Kamala Hotel Market Grows with New Novotel Announced

Phuket's hotel pipeline continues to grow despite the economic downturn with leading international player ACCOR announcing the signing of Novotel Phuket Kamala Bay, a 185 key property set to open in 2011. Accor which operates under multiple brands already has Novotel's in Patong and Cape Panwa, IBIS and Mercure properties in Patong and All Seasons in Nai Harn. A second IBIS in Kata is set to open later this year.
Despite the European chains growing prominence in the Thailand market, it has yet to bring its recently repositioned luxury brand Sofitel to the islands shores. The continued expansion of the IBIS chain which is firmly positioned in the budget/economy segment and competes with IHG's Holiday Inn Express brand is expected to outpace the growth of the chains other brands in the short to medium term.
Kamala, once one of the island's sleepy hotel markets has seen a boom in hospitality product with Marriott's Courtyard brand recently opening, and independent boutique properties Cape Sienna and Andara Resort Residences set to bring a fresh look into the local scene.