PHUKET Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s upper-upscale Westin brand has officially launched in Thailand with the opening of the 261-key Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket.
As the first large branded resort on the island of Koh Sireh, The Westin Siray Bay will primarily target Chinese travelers, along with Koreans, Japanese and Middle Easterners, according to Vichit Prakobgosoi, president of hotel owner CCT Group. Phuket locals will also be a draw for the hotel, as will the emerging Indian upper class.
“The population of both countries (India and China) are becoming wealthier and beginning to travel,” Prakobgosoi tells local news agency Phuket Wan. “Phuket has good service and it’s an excellent destination, with an airport that can accept big aircraft.
“Westin will not be the last hotel on Koh Sireh. I expect to see more big brands on Phuket’s east coast.”
Starwood has 15 properties in operation in Thailand, with an additional 11 in the pipeline.