Reporting live from ITB Berlin ASEAN kicks off rate-building drive at ITB

Most Thai hoteliers are aiming for a five per cent increase for the November 2010/October 2012 season for the German market. Banyan Tree Bangkok is looking at an eight per cent rate increase on rates that had fallen by 10 per cent in 2009, said sales and marketing director Sunee U-Thaikittisup.

Centara Hotels and Resorts is also aiming for a four to five per cent rate hike for its Thai hotels. Senior vice president sales and marketing Chris Bailey said: "Rate discussions at ITB will be one of the most sensible price changes. We haven't increased our rates for the last two years."

Marintur Indonesia executive director Ismail Ali noted that rates were going up 12 to 18 per cent, particularly among four-star hotels. "Rates at properties catering to the Australian market have shot up due to strong demand. The increase is less at hotels targeting Europeans."

(Sources: Ollie Quiniquini and Sirima Eamtako, Berlin and Bangkok)