Hotels in the Asia Pacific region recorded mostly positive results in the three key performance metrics when reported in U.S. dollar constant currency, according to July 2016 data from STR.

Compared with July 2015, the Asia Pacific region reported a 2.8% increase in occupancy to 72.1%. Average daily rate (ADR) was nearly flat (-0.3% to US$96.62), while revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew 2.4% to US$69.68.

Performance of featured countries for July 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

India recorded positive performance figures across the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+6.4% to 61.9%), ADR (+3.0% to INR5,068.31) and RevPAR (+9.6% to INR3,139.32). According to the India Ministry of Tourism, International visitors to the country increased 17.1% compared with July 2015. Bangladesh, the United States and the United Kingdom represented the top three feeder markets.

Singapore reported mostly flat performance in the three metrics: occupancy (+0.4% to 87.8%), ADR (-1.0% to SGD276.97) and RevPAR (-0.6% to SGD243.16). July events in the country included Singapore International Water Week (10-14 July) and the World Cities Summit (10-14 July). A 4.3% rise in supply placed pressure on ADR, according to STR analysts. The Upper Midscale class posted the highest supply increase (+8.6%).

South Korea saw significant increases in occupancy (+41.6% to 76.1%) and RevPAR (+38.1% to KRW126,633.06). ADR in the country was down 2.4% to KRW166,423.59. The performance was mainly due to a low comparison base with July 2015 when the country’s hotel industry was negatively affected by the Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak. In addition, the 76.1% absolute occupancy level marked South Korea’s highest July occupancy figure since 2013. Year to date in 2016, South Korea’s occupancy is up 11.0% compared with the first seven months of 2015, while ADR is down 4.9% for the same time period.

Vietnam posted growth in each of the three metrics. Occupancy in the country rose 6.7% to 69.9%; ADR was up 5.1% to VND2,830.430.06; and RevPAR increased 12.1% to VND1,979,639.52. July hotel performance received a boost from a 41.2% increase in international arrivals, as reported by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. STR analysts note that Vietnam’s economic growth will likely continue to drive hotel demand, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Performance of featured markets for July 2016 (local currency, year-over-year comparisons):

Bangkok, Thailand, reported increases in each of the three metrics: occupancy (+4.7% to 81.1%), ADR (+4.3% to THB3,264.95) and RevPAR (+9.2% to THB2,648.47). The market reported relatively low supply growth (+0.8%), and demand received a lift from the 16-20 July holiday period.

Jakarta, Indonesia, saw increases in occupancy (+9.1% to 50.9%) and RevPAR (+5.5% to IDR553,474.11). The market’s ADR fell 3.3% to IDR1,088,114.35. Performance increases were strong due a Ramadan calendar shift and a low comparison base from July 2015.

Osaka, Japan, reported a 1.0% decline in occupancy to 91.9%, but a 4.9% rise in ADR to JPY17,141.11 boosted RevPAR 3.9% to JPY15,744.56. Despite the year-over-year decline in occupancy, the market maintains high absolute occupancy levels with 23 nights above 90% in July.

Shanghai, China, posted increases across the key metrics. Occupancy rose 4.3% to 80.5%; ADR was up 1.2% to CNY592.96; and RevPAR increased 5.6% to CNY477.04. The occupancy level was the highest in the market since November 2014 with occupancy increases in both the Transient (+5.0%) and Group (+5.9%) segments.

Scores of people turned out for the first of two parades to be held in Phuket Town as part of the Por Tor “Hungry Ghost” Festival, which began quietly last Saturday.

Devotees yesterday conducted a ceremony at Queen Sirikit Park to invite the Chinese god Por Tor Gong into a sacred vessel which was then carried to the fresh market on Ranong Rd, in the heart of Phuket Town.

Joining the parade were people dressed in local Thai-Chinese garments and children carrying their gifts they had created themselves to offer to the gods for appeasement as part of the festival.

“The Por Tor Festival helps to preserve the beautiful cultural traditions of Thai -Chinese local residents and pass on the practice to their younger generations. Event organizers aim to educate tourists both Thais and foreigners about our culture and beliefs and to boost tourism for Phuket Town,” said Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

The festival, which is also celebrated as the “Hungry Ghost” festival elsewhere throughout Asia, upholds the age-old practice of Chinese people making merit for their ancestors, as a tradition of gratitude.

The festival commences every year from the waxing moon of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year the festival began on August 15 and is will conclude on August 31.

It is believed that at this time each year the gates of hell open and ancestral ghosts escape, with the chance to visit their descendants and enjoy a feast.

In Phuket, festival activities are centred around Bang Neow Shrine in Phuket Town, which is dedicated to the god Por Tor, the king of hell. Por Tor is one god not to be trifled with – above the entrance to Seng Tek Bel Shrine, also known as Por Tor Kong Shrine, located next to Baan Bang Neow School , are panels depicting some gruesome punishments handed out by Por Tor to those souls judged to be worthy of such suffering.

Also, those expecting a visit from a hungry ancestor respectfully set up tables full of food, and especially Ang Ku turtle-shaped cakes, in their homes in the hopes of appeasing the gods.

“A big parade is also scheduled for this Sunday, from Queen Sirikit Park to Bang Niew Shrine, starting at 5:30pm. Motorists should avoid the area during the hour of the parade,” cautioned Mayor Somjai.

The parade on Sunday will traverse as follows:

Start at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Rd
Turn left onto Thepkrasattri Rd and continue into Phuket Rd
Pass Surin Circle and turn right onto Kra Rd
Turn left onto Takua Thung Rd and conclude at Seng Tek Bel Shrine (Por Tor Kong Shrine), next to Bann Bang Neow School
Activities celebrating the Por Tor festival in Phuket are being held as follows:

Aug 15-22 – Thaihua Museum on Krabi Rd
Aug 17 – Joor Shu Kong Shrine at Surin Circle
Aug 17-31 – Por Tor Kong Shrine (Bang Niew)
Aug 18 – Joh Ong Shrine, Krabi Rd
Aug 19-20 – Fresh market on Ranong Rd
Aug 23 – Por Tor Ao Khaer Shrine on Takua Pa Rd

It was announced yesterday that no formal date has yet been set for the opening of the new passenger terminal at Phuket International Airport, however, it was said that the opening will definitely go ahead some time in September.

The announcement was made by Director of Phuket International Airport Mrs Monrudee Gettuphan at a press held at Central Festival Phuket together with Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee.

“No exact date has been set for the opening, but I will have a meeting later today with relevant officials where I am hoping the date will be set. However, I can confirm that it will open in September,” Mrs Monrudee said.

“The new terminal is finished and ready to accommodate 12.5 million passengers a year with five million being from international fights and the remainder from domestic fights.

“Tests started being carried out on Tuesday (Aug 16) and will be complete by Sept 7,” she added.

She then went on to apologise for the power outage within the existing terminal yesterday (Aug 17) which was required so that local electricity authority workers could upgrade high-voltage power lines in the area.

“We apologise for the blackout at the airport yesterday, however it was necessary that the power was cut so that new power lines could be installed. Hopefully this is something that will not occur again,” she said.

“In addition, the new terminal will have its own 1,500amp backup generator so that it will not encounter blackouts,” she added.

Mrs Monrudee then went on to say that all security aspects of the new terminal are complete and that baggage checking system like those used at Suvarnabhumi Airport have been installed.

“The baggage checking systems at the new terminal will be inside the building and not at the entrance like the existing terminal,” she said.

V/Gov Khajornkiet added, “Phuket is a tourist city and last year we had 13 million tourist visit the island. Today, the Airport of Thailand (AoT) Phuket office have said the new airport terminal will open in September.

“It was originally announced that the opening would be in June, but that was not possible because the AoT needed more time to ensure complicated information communication technology and baggage systems at the new terminal were up to scratch,” he said.

“I can confirm that the new terminal will be ready next month and ready to welcome all visitors coming to Phuket,” he added.

Once the new terminal is in full operation, the existing terminal will be completely renovated and turned into a domestic terminal.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the calendar of events taking place in Phuket for the rest of this year remains full and covers everything from food festivals to conferences, media trips and sporting events, with at least 12 major events scheduled to be held between now and early October.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Phuket has long been a world-famous holiday destination and a popular venue for meetings and festivals, which will be taking place as planned with organisers all fully confident that Thailand is a safe place to visit. The increased security and a stepped up police presence nationwide has also offered reassurance that events and festivals in Phuket or elsewhere in the country will be trouble free and that people attending them are safe.”

His comments are backed by live closed circuit television cameras of Phuket via the website: See It Live Thailand where travellers can watch real-time situations of various locations on the island, such as, Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and the Phuket Old Town. The TAT Phuket Office is also broadcasting live videos and real-time images of the island on its Facebook Page.

Mr. Yuthasak added, “Phuket attracts tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the beaches, fun attractions and unique blend of culture. So we are pleased to see events planned for the rest of the year are going ahead and that people understand that the safety of tourists and visitors is always our priority. Every measure has been taken to ensure security at all events and festivals in Phuket.”
Among the big events coming up in Phuket August 2016 are two annual events – the Phuket Lobster Festival and the Phuket Por Tor Festival, both will be on-going until 31 August, and a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, called the Trash Hero Movement, on 27 August which people can join in with cleaning up the island’s environment. On 24-25 August, TAT is organising a familiarisation trip for international bloggers and journalists to experience Phuket’s food culture in advance of the Phuket Tasty Food Festival.

Phuket is also popular with big conventions and meetings. Planned for 18 to 21 August is the Thailand Incentive & Meeting Exchange (TIME) 2016 which will see professionals in the meetings incentives, convention and exhibition sector convening in Phuket to exchange expertise and knowledge.

Then in September, the Thanyapura King of the Mountain Run, an endurance trail running event will take place on the 4th. In the following week, from 9 to 11 September, two events are scheduled to take place concurrently: the Phuket Tasty Food Festival 2016 and the Andaman Hotelier and Tourism Fair 2016. In addition, Phuket will join the world in celebrating the Moon Festival or Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival on 15 September. In the same week, Accor will host the 2nd Accor Hotels Heartbreak Hill Mini Marathon on 18 September.

Last but not least, one of Phuket’s longstanding annual events, the world famous Vegetarian Festival will be going ahead as usual from 1 to 9 October, 2016. In the same month, tourists and travellers as well as sport enthusiasts are also invited to join the 12th Mai Khao Turtle Fun Run and Mini Marathon 2016, which takes place on Sunday 9 October.

The situation is normal in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand as everyday life continues despite the recent explosions in some of the country’s southern provinces. Tourist attractions, shopping malls and restaurants nationwide are attracting large numbers of people, determined to make the most of the long weekend.

Thai people and visitors are celebrating the 84th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 12 August, also the National Mother’s Day. Thailand’s cities and tourist attractions are reportedly as busy as usual. There is an increased security presence at all major attractions and shopping areas as well as in airports and train stations, to ensure the safety of tourists and locals.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said “We are pleased to report that the recent attacks in Thailand’s south have not massively impacted on people’s determination to enjoy the weekend and the delights of the kingdom. We are ensuring the safety of visitors by stepping up security nationwide and want everyone to know that it’s business as normal in Thailand. The strong spirit of the Thai people won’t allow these attacks to stop them living their lives and enjoying the sanuk for which the nation is famous.”

All planned tourist and business events and festivals are still going ahead and the message is that Thailand is very much open to business. The international tourist organisation UNWTO has expressed confidence in the safety of Thailand as a tourist destination and will be hosting World Tourism Day in Bangkok on 27 September as scheduled. The WTTC Summit in April 2017 will also be going ahead as planned.

The TAT wants to reassure all tourists that their safety is the highest priority and that everything is being done to ensure the people behind the recent attacks are apprehended.

One of the most prestigious international sporting events in Southeast Asia, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Under Royal Patronage, has recently kicked off its Phuket Dinghy Series 2016 to celebrate the regatt’s 30th Anniversary at 3 Naval Area Command Beach off the coast of Cape Panwa.

Since 2010, the lead-up to the regatta has traditionally been a chance for young Thai sailors to hit the waters in Optimist and Laser dinghy classes. The last weekend of July was the first of three events taking place before the main regatta sails, and saw competitive dinghy racing with over 28 young sailors.

In the Lasers, Tanakorn Kaewluan of the Songkhla Sailing Club achieved first place followed by Keeratika Krongboon and Aekkorn Naulplub of the NAC3SC. Yada Hasap took victory in the Optimist class, with Bunyamin Klongsamut and Tanawan Malikee (all from NAC3SC) in runners-up.

The second race of the series will be run from September 24 to 25 (again at 3 Naval Area Command Beach) off the coast of Cape Panwa. The third race will be held from November 26 to 27 at Bang Tao Beach.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta’s introduction of the Dinghy Series in 2010 created a network between sailing clubs to inspire more youths in Thailand to take up the sport (especially the Optimist Challenge for the under 15s). The establishing of the Phuket Dinghy Series has helped bring to the fore many young Thai sailing talents from sailing clubs in Phuket, Phang Nga and Songkhla in order to prepare them for international competition – and for future Phuket King’s Cup Regattas, of course.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2016 will be held off Kata Beach, Phuket, from 3 – 10 December, 2016, hosting international racing classes across which over 150 boats and 1500+ sailors compete for one of sailing’s most prestigious trophies. As the main race prepares to set sail for a landmark year, Phuket visitor numbers swell and make a large contribution to overall Thai tourism performance, boosting the tourism, hospitality and marine sports sectors and supporting the continuing growth of one of the world’s best loved sailing destinations.

After three days of challenging conditions and tough racing, the sailors were looking for a final day bang, however, PRO Simon James and team left the sailors onshore as they headed off in search for wind, which turned into a search for the proverbial needle in a haystack. It was never found. While the sailors enjoyed the hospitality of the Bamboo Bar, cooled off in the sea and beachfront pool, racing for the day was called off at 12:55 and as they say, “that’s a wrap!”

Two wins in the last two races of the series for Ray Roberts and Millenium Racing was enough for them to secure a two-point winning margin in IRC Racing I. On the windward/leeward courses there was little between the two, just seconds at times, while Roberts and crew appeared to have the edge on Oi! over distance.

One more race would have brought a the drop into play and for IRC Racing II this could have changed everything. It never happened and third place for David Dimmock and Loco in Race 3 of the series was their downfall, allowing Scott Bradley’s Emagine to take top spot by a single point. Third place went to Ben Copley in his first outing on his new boat Gust (ex KukuKERchu). Of the four Beneteau’s in the class Fujin placed highest, beating Richard Barnhurt’s Balance on countback.

There was controversy in IRC Racing III on Day 2 when tfive-strong fleet couldn’t finish by the stipulated time in the second race of the day, resulting in FPA for those boats and three points awarded to Phoenix. Redress requested by the Race Committee saw the Protest Committee award Phoenix FPA and one point, while the two finishers Foreign Affair and Moon Smile remained scored at first and second respectively. As often is the case, everything comes out in the wash and no matter whether it is a single or three points for Phoenix, and with no drop race in the frame, Phoenix still wins the class. Foreign Affair held onto second and Sailescapes Farrgo Express held off the challenge from Moon Smile to claim third.

After a slow start to the series in the Cruising/ Charter class, Jim Ellis and his enthusiastic crew on Remington found their speed and finished the series with a 3,1,1 scoreline and take out the title by a single point from BeauX Esprits, with Venture placing third.

Despite a third in the last race of the series for Singaporean Clement Lim and his Singapore Management University team on Phuket Boat Lagoon Weasel, they win the One Design Platu class by a single point from the all-female team on Phuket Boat Lagoon Fox with Absolute One Design in third.

Four wins and a third in the final race was enough for Alan Carwardine’s Asia Catamarans Hurricane to defend his Multihull Racing class title from a fast finishing Java skippered by John Coffin, while Peter Wood and his Top Cat placed third.

In Firefly 850 Sport John Newnham defended his title in style dominating the class with a 2,1,1,1 while Voodoo, skippered by Ian Coulson, comfortably placed second ahead of George Eddings’ Blue Noze in third.

The only skipper in the fleet to keep a clean sheet this week was Mick Tilden on Pixalux who sailed a flawless series on his Corsair Pulse 600 in the Corsair Class. Charles Robinson on SuDu 4 (Yellow) got the better of a tie on points with Zam Bevan’s Multihull Solutions H30 to secure second place. Credit goes to the duo of Jiamin Qu and Watcharich “King” Aebi – a 15 year old Thai boy – who placed second in the first race of the series only to fall off later and finish fourth overall.

Now in it’s 13th year, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek is aging gracefully and this year welcomed a record fleet of 47 boats, with a growing number of sailors coming from around the world to charter a boat and compete. Also encouraging is the number of Thai sailors taking part, making up 20% of the fleet this year. While the fickle wind made it tough for all, the onshore facilities and services were, as usual, excellent. The parties lived up to their reputation and high bar while the Race Management team did an excellent job in trying circumstances.

Dates are already set for next year. Mark your diary: 14th Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek will take place 19th to 23rd July, 2017.

Perseverance and patience were the skills in most demand on RaceDay 1 of the 2016 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek as Principal Race Officer Simon James and his on-water team tracked around Chalong Bay and surrounds in search of wind. It was testing and trying for the record 47 boat fleet and 500+ sailors. As 14:00 approached, the PRO set a course and at 13:54 got the Firefly 850 Sport class off first.

Light winds meant a single windward/leeward for all and everybody’s patience paid off as all classes got in a full race put the first scores on the board. Kudos to the PRO and team.

In the one-design Firefly 850 Sport class first blood went to former champion Voodoo, helmed by Ian Coulson, who got the better of 2015 winner John Newnham’s Twin Sharks. Just two seconds separated third and fourth with George Eddings’ Blue Noze edging out Neil Ayre’s Advanced Racing Mamba.

In the Corsair class, made-up of four identical Corsair Pulse 600’s, Pixalux, skippered by Mick Tilden, showed the entire fleet a clean pair of heels winning by over six minutes. It was much closer for second and third with the Chinese/ Thai team on Phuket Island Radio placing second ahead of Zam Bevan’s team on Multihull Solutions H30 in third.

Nine boats in Multihull Racing made for the joint largest class in the regatta and the first win went to Asia Catamarans Hurricane finishing just 17 seconds ahead of sister-Stealth Cat Java. The larger Stealth, Top Cat, held onto third ahead of the fast finishing Galeforce RAirlines, skippered by Patinyakorn Buranrom.

In the keelboat fleet, the TP52’s of Millenium Racing and Oi! were evenly-matched tracking each other around the course, and it was Ray Roberts and crew on Millenium Racing who took the first win of the series in IRC Racing I.

In what looks poised to be one of the closest classes, David Dimmock’s Swan 42 Loco won the first race in IRC Racing II by a mere nine seconds. Second place went to the Sydney 40 Emagine skippered by Scott Bradley and with a strong team of Thai sailors on board. On his first outing on his new boat, Ben Copley sailed Gust (ex-KukuKERchu) to third ahead of Fujin, the first of the four Beneteau’s that make up the rest of the class.

‘Fujin’ and ‘EMagine, sailing boats on Raceday 1 Phuket Raceweek

IRC Racing II – poised to be a close battle with seven evenly-matched 40-footers.

Ian Lodewyckx/ Keith O’Donnell’s Farr 30 Foreign Affair corrected out 18 seconds ahead of the ¾ Ton X-yacht Phoenix skippered by Niels Degenkolw in IRC Racing III, while the Farr 1104 Piccolo of Rex Hollyoake/ Troy Scott managed third.

In spite of the tricky conditions, the racing was close throughout the fleet and no more was this true than in the Cruising/ Charter class where five seconds was the winning margin. Venture claimed the win ahead of BeauX Esprits and just over 30 seconds back was the ever-slippery S&S 42 Remington.

Returning to a Phuket regatta for the first time in many years is a one-design Platu class. Referred to as “Absolute One Design”, the five Platus are identical, racing with controlled sails provided by the class organisers and it was Australian Liz Schoch on Phuket Boat Lagoon Fox who put the first win on the board ahead of Clement Lim’s Phuket Boat Lagoon Weasel and Kev Scott’s Absolute One Design, who finished second and third respectively.

It’s the 2016 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, Raceweek is here and what a magnificent line up we have.

We are progressing our digital media outlets and this year (subject to Internet connectivity) we will once again broadcast starts LIVE on Twitter and Facebook LIVE please follow, tweet, share, like, pin and help us get the word out about our regatta and sailing in the region. Hash Tag #phuketsailing

On shore along with four exceptional buffet style parties and award ceremonies, the regatta pop up bar is open from 2pm, sponsored by Chang with drinks and snacks at regatta special prices.

Drinking water and ice is available each morning from 7:30 am, 12 bottles for 100thb and bags of ice at 60thb.

PLEASE DO NOT ANCHOR/SWING INTO THE MAIN CHANNEL, we are on the entrance to the port and this area which is clearly marked MUST be kept clear at all time.

Longtail boats will operate from 7:30am – 9pm every evening. You are free to use the dinghy line provided at the pier. Take extra care at low water. If you bring your dinghy ashore please use the beach area to the south of the main beach so as not to impede other guests enjoyment.

Final points are to all the participants, family, friends, volunteers and helpers both on and off the water please enjoy yourselves, support the sponsers without whom the regatta wouldn’t function and drink sensibly, be safe and have a wonderful week.

See you on the water and remember hash tag #phuketsailing

PHUKET expects a boost in low-season arrivals as the 13th “Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek” is set to welcome more than 400 sailors and their friends from 30 countries from July 20-24 to compete in four days of exciting sailing off the island’s southeast coast.

“Thailand has five international regattas that attract sailors from around the world each year,” said Chavanee Tongroach, vice minister of tourism and sports. “Phuket is the most popular of all the locations and has the most regattas – we can say that Phuket is the regatta hub.

“The beautiful sailing grounds and marine facilities are excellent, and Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek is very much in line with the government policy to promote Thailand as a leading marine tourism destination in the region.”

Phuket is home to three of the country’s “big five” international regattas, and with Phuket Raceweek’s low-season timing, it brings a boon to the island’s tourism industry, delivering revenues and showcasing the low-season beauty of Phuket and its year-around sailing credentials.

Moreover, the timing is popular with overseas sailors, particularly Australians, who can escape their winter for some warm-weather sailing.

“Over the last four years we have focused a lot on raising awareness of Phuket Raceweek overseas and increasing its appeal to international sailors,” said Byron Jones, managing director of the event’s organiser, Media Business Services Co.

“We are now seeing the results, with the number of international participants and chartered boats on the up. This brings benefits to Phuket through room bookings and tourism revenue, and we estimate the net financial gain to the island from Phuket Raceweek to reach Bt15 million.”

In addition to the time of year and appeal of warm-weather sailing, Cape Panwa Hotel itself is a huge drawing card for sailors, the organisers say. Its stunning beachfront and pier provide easy access for boats and an ideal anchorage for the fleet, while the five-star hospitality, Bamboo Bar and Regatta Village make for a perfect sailing environment.

“Marine tourism is a good way to showcase Phuket as a world-class tourism destination and its unique culture and lifestyle,” said Poomiphat Navanukroh, travel-industry group director for Cape & Kantary Hotels.