HOT Magazine February 15, 2015 | Page 33

However, recovery started to emerge in late Q3; and in Q4 numbers really turned around for Bangkok. After the dismal start to the year, RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) increased by +2.5% YoY in the last quarter. Occupancy in December for Bangkok was one of the highest ever recorded by STR Global since 2000 and when comparing quarters, Q4 2014 showed the best occupancy Bangkok has seen since 2006. Moreover, RevPAR was the second best Q4 for the last decade suggesting that six to nine months is the new recovery time norm for Bangkok. Delegates also heard the story of Thailand’s key resort markets, where Phuket occupancy fell by -5.7% YoY and Koh Samui decreased by -1.6%. It was positive news for Chiang Mai where occupancy decreased -4.2%, but RevPAR growth was positive, driven by upward ADR (Average Daily Rate) movement. Hua Hin was also able to hold rates up well, but Pattaya suffered more due to a -10% decline in YoY occupancy . Subsequent sessions featured industry heavyweight speakers from many top companies including Horwath HTL, Jones Lang LaSalle, QUO Global, Baker & McKenzie and Kingdom Property. This annual event is organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and Bill Barnett, Managing Director of leading hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks. Feb 15 - Mar 15 , 2015 33