Thanks to the opening of direct flights by Thai Airways and continuing additions of five star hotels, Samui is predicted to become the country's most expensive resort destination, surpassing Phuket, tourism experts said.
At least 10 luxury resorts are slated to open in Koh Samui over the next five years. The Mandarin Oriental, the world's leading chain of luxury hotels, is considering building a resort on the island. Other international hotel groups such as Banyan Tree, Intercontinental, Conrad, Sheraton and W Hotel of the Starwood Group are set to build their own properties and villas soon.
Additionally, local chains like Amari will launch X2 Resort in June this year and the Sirimaya Resort next year or in 2010.
According to the news report by The Nation, Tourism Association of Koh Samui president Seni Puwasetthawon said more than 10,000 guestrooms would be added over the next five years to the existing 14,000 rooms available today.
The island property currently greets a million tourists a year and expects 1.5 million in a few years.
International arrivals have been increasing gradually since the December 2004 tsunami hit the Andaman Coast, he said.
Another factor contributing to the increase in tourist arrivals is the recent opening of direct flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui by Thai Airways International. The airline brings in 300 tourists a day.
The association also predicts average room rates will surpass those in Phuket, which is currently the most expensive resort destination in Thailand.
Some four-and-five star hotels and property, including Buri Raksa, The Library and the Four Seasons, have already opened while others are undertaking a refurbishment.
However, the island faces fierce competition from Phuket and Bali as they are going through a major facelift as well.
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