Thai DMCs welcome news of Chiang Mai hotel growth

By David Johnson CHIANG MAI Thai destination management companies have hailed a decision by two major hotel chains to open properties in Chiang Mai as the birth of Thailand's northern capital as a "premiere" conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) destination. The Oriental recently announced it would manage the Darathevi Hotel in Chiang Mai by the end of the year - rebranding it The Oriental Darathevi Hotel - while the Shangri-La plans to start construction on a property near the city's famous Night Bazaar by early next year. "It will enhance Chiang Mai's reputation as a destination," Pacific World general manager for Thailand and Indochina Mr Marc Sayer said. Mr Sayer added that at the moment groups only had a choice between the six-star Regent Chiang Mai and the deluxe four-star Westin, which would be rebranded a Sheraton by the end of the year. "Chiang Mai has lacked a five-star hotel able to compete in the CEI market and in brand names the Shangri-La will fill that void," he said, adding The Oriental would compete with the Regent. Mr Sayer said he had heard rumours Raffles and a six-star independent hotel financed by a Russian entrepreneur were also planned for Chiang Mai, but that was "pure speculation" at this stage. "I wouldn't be surprised if the Hilton and the Marriott are looking at Chiang Mai as well," he added. He said there was increased interest in Chiang Mai as a CEI destination as groups looked for an alternative to Thailand's island and coastal beach resorts. Mr Sayer said the city had been "really booming" for the past five years, and Pacific World had been anxiously awaiting news of more international hotel openings. Movement in the hotel industry there comes on the heels of a concerted push by the Thai government to encourage investment in Chiang Mai, with a new convention centre also slated for the city. Plans to increase international direct flights to Chiang Mai and develop the city as an aviation hub were also encouraging, Mr Sayer said. Mr David Barrett, executive manager Diethelm Events Thailand, said his company was preparing for increased interest in Chiang Mai as a CEI destination. "Chiang Mai is scheduled to become the hot new incentive destination in Thailand," he said.