THA plans for online system
February 10, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under Hospitality
Thai Hotels Association will add a hotel booking system to its website believing it will add value for member hotels and provide a revenue stream for the association.
According to THA vice president, Surapong Techaruvichit, the association’s online booking system will allow THA members to build business, with real-time confirmations, and a payment mechanism for credit cards. All member hotels will be featured on the website: http://www.thaihotels.org and have the option to update rates and accept online payments.
“We are following the latest trend. At present, around 15 to 20% of hotels use online bookings and the trends will grow 5% each year,” said Mr Surapong.
The association should finish the project within the first quarter this year, while Mr Surapong added that THA was already considering the next stage; “a mobile-phone supported website” that should be ready within two years.
Since last year, THA has improved its website to include more data on member hotels, but it still lacks a booking engine. Once completed about 800 hotels and resorts in Thailand will be featured with a booking facility.
In another move, Thai Hotels Association is waiting for confirmation from the new Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ permanent secretary on a project to share data and report on hotels occupancy and average room rates to help add value to the ministry’s online statistics project. The association wants to work with the ministry to improve data flow between the private sector and government departments.
Once confirmed, THA would have access to a Bt1 million budget to develop its data collection method to meet a required standard with the ministry acting as a distribution channel detailed data.
