Central Pattana (CPN), the SET-listed property and retail developer, opened Centara Korat Hotel on Tuesday, the first mixed-use project in the northeastern region.
Centara Korat Hotel is among 37 hotel projects worth a combined 10 billion baht being developed by the company during 2022-2026 in 27 provinces.
The 37 hotels will be developed under three models, with investment budgets ranging from 250 million baht to 500 million or 1 billion each, said Phoom Chirathivat, head of hotel properties at CPN.
All 37 projects are to be managed by Centara Hotels and Resorts.
Mr Phoom said after Centara Korat Hotel, CPN plans to open a hotel in Ubon Ratchathani in December this year.
The company also plans to open two new large hotels in Rayong and Ayutthaya next year. Each requires an investment of 1 billion baht.
Surang Jirattigalachote, head of hotel development of CPN, said Centara Korat Hotel offers 217 rooms and suites and is ideal for multi-generational families, long-stay guests and business travellers.
"We are confident this new hotel will become the No.1 destination for all types of travellers to this vibrant region. Centara Korat will play an important role in attracting visitors to the destination, which is a key gateway to Isan and the region's main provinces," said Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
"We believe guests from across the country and overseas will make this new hotel 'The Place To Be' in Korat."
Ms Surang said Nakhon Ratchasima is the first province where CPN pioneered its mixed-use development with three comprehensive components. In the new development, they comprise Central Korat mall, Centara Korat hotel and "ESCENT Korat" condominiums.
"We fulfilled our commitment through our investment in this development to strengthen the province's economy and tourism, driving the theme of 'Korat Mice City' as well," she said.
"Our hotel is equipped with facilities that will complement the potential of the province and meet all travel needs."
According to Mr Phoom, the company sees an opportunity to build upon the success of its hotel business, which can be used to strengthen the potential of cities and provinces in Thailand.
"We believe our hotel business can create a big impact, just as other CPN businesses have done, because of the strength of the business, good locations, a good range of brands that cover all segments, and partnerships with other businesses under CPN and Central Group," he said.
"A stay at our hotel will be a seamless journey that is different from other hotels in the market," said Mr Phoom.
He said the mixed-use complex is set to become a "foodie destination" in Korat with the opening of the House of Kin, a contemporary all-day restaurant offering a la carte dining, buffets, premium seafood, local Korat cuisine, Japanese, Chinese and Western dishes, and indulgent desserts.
Centara Korat is also well-positioned to host business events and meetings, with the space and room for up to 700 guests across its expansive meeting rooms, ballrooms and event halls, said Mr Phoom.
Centara continues to introduce its unique brand of Thai-style hospitality to new destinations in Thailand and the Middle East.
More expansion is planned as the company intends to double its properties with new hotels and resorts in Japan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Mr Thirayuth, he is feeling more optimistic about Thailand's hotel industry thanks to the easing of Covid-19 control measures.
However, he remains concerned about high inflation, rising energy costs and the labour shortage.
