THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: While the majority of Thailand’s hotels are offering free nights, three for two, or massive discounts and fighting over the same market, management of the newly opened Northgate Ratchayothin Serviced Residence has their eye on some of the Thai governments post protest and economic stimulus money.

After putting down the anti-government protests in May, the Thailand government announced a string of economic incentives aimed at getting the country on the road to recovery. One of the offers that many companies have overlooked is the very generous amounts available for training and the huge tax write-offs available to Thais and Thai companies for domestic travel.

Focusing on an area of the market that more established brands seem to be ignoring, InVision Hospitality, the property’s managers, have structured special packages aimed at the smaller end of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) sector.

Focusing on groups of between 10 and 16 people, ie, small and medium sized businesses – the very segment the government’s stimulus is aimed at – Northgate Ratchayothin will provide a full-day gathering with lunch, morning and afternoon coffee breaks with snacks for just Bt750 (about $US23.22) per person, with a half-day package including morning and afternoon coffee breaks with snacks costing just Bt550 ($17).

But wait, there’s more. Just as in the time honored traditions of pitchmen such as Billy Mays and Anthony “Sully” Sullivan, the clever folks at Northgate Ratchayothin
are throwing a whole lot more into the pot.

Included in the deal is complimentary use of screen, television, DVD/VCD player, wireless microphone and wireless internet, complimentary use of whiteboard, flip-chart with markers, free drinking water, writing pads, pencils and mints.

The Mice promotion at Northgate Ratchayothin is inclusive of 10 percent service charge and 7 percent VAT, and is valid for events up until December 31.

Comprising 130 studio rooms and 10 two-bedroom suites, Northgate Ratchayothin opened on March 22 and is situated in a residential section of the Chatuchak district of northern Bangkok.

By John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for July 23, 2010