Burasari Group Appoints ATI for Australia and NZ

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 17, 2013 – The Burasari Group announces the appointment of Aviation & Tourism International, ATI, as their representative for Australia & New Zealand, and SW Pacific. Announcing the appointment, Mr Marcel Boeni, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Burasari Group said the move reflects the importance of the strength and growth of the tourism market from Australia & NZ to Thailand and the neighboring countries.

The Burasari group currently consists of the Burisari in Phuket, which is well known to the Australian & NZ Markets, the Shanghai Mansion in Bangkok, and the Burasari Heritage and Chang Inn in Luang Prabang.

The owner of the Burisari Group, Ms Lily Udomkunnatum reflected on the current and future plans for the group in the following Press release published in the Bangkok Post Newspaper:

Burasari Group, the boutique hotel operator, has expanded into Laos to take advantage of rising Asean tourism. The group spent 128 million baht to open the 23-room Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang last December. The hotel expects to welcome more tourists visiting the region after the launch of the Asean Economic Community in 2016. Managing director Lily Udomkunnatum said Luang Prabang still has room to grow for boutique hotels due to the small number of players. “The city’s charm in terms of architecture, culture and unique way of local life is expected to remain over the next 10-20 years,” she said. Many travelers, especially Thais, are interested in visiting Luang Prabang. Last year, 2.9 million people visited the ancient city, with the number expected to grow by 10% this year.

Burasari expects half of the guests at Burasari Heritage will be Thais, with the balance from Europe and Asean countries. Ms Lily said Thai travelers find it convenient to travel to Luang Prabang by land or air, while visitor numbers from other Asean countries are also growing. The company projects average occupancy of at least 70% in the first year for its Luang Prabang hotel. Room rates start from 4,500 baht per night. Ms Lily said the group has set a budget of 120 million baht to renovate two hotels in Thailand. It will spend 100 million baht to renovate the Burasari Resort Patong in Phuket.

Another 20 million baht will be spent to add 10 more rooms to its Shanghai Mansion Bangkok this year for a total of 86. Burasari projects occupancy at the Phuket hotel will drop to 65% this year from 84% last year due to the renovation. Occupancy at Shanghai Mansion Bangkok will increase to 75% from 68%. Ms Lily said Thai tourism enjoys bright prospects this year, with expected growth from all major in bound markets, including Australia & New Zealand. The company plans to open a Burasari Hotel in Khao Yai next year.

For further information contact:
John Boyd
Aviation & Tourism International
Address: Suite 401, 235 Clarence Street – NSW 2000 – Sydney, Australia
Mailing Address: P.O. BOX Q718 – Sydney – NSW 1230
Phone / Fax: +61 (02) 92794314
Tel: 1300302068
Email: jlbati@ozemail.com.au
Web: www.aviationandtourism.com.au