We have been successful with couples, honeymooners as well as small families in the Indian market; but with the increase in connectivity we believe that there is more that we can do, says Sassitt Thavornvongwongse, Assistant Vice President of Kata Group Hotels and Resorts.
Kata Group Resorts has been a prominent player in the hospitality industry in Thailand since 1980, making it one of the kingdom’s longest established hotel operators. The company owns a collection of properties in highly desirable beachfront locations with seven unique beach resorts in Southern Thailand.
In a recent development, the company has decided to strenghten its presence in one of the biggest world source markets – India. Taking a step forward in this deirection, it has appointed a representation company to drive marketing strategies and awarness campaigns among the Indian travel agents, tour operators as well as the end users.
In order to know more about KATA Group’s expansion plans and short term goals, Whereabouts has interacted with the Board Member and Assistant Vice President of Kata Group Hotels and Resorts, Sassitt Thavornvongwongse. Here are the excerpts.
Q. To start with, kindly elaborate on your presence and clientele in the Indian market?
A. Kata Group and Beyond Resorts has been around for close to 40 years, however, we haven’t been active in the Indian market. We have been successful with couples, honeymooners as well as small families in the market; but with the increase in connectivity we believe that there is more that we can do in the market.
Q. Since you have appointed a representation company in India, what are your short term plans & goals?
A. In general we want to focus on three pieces of business for the India market; corporate groups, honeymooners and families. Our resorts are well suited for the segments. In order to do that, with the help of RepsUnlimited, we are looking for presence though media and marketing as well as a couple strong travel partners who can really support us and our 2500+ rooms.
Q. Kindly through some lights on the latest developments, trade engagements and other promotional activities?
A. Kata Group and Beyond Resorts in partnership with RepsUnlimited was recently at TTF and OTM and we will continue to work these trade shows to gain traction in the market. Additionally, we are planning our attendance for SATTE and will join a Phuket Tourist Association initiated roadshow post-SATTE.
In terms of our hotels and resorts, we are working hard at keeping our properties fresh and up to date. To this end 2023 will see Beyond Resort Kata be completely renovated as well as Beyond Resort Krabi be touched up and have new room categories and types come online. Exciting things await.
Q. What segment of travellers are you looking to attract?
As mentioned we position ourselves as a great value option for 5 start locations + facilities + service. So we are really looking forward to welcoming the travel savvy couples, the corporate groups and events, as well as the families looking to explore and go beyond.
