With an exciting anniversary just around the corner, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok is heavily focusing on its strengths to exceed its goals and expectations. Speaking to TTG exclusively was the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Nicolas Auger.
TTG: Thailand witnessed record breaking tourism figures last year. How will the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok keep the momentum going?
We expect to see very steady growth in Thailand in 2017 as it is a very desirable destination. [It offers] easy connections to the world, has a flexible visa policy and is home to good accommodation with great service.
Business-wise, we can foresee a growing number of companies implementing offices here in Bangkok, so there is a huge potential in this segment. Likewise, the country will continue to be an attractive destination for MICE. It has everything to offer; culture, natural beauty, excellent cuisine and value-for-money. I am sure every hotel in the market will say that they will continue to go after MICE business this year.
TTG: What strategy will you be implementing for the rest of this year?
2017 is a very special year for JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, as the hotel turns 20. We will of course be capitalising on the legacy and prestige that the hotel was able to have on the market.
Guest experience will still be our key focus. We believe in retaining our loyal guests by providing them with exceptional experiences, and they will in turn be our best ambassadors to bring us more customers in the future. This has proven to be a good strategy. We have repeated hotel guests, as well as event organisers that repeat their events here (with different delegates, of course).
TTG: Which feeder markets are you currently targeting and how?
We try to have not just one or two feeder markets. Diversifying our source markets is key as business is ever-evolving. We are monitoring trends and world news closely, and try to not put all our eggs in one basket. Our sales team is attending major trade fairs to put the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok name out there. At Marriott, we are lucky to have very strong Global Sales Office (GSO) team around the globe, so they are at our assistance should we need to talk to clients in any country, really.
TTG: Tell us about which tourism segments or niches your business will be promoting.
Marriott International has focused tremendously on MICE with the launch of the Meetings Imagined website and the Meeting Service apps. We are recognised as the pioneering hotel group to deliver impeccable MICE experiences.
Meetings are no longer just tables and chairs. Here, at JW Marriott Bangkok, we are offering a new meetings and conferences experience, from life-style inspired meeting spaces, such as the Gallery or the Food Library, to chef-crafted culinary experiences, Instagram-worthy drinks to JW Event Concierge – our portfolio of choices will fulfill every client’s needs.
Technology is also changing the way people interact. That’s why we are the industry leader in offering digital tools, from the inspirational Meetings Imagined website to the innovative Meeting Service apps, to set any meeting up for success.
TTG: And finally, please share your latest, most exciting news with our readers.
This is an exciting year for JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. As previously mentioned, we turn 20 this September, so to celebrate this milestone, the hotel will go under an enhancement process. You can expect a whole new look and feel to the hotel, but we will maintain our Thainess in every detail.
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