From managing high-profile properties across Asia and Africa to leading the launch of Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, Mr. Koen Vermeersch, Area Manager of Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, shares his insights on the future of the hotel industry, emerging trends in hospitality, and how technology is shaping the guest experience.
FTNnews: Could you please introduce us your background in Tourism and Hotel industry?
As Ascott Area General Manager for Bangkok, I have been working in this position for 8 years and have opened several properties with the company in Bangkok. The latest one was Ascott Thonglor Bangkok. Before this position I was based in China and Ethiopia with different companies managing real estate portfolio’s including for Ascott from 2011 to 2012 in Tianjin.
I have studied hotel management, marketing, and government policies over the years with two masters in the field.
FTNnews: What are your thoughts about the future of the hotel industry in Thailand, Asia, and in the world? Also new trends in the hospitality sector in Asia?
Southeast Asia is on a great path forward to improve and increase its tourism segment. High end hotels are the way to go but people are also increasingly looking for experiences. Depending on the demographic, different budgets and expectations are held, but most guests are now looking for experiences to be able to share with their peers. Traveling is about exploring other cultures, visiting nature and exceptional architectures.
Co-living, co-working, and co-traveling are also aspects that are demanded exponentially and therefor our properties do cater to people that want to work while traveling, meet new people while staying at your property and participate in catered events.
With the current technologies and AI tools we can give our guests what they look for, creating very personalized experiences; and that is what we are aiming to provide as a company with many different brands and locations.
FTNnews: Could you please tell us more about Ascott Thonglor Bangkok?
Ascott Thonglor Bangkok is a hotel and serviced residence, strategically located on Sukhumvit’s main road, near Bangkok’s upscale and lively neighborhood with a wide variety of the finest cafes, lifestyle venues, international schools, multinational corporations and other city attractions.
Ascott Thonglor Bangkok offers easy access to BTS Skytrain and is just a 5-minute walk to Thong Lo station and is situated close to the city’s expressway network, giving this hotel in Sukhumvit an unbeatable location.
Ascott Thonglor Bangkok has 451 spacious apartments with a choice of Studio, One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom, or Three-Bedroom apartments. Ideal for both short and extended stays, guests will be able to enjoy elegantly designed rooms with a touch of comfort and convenience complemented by an impressive range of premium amenities to ensure that the requirements of our guests are well satisfied.
On-site facilities include a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a children’s playroom. We organize many different events at the property for our guests to participate and to experience the local culture.
FTNnews: What are your main markets and average number of nights?
We do have guests from all over the world. The nationalities differ with the seasons of the year. We have expatriates staying as long stay guests for 1 month up to many years.
Our business travelers and leisure travelers stay with us from 1 day up to 7 days with an average of 2 to 3 days.
They all can choose from our range of hotel rooms and apartments from 35sqm up to 140sqm with fully equipped kitchens, luxury bathrooms and other convenient items like washing machines for studio and up, and dishwasher for the 2 and 3 bedroom units.
FTNnews: What is the percentage of online bookings via the internet for your hotel compared to the traditional distribution channels?
We work with all channels and have many direct bookings with our sales team. The online travel agencies are our close partners, and they provide about 30% of our business.
As mentioned before, there is a clear trend of looking for experiences and having personalized arrangements. AI will help this to make it possible in an extremely tailored manner; which will increase guests’ satisfaction bringing it to a new level of being able to fine tuning your travel experience.
FTNnews: How is Ascott Thonglor Bangkok currently integrating AI technology, and how do you envision AI evolving in the hospitality industry over the next 5-10 years?
We work with many systems and work with our vendors to include AI tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. For online guest replies we are working with AI to optimize speed and accuracy. For inhouse analysis we work with AI tools as well. AI will help enormously in improving our service provision to the guests in order to personalize their booking and travel experiences catering to specific needs.
FTNnews: Aside from Bangkok, what is your favorite travel destination and what do you love about it?
Personally, I love traveling to Europe, Belgium specifically as it is my home country and I love the European cities for their architectures, everywhere easy to access by train. Another destination is Japan, mainly due to the amazing culture, food and social fabric.
