while several newer, medium-sized restaurants offer some variety, elegant venues on a grand scale needed for incentives are sorely lacking. "What we miss in Bangkok are palaces or mansions filled with antiques that are not related to the royal family, which are not for public use. If something like that were made available, it would be good for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the country in general. "Once a Chicago incentive house asked if we had a palace or old Thai mansion to rent for an evening. It does limit our ability to compete as this client went to China and arranged a dinner in the Forbidden City." Mr Pohu mentioned the Supatra River House as one of Bangkok's best new restaurants for small to medium-sized incentives. "It is an exciting place, the only chic venue on the river. They can adapt the menu for special groups as long as you give them one week in advance." Supatra River House is located next to the Patravadi Theatre. The restaurant offers spectacular views of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) from the banks of the Chao Praya River. There are two houses that make up the restaurant. The bigger one has impressive windows, dark wood interior and larger tables, while the Baan Rim Nam is more intimate and has a small bar fronting the river. Food is mainly traditional Thai with a modern flair and most dishes are less than 200 baht (US$5) each. The river is Bangkok's lifeline for incentive travel and hotels are no exception. Mr Pohu said European incentive houses prefer East West Siam to handle hotel bookings, compared to US-based companies which prefer to book directly with individual properties. "The first request is always for riverfront hotels. You can do lots of things in the gardens and terraces, plus departures are usually by boat, making for a more exotic incentive experience." Bangkok incentives are defined by either riverfront or city hotels. Asian groups looking to shop stay downtown, while western groups want excursions and theme events when staying on the river. Bangkok's latest five-star inner-city hotel, Hotel Plaza Athenee Bangkok (HPAB), which opened last November is set to give DMCs new flexibility. General manager Mr Peter Caprez said HPAB's sister hotel, the Hotel Plaza Athenee New York, gave the Bangkok property instant recognition with US incentive houses. He mentioned the Grand Hall, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking out on tree-lined Wireless Road, and the Aspara Spa as major selling points. The property hopes to attract business through strategic partners including Congress Convention (Netherlands), P&O Travel (Singapore), and Net.World (US). HPAB will also concentrate on EIBTM and joint activities with the Thailand Incentives and Convention Association (TICA) and the TAT in specific markets. Destination Asia (Thailand) general manager Ms Addie Samerton said the company was also interested in offering HPAB as an city alternative to clients. "We do sell lots of riverfront hotels, Shangri-La, Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Oriental. But we also sell city hotels if incentive groups are more shopping oriented." According to Ms Samerton, popular venues such as the Rose Garden and the Oriental's Sala Rim Naam continue to sell well. But the company has found high client interest in the Jim Thompson Thai House Museum, which this year added a function room to its elegant surroundings that can accommodate up to 110 for lunch or dinner with traditional Thai dance performances available on request. She said the company was also using Supatra River House after a day on the river, often after a rice barge sunset cocktail cruise. "There are a variety of new boats or rice barges available. Some of the larger ones are air-conditioned and can cater for up to 500 people at one time," Ms Samerton says. Versatile venues like the Rose Garden offer stand-by back-up facilities in case of bad weather. "Weather in Thailand is a big issue. Outdoor venues like Wat Arun can only be used for three to four months a year, from November to March, or as weather permits." Destination Asia advises clients to come during the window after the annual monsoon when temperature is coolest. The only month it recommends against coming to Bangkok is September at the height of the rainy season. The company is one of the few that prefer to meet incentives at the gate or baggage carousel at Don Muang International Airport. Thai immigration authorities have also proved helpful by allowing dedicated passport lines for incentives to ensure quick processing. Both can be arranged by notifying the responsible government agency well in advance Ms Samerton says. Thai Airways International (THAI) received huge praise from most Bangkok-based DMCs, particularly for assistance on departure. Advance group check-in allows incentive participants to pick up boarding passes before departing hotels. "THAI helping with group check-in and having boarding passes sent to the hotel is a huge help and more than what other airlines do," she said. TICA vice-president Mr Opas Netraumpai says the association was "delighted" THAI had put together a programme of benefits for delegates flying into Bangkok. The benefits include excess baggage allowances for equipment and promotional material, fare discounts that increase with the group size, discounted freight forwarding, on-site ticketing and reconfirmation and frequent flyer points will also be allocated on discount tickets. Mr Opas adds Thai regional airlines, such as Bangkok Airways and Angel Airlines, are also increasing co-operation to push the C&I sector into major regional centres. Creative Destination Management (CDM) managing director Sumate Sudasna says European incentive houses have approached THAI and the airline has helped show in-flight company videos and put logos on headrests. The company uses Sala Rim Naam as a primary venue because, as Mr Sumate says: "I don't think there is another venue half as good. Supatra River House is good as well, but it costs slightly more than Sala Rim Naam." If only he can convince a company brave enough to try his innovative team-building concept. "I keep proposing a dragon-boat race on the Chao Praya River under the Rama Nine Bridge during the cool season, but none have accepted it yet.We proposed it to a big group of 2,000 participants for next year. I hope they like the idea as it would be fun and challenging," Mr Sumate concludes.