Micronesia’s potential as a first-class destination for meetings and incentive groups is about to rise further thanks to the opening of a convention centre in Guam by the Bangkok-based Dusit Thani Group.
The Guam Convention Centre opened at the new Dusit Thani Guam Resort and several promotions are being planned to mark the grand opening in 2016. The combined facilities will offer the largest meeting and banqueting facilities across Micronesia.
“We believe we can attract a new type of visitor to Guam and capture some of the MICE market in the region with our world-class convention centre facilities,” said Dean Huntsman, the resort’s general manager.
The convention centre has 1,169 sqm of flexible event space, 10 function rooms and three ballrooms among other facilities, a press conference to launch the resort was told. The grand ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees for a seated dinner and is joined by two royal ballrooms, two salons, a cellar, pantry, living room and study, for a total of 10 function spaces.
The press conference, which was presided over by the governor of Guam, Eddie Baza Calvo, Dusit International CEO Chanin Donavanik, and Guam Visitors Bureau general manager Jon Nathan Denight, was told that Dusit Thani Guam Resort would attract a new wave of visitors to the island.
The convention centre is also “aimed at heralding a new era for tourism in Guam as the hotel works with stakeholders to promote the island as a first-class destination for business as well as leisure travellers”.
The 419-room hotel features Dusit International’s usual five-star offerings – including its signature spa concept the Thai-inspired Devarana Spa – but adds to the mix with the largest meetings and banquet facility in Micronesia.
Dusit International CEO Donavanik said: “We believe that our Dusit Thani brand and trademark warm, gracious hospitality are a great fit for this market. Guam is a ‘best kept secret’ destination with great potential. The facilities make this a complete destination [and] pave the way for Dusit International’s future expansion plans.”
