5 January 2001BANGKOK – Jan Heesbeen is taking on Marriott’s new timeshare operations in Thailand.
Formerly director of marketing for the two Marriott properties in Bangkok, he is now regional director marketing Asia/Pacific for Marriott Vacation Club International.
A new Vacation Club International regional office set up in the JW Marriott hotel in Bangkok with a team of seven will take care of Marriott’s new Phuket resort, set to open December.
A joint venture with the Royal Garden Resorts group, it will comprise a five-star Marriott resort of around 260 rooms and a 144-unit Vacation Club International timeshare property.
One of the challenges Heesbeen faces is to repair the tainted image of timeshare holidays here, after scams frightened off genuine buyers.
"The key here is Marriott is the owner and operator. We have a brand and reputation and this gives you an opportunity to buy into a listed company. That’s where our success lies, the credibility Marriott brings to the table."