A study shows that Bangkok hotel room occupancy took a hit as anti-government protestors reached a peak in January – but two developments in the Thai capital led by sections of the hospitality sector  show signs of determined recovery.

The third Thailand Tourism Forum went ahead this week at the InterContinental Bangkok Grand Ballroom after being postponed due to a state of emergency – which has now been lifted – being declared by the Thai governmement.

Another example of the industry uniting as tensions in the city ease, is the launch of the Bangkok Riverside Marketing Partnership. On April 18, a group of hotels  agreed to work together to raise awareness of the Chao Phraya Riverside as a primary leisure and MICE destination in Bangkok for domestic and international visitors.

The eight hotels are Anantara Bangkok Riverside & Spa, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok, Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers and Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

Following the Thailand Tourism Forum, Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, a Phuket-based asset management and hospitality consultancy, says although the study by STR Global found hotels reporting business event and meetings cancellations, new business has been coming with room rates not falling.

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