Pattaya remakes image for events

Pattaya, Thailand's main international resort destination on its eastern seaboard, is undergoing an image makeover. Shaking off a less than wholesome reputation has not been easy but the growing number of international branded hotels that are said to be considering the destination for new properties, shows that things are changing. The local government is taking stronger efforts to zone the entertainment areas and to expand the parts of the city suitable for families who nonetheless flock into the city from Asia, Australia and Europe. Easy access As far as the CEI sector is concerned, Pattaya has a number of key elements in place. Alively nightlife, a dedicated purpose-built venue, the Pattaya Exhibition and Conference Hall (PEACH), and easy road access to Bangkok and beyond. However, the opening of Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport will cut direct access to the seaside town by around one hour. This will dramatically increase the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya…memorable experiences Pattaya remakes image for events potential for meetings and incentive business many in Pattaya believe. Urs Mosimann, executive assistant manager of the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, believes that the city is entering a new stage. "While the old reputation is still there, of course, the fact is that Pattaya has changed dramatically and the old image is out of date." He points to the strong industrial and business advantages of Pattaya. "We're already close to Bangkok and, with the new airport cutting transfer times further, we are just a few hours away from major Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong." "This part of Thailand is an important logistics hub, with port facilities close by. For the automotive parts industry, there are a number of Korean and Japanese firms based around the province." Mossimann is at pains to point out that the image government has done much to clean up the city's image and will continue to do so. As far as the hotel is concerned, Mosimann concedes that the Hard Rock Pattaya is all too easily pigeonholed as a purely leisure property. He insists that the venue is ideal for small and medium-sized business events. The hotel is studded with names, images, memorabilia and replicas from the greats of popular music. Experience Function rooms have names such as Paisley Park, Graceland, Stones and Zeppelin. Poster-size portraits of stars such as The Beatles grace guestroom walls. "The key element in any event is the experience. We offer something totally different from most other hotels, something memorable. All our space is devoted to maximising the experience and enhancing the memories of participants. Music is universal and everyone can find a suitable memory or association around the property that has a special meaning for them. "What I want to do now is to expand our collections beyond the Western icons of music and look to the many Asian stars who have come on the scene and are familiar to Thai, Chinese or Japanese audiences," Mosimann says. The largest meeting space is the aptlynamed " Hall of Fame" and holds 350 theatrestyle. The property can also provide space in its large pool area for teambuilding exercises in the open-air or provide support for off-site events. "Corporate groups can go fishing or have a barbecue lunch or picnic on one of the nearby islands. We can assist with transport and outside catering of course."