Phuket's still a magnet for investors

• Published: 26/08/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: Horizons

Foreign investors find Phuket a lucrative spot in which to do business due to its international appeal as a beach destination, its eye-catching natural beauty and year-round tropical climate, says Allan Zeman, owner of the five-star Andara Resort & Villas which opened on the island earlier this year.

Zeman, a property developer with over four decades of experience, noted that, Phuket, unlike Bangkok, hasn't experienced any major political instability which would discourage tourists.

"Apart from the aforementioned reasons, I decided to invest in a resort and mall business in Phuket because I've been a regular visitor for the past 30 years. Phuket is like a second home to me and I find the local people friendly and charming. The island has much to offer in terms of culture, history and food. It'll remain a hotbed for sustainable tourism growth for years to come."

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was raised in Canada but have lived in Hong Kong now for over 40 years, so I'm Chinese, to be honest! Lan Kwai Fong, an entertainment hub which serves up a mix of contemporary, international and local cuisine, is my signature property development there. I'm also the chairman of Ocean Park, an established theme park in Hong Kong.

There's been a big increase in the number of high-end resorts opening on Phuket. Do you think the island has exceeded its capacity to sustain luxury developments?

Not really, because I believe that the rising number of accommodation options is a testament to investor confidence. And what's good for the economy, is also good for Phuket! That said, I feel like there are developers who are looking to build smarter, quality- - as opposed to quantity-based - resorts, which cater to the high-end tourism segment where success is valued not in the number of resorts you have, but rather in their calibre.

Tell us something about your new venture.

Andara is a collection of 37 luxury residences and 26 pool villas, all set on a dreamy hillside overlooking the pristine Andaman Sea. Although only open since February, Andara has already proven itself as a top luxury resort in Asia, winning four awards at the Thailand Property Awards and being included on the Conde' Nast Traveler hot list for 2010.

Andara sets itself apart from other luxury resorts by offering a host of unique extras, which include two private motor yachts, a deluxe spa and renowned restaurant plus perfect service.

What are your future plans for Andara?

We're still discovering the seasonal norms as we nourish what is a young brand, build our reputation as a luxury resort and continue to exceed expectations. Markets like short-haul travellers, especially for corporate leisure, are promising for us since we offer a unique luxury lifestyle, yachting on our two private boats, golfing, romantic getaways and quality family time.

How much of an impact did the red-shirt protests have on tourist arrivals?

The protests didn't have much of an impact on our tourist numbers. We had a few cancellations from European clients in May, due largely to the clouds of volcanic ash which caused a number of flights to be cancelled. On the flip side, that also meant that many of our resident guests at that time extended their stay at Andara for a little longer.

If you had the opportunity to speak to our PM about the current situation and its effect on tourism, what would you suggest that he do?

Actually, I have spoken to the prime minister already. I talked to him about the need to focus on tourist development, as it is the country's largest industry, and a source of income for many. The recovery of the industry after the red-shirt protests hinges largely on gaining back tourist confidence. And to do that, all the key players in the government and private sectors that are connected to tourism need to have a round-table discussion to bring about a proper solution.

Moreover, I think that Phuket needs some new attractions to draw visitors. Places that go hand in glove with the natural beauty of the island and its cultural surroundings might include a tourist attraction similar to the theme park that I developed in Hong Kong, but with a Thai touch. Convention centres are also important to showcase Phuket as a potential destination for the Mice [meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions] market.

If you were in charge of the Tourism and Sports Ministry what issues would you tackle?

Number one would be to increase the focus on human-resource training and then to upgrade the infrastructure of the country to make it easier for people to travel. I would also continue to promote Phuket as a value-for-money destination.

Moving on to a less serious subject: how do you like to chill out after a hard day at work?

I'm always exploring, so whenever I'm in Phuket I take our yacht, Celebrity, out to Naka Island in Phangnga Bay to have lunch. Being in that most natural of settings is an experience that never fails to help me unwind.

What category of tourist destination most appeals to you?

I love non-touristy spots which are easy to get to for a weekend, but once you're there you feel like the only person in the world to have discovered it. I look for destinations with sun, sea and lush vegetation, like an island which also happens to be rich in culture.

Having said that, I also love being in the middle of a busy city, rubbing shoulders with the locals. Both sort of places hold an attraction for me. In fact, I feel as much at home in the hustle and bustle of a city as I would on an island in the middle of nowhere. I like exciting cities like Hong Kong that inspire me to do business. I love combining business and pleasure because doing business brings me a lot of happiness.

Writer: Yvonne Bohwongprasert

Position: Reporter

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