brought to you by www.12phuket.com the Phuket specialists

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has completed its refurbishment program and is ready to welcome guests to the upgraded facilities.

The resort’s general manager, Peter Komposch, says more than 75% of guestrooms have been given a completely new look whilst maintaining the popular Sino-Portuguese architecture of the region within the main building.

“All the rooms are bright and airy and follow the Dusit style, in that they combine Thai tradition with modern style and convenience,” he says. “Our regular guests will immediately feel at home, while we are confident that new guests will quickly become fans of our style.”

Every room has a private balcony overlooking either the peaceful lagoon or the Andaman Sea. Room facilities include TV with satellite channels, built-in safe, mini-bar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryer, high-speed wireless Internet connection and a spacious bathroom.

For those who are looking for large and stylish accommodation for a family, the Dusit Thani Pool Villas became fully operational in the beginning of November.

There are 28 pool villas, each of them offering 292 sq. m. of luxury spread over three stories. Occupying the entire first floor, two bedrooms of the Laguna pool villas have direct access to private open-air garden courtyards, while the oceanfront pool villas offer direct access to the white sandy Bang Tao beach from the master bedroom.

The villas’ second floors include a functional kitchen, a dining area for six people, a spacious living area and open onto a patio. The rooftop feature is an18-sq. m. private infinity plunge pool with sun loungers offering a panoramic view of the lagoon or ocean.

“We are continually updating, upgrading and modernizing our resort, which is why after 20 years in this highly competitive environment Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket still remains at the forefront and has such a high number of returning guests every year,” Komposch adds

brought to you by www.12phuket.com the Phuket specialists

Woranuj Maneerungsee www.bangkokpost.com

brought to you by www.12phuket.com

NICE GUY EDDIE: Okay, everybody cough up green for the little lady. C’mon, throw in a buck.

MR PINK: Uh-uh. I don’t tip.

NICE GUY EDDIE: Whaddaya mean you don’t tip?

MR PINK: I don’t believe in it.

NICE GUY EDDIE: You don’t believe in tipping?MR WHITE: I love this kid; he’s a madman, this guy.

MR BLONDE: Do you have any idea what these ladies make? They make s***.

MR PINK: Don’t give me that. She don’t make enough money, she can quit.

NICE GUY EDDIE: I don’t even know a Jew who’d have the balls to say that. So let’s get this straight - you never ever tip?

MR PINK: I don’t tip because society says I gotta. I tip when somebody deserves a tip. When somebody really puts forth an effort, they deserve a little something extra. But this tipping automatically, that’s for the birds. As far as I’m concerned, they’re just doin’ their job.

I agree to some extent with Mr Pink, the character played by Steve Buscemi in Reservoir Dogs, the 1992 breakthrough film by Quentin Tarantino. Should I tip - especially after I have just paid a 10% service charge? I assume the service charge goes to the staff working in the restaurant as some sort of “guaranteed” tip. If that’s the case, why should I give a further tip?

Tipping is relatively new to Bangkok. Our normal custom after a meal is simply to leave some loose change on the table. A 2,000 baht dinner, a pile of one baht coins for the tip - it’s nothing to be frowned upon. But these days, not just a “reasonable” tip is expected; there’s this thing called a “10% service charge”. What’s that all about? Keep in mind, I am talking about better quality restaurants, not street-side som tam.

Lek, 26, a waitress at a long-established and successful medium-priced Chinese restaurant in Thong Lor, says her total income is about 5,500 baht a month, including the fixed 1,000 baht share of the service charge. Tips from customers amount to less than 300 baht. “Basically, customers do not tip a lot since they see the service charge at the end of the bill,” said Lek, who has worked at the restaurant for three years.

It’s normal practice for Thai customers to inspect every single line of a bill - and if we see “service charge” we normally tip less or not at all.

The restaurant in question employs 15 staff and adds a 10% service charge. A customer could presume that all of the service charge goes to the staff, right? Divided among the waiting staff, the bus boys, the receptionists, the kitchen staff, etc? But if that is the case, why is Ms Lek paid a “fixed” 1,000 baht?

Are we to presume all 15 staff get 1,000 baht each, for a total of 15,000 baht in service charges per month? Does that mean a long established, successful, medium-priced Chinese restaurant in the ever-so busy and trendy hub of Thong Lor makes only 150,000 baht a month? Not likely. The staff are only getting a small slice of the service charge cake.

Lek has a year-and-a-half to finish her BA in political science at an open university. She earns 211 baht per day, just eight baht more than the minimum wage. She works 26 days a month. And the restaurant is pocketing most of the service charge, leaving her with a measly 5,500 baht a month in overall income?

Does this also mean that I, as the customer, am paying more for the food I consume than the price listed on the menu because not all the added 10% included as a service charge is going to the person directly providing the service? Lek plans to leave the restaurant and work at a bakery, which pays better, once she finishes her schooling.

—–

WHY TIP?

It is widely believed that tipping came to Thailand with the return the first Thai students who studied in Europe about 50 years ago. When they came home, they brought not only their acquired knowledge but the “civilised” practice of tipping as well.

According to the New York Times, quoting the book Tipping by Kerry Segrave, the habit probably dates back to Tudor England (1485-1603). At the end of this period, guests spending a night at a private residence were expected to give some money, known as “vails”, to the servants of the house. Soon after this, customers began tipping at London coffee houses and other establishments. One frequented by author Samuel Johnson had a bowl with the words “To Insure Promptitude” on it, and this is believed have been abbreviated to “tip”.

Tipping began as a practice of the rich, a sprinkle of small change for social inferiors, and it quickly spread among the upper classes of Europe. Yet even in the early days, tipping produced feelings of resentment.

In the US, the practice may have started after the Civil War, when the wealthy began to travel to Europe. Just like Thai students 100 years later, they brought back tipping from Europe as a sign of their worldliness.

But unlike Europeans, people in the US did not have a deep-rooted tradition of noblesse oblige, and so opposition to tipping grew. In 1904, the Anti-Tipping Society of America sprang up in Georgia, and its 100,000 members signed pledges not to tip anyone. Meanwhile, in Europe the British government passed a law in 1943 establishing a minimum wage for service staff that helped to do away with their reliance on tips. In 1955, France passed a law requiring restaurants to add a service charge (service compris) to bills, something that has since become the norm in many countries.

—–

WHY A 10% SERVICE CHANGE?

The service charge was probably introduced to Thailand by the hotel industry, according to Thai Restaurant Association president Pavornwan Koonmongkol. At first it was confined to hotels and fine dining establishments, but later spread to more medium-priced restaurants.

Srayuth Ekahitanonda, a founder of the Let’s Sea beachfront restaurant and the boutique hotel Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort, believes it is necessary for service providers to charge customers for good service, as restaurant owners invest time and capital to train staff to develop a “service mind”.

“You [diners] should have to pay a service charge if it is the rule which tells you clearly that the meal is subject to service charge,” Mr Srayuth said.

“But whether the service charge is justified or not is another question. Some places provide you with a very impressive experience, so that you might think paying a 10% service charge is not an issue.”

According to Pornsiri Rojmeta, managing director of the Greyhound restaurant chain, including a service charge in the bill is a way of lifting standards at a restaurant. When she and her friends decided to run a restaurant, they determined that the service must be of international standard. Part of this includes imposing a service charge.

Ms Pornsiri also believes a service charge motivates staff to work harder and give better quality service.

Wan, an ex-office worker, remembers well which restaurants around her office included a 10% service charge on the bill, and it influenced her tipping habits. She tips less in restaurants with a service charge.

“But even so, I always tip. I feel guilty if I don’t,” she said.

Another office worker, Poo, said she doesn’t tip if a 10% service charge shows up on the bill. However, she will make an exception if the service is first class.

In the US, service charges vary from 12% to 20%, with 10% the norm in the UK.

—–

HOW MUCH DO THE STAFF GET?

Sarisa Narupakorn, owner of the Kampoon Isan restaurant at Central World, uses a 70:30 ratio when dividing the service charge among staff. The larger portion goes to the staff, the rest to the restaurant to pay for interior design, maintenance and cover breakages.

“This creates and improves the fine atmosphere for customers, as the restaurant considers it an important part of a good restaurant,” she said.

Greyhound’s Ms Pornsiri gives the staff 75% of the takings while the rest goes to the restaurant’s upkeep.

The waiters at these restaurants earn about 8,000 baht a month, 6,000 baht of which is salary and 2,000 baht their share of the service charge. They also earn extra from tips.

Let’s Sea’s Mr Srayuth has a different policy. He gives all of the service charge to the staff.

“It’s an incentive to staff to maintain high service quality and minimise turnover,” he said.

Mr Srayuth tells of restaurant owners who are dishonest. Some promise job applicants a guaranteed share of the service charge once the restaurant is up and running, but then withhold the payment with the excuse that business is not as profitable as they had hoped.

Ms Sarisa said some restaurants appear to price their food very competitively and include a service charge even though the quality of the restaurant and its service is not up to scratch.

Thai Restaurant Association president Ms Pavornwan said complaints about unfair service charges were getting more vociferous.

She said many restaurants should not be levying a service charge since they do not meet with the required standards.

Ms Pavornwan thinks there should be a national standard for the restaurant industry covering not just service but hygiene as well.

This is not just for the customer’s sake, but so the restaurant operators can compete with foreign-run establishments.

If consumers become more vocal in their complaints, she said, perhaps the Internal Trade Department would place standards governing service charges under the Goods and Service Act.

“No consumers have complained about service charges on the hotline number,” one Internal Trade Department official told Brunch. He said if a restaurant tells the customer there is a service charge then there should not be any reason to complain.

But service charges do remove the element of reward. Tipping good service is a form of recognition, withholding a tip a punishment. The choice rests with the customer.

The Coffee Club’s first Asian retail store is set to open on 12 December 2008 in idyllic Phuket, Thailand. The franchise company sold a 50 per cent share of the business to Thailand’s largest fast-food operator Minor International in a bid to expand overseas to cities such as Dubai, Beijing and Bangkok, where Minor already has a strong presence.

Elephant Trekking :

Trek on elephant back in the hills with panoramic views over Phuket Island. Meet some young elephants and see how they are trained. The elephant camp & trek are on top of the mountain in a superb natural setting. This is without doubt the best elephant trek in Phuket.

Phi Phi Day Trip :

Take a gentle cruise by ferry to one of Thailand’s most beautiful island getaways - the islands of Ko Phi Phi. The limestone islands of Phi Phi are a popular day trip from Phuket and cruising there by ferry provides a more gentle way to soak in the tropical beauty of this picture perfect region of Thailand. Situated down along Thailand is long leg of land stretching down towards Malaysia, just west of the ‘knee’ in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find one of the most idyllic tropical locations on earth - the islands of Ko Phi Phi, more commonly known as Phi Phi. A daytrip to the Phi Phi Islands is an easy and popular tour to take from either Phuket or Krabi.

Phuket Spa :

 

 

Simon Cabaret :

 

 

Diving and Snorkeling :

 

 

Rock Climbing in Krabi :

 

 

Upgrade to a luxury holiday experience with our concierge travel service. We are specialists at providing tailor made luxury holidays that suit your needs and your budget. Choose sophisticated, jet-set accommodation with superb travel options from Business and First Class air travel to private jet and helicopter charter. Or float away on your own private yacht – perfect for family celebrations, corporate events or weddings.

Our concierge travel service can provide tailor made luxury holidays for any holiday you desire, so don’t be afraid to let your aspirations run wild! Phuket hot-spots such as Cape Panwa, Phi Phi, Krabi, and Similans are getting all the more popular. If you like something more unique how about Cruising Burma or India’s Andaman Islands?

Booking your luxury holiday couldn’t be easier. Professional, tailor made service is absolutely key to our relationship. At our concierge travel service we want you to have the best, so once your holiday is booked we’ll then look after your restaurant reservations, book spa treatments and golf tee-off times, organise guided tours, secretarial staff – in fact anything that’s important to you.

Email

sales@12property.com

Street Address
123/29 M.5 T.Cherngtalay
A.Talang, Phuket, Thailand, 83110

Phone Number
(66) 76 326 318
24 Hour Hotline
(66) 80 700 7900

Fax Number
(66) 76 326 319

Office Hours
9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. + 7 hours ICT
Monday through to Saturday including public holidays

brought to you by www.12phuket.com Phuket Specialists

Real estate development is booming in Phuket as foreign investors are acquiring vast areas of land for housing projects. A number of foreign developers are to set up companies with Thai business partners to build housing estates and residential projects on the resort island, which has entered what officials call the ”golden age of real estate development.”

Homestay, a type of lodging offering facilities and lifestyles close to those typical of Thai families, has emerged as a popular choice. Swedish businessmen are the latest group to express strong interest in this kind of project.

”Foreigners highly admire the scenery and weather here,” said Phuket governor Niran Kalayanamitr after talks with the Swedish firms.

He said the investors saw an opportunity for homestay development to serve Swedish travellers.

A number of new homestay facilities have sprung up in Ban Layan and Ban Naitorn in Thalang district as well as other areas around the island.

Other investors have also asked the province for approval for different real estate projects.

A group of Norwegian businessmen suggested a Phuket bay development project, with technology friendly to the marine environment. Investors from the Middle East have expressed interest in developing logistics for a free trade zone near the deep-sea port.

The increasing demand has boosted land prices in the resort provinces. Phuket land official Tanet Niyom said certain seaside areas, especially those near famous Patong beach, sell for up to 50 million baht a rai.

Prices are cheaper in Muang district, but they are still around eight million baht a rai.

The value of land trading between 2006 and 2007 stood at 1.5 billion baht, according to the Phuket land office, but officials expect the value to go up to nearly five billion baht this year.

The rapid expansion of real estate development indicates that more foreigners want to stay for a longer period.

Officials are currently surveying the exact number of foreign residents, including those who do not properly report to the immigration office.

Foreign residents can be categorised into three groups _ those who want to live here permanently, those who are working here, and those who want to live here for longer periods than their visas specify, according to Sompot Nipakanon, assistant director of the Bangkok Phuket hospital.

He said foreigners also appreciated medical services in the island resort. Bangkok Phuket hospital currently serves up to 200,000 people a year, 30% of which are foreigners.

Mr Niran said it was time to turn Phuket into a special economic zone so that local officials would have more budget to further develop all infrastructures, which currently do not match the increasing demand.

He also noted the limit of the governor’s power in budget disbursement, as Phuket is not yet a special administrative entity.

Designed by the visionary behind some of Asia’s most imaginative resorts, Bensley Design Studios has created an experience as rare as an indigo pearl.

Indigo Pearl - where contemporary style and modern distinction meet. Historic detail fuses with chic design elegance to create an inspired setting for a beach resort getaway or ultimate corporate event.

Come see, touch and feel the Indigo Pearl resort experience. Encounter Phuket’s collective imagination in the inspired rooms, spa and dining venues. Imaginative design gives way to intriguing details to create a first class luxury Thailand resort with everything you need for the perfect vacation or business meeting.

Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, Indigo Pearl’s architecture and décor evokes a Thai factory of a century ago. The landscaping overflows with surprises: the postmodern transformation of a mature plantation spiced with modern sculpture and found industrial art. Simply awe-inspiring, creating a unique setting for a special event or a fantastic holiday.

The Rooms
Exquisite rooms, villas, pool pavilions and suites all embody the Indigo Pearl tropical resort experience. Surreal design is underscored by deluxe comfort. Each accommodation choice at Indigo Pearl harbours its own welcome surprises.

The Dining Venues
Tapas. Thai. Grill. Cocktails. Café. Fine dining. Like mother-of-pearl shifting in the light, every corner of the hotel offers a shimmering encounter with culinary adventure. Romance, celebrate or talk business in one of Thailand’s unparalleled design settings.

The Facilities
Land or Sea. Relaxation or Adrenaline. Spa. Sports. Scuba Diving. Cooking. Creating. Exploring. Swimming. Shopping. Beachcombing. Golfing. Child’s play. Indigo Pearl resort is where the imaginative, playful atmosphere extends from the dramatic architecture itself to the leisure facilities located within, allowing you to sculpt your own shining holiday or business event to personal inclination. Indigo Pearl specializes in helping with corporate event planning staffs to create the best convention or business meeting experience.

LOCATION
Set along Nai Yang Beach on Phuket’s northwest shore lies Indigo Pearl, one of Thailand’s most beautiful resorts. A truly hidden sanctuary just moments from the expanse of the Andaman Sea, this designer resort is adjacent to Sirinath National Park and only 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

Guests may spend their days indulging in the treasures of the resort or venturing out for the riches of Phuket. Offshore islands and maritime playgrounds further expand the natural offerings of one of the world’s most spectacular destination resorts.

Located in one of the most peaceful areas on the island, Nai Yang Beach retains a natural and pure ambience. Guests seeking an afternoon of shopping or an evening of lively entertainment and in-town fun can find them no more than 30 minutes away.

With Asia’s best golf courses and country clubs close by, guests have convenient access to Blue Canyon Country Club (10 minutes), Mission Hills (10 minutes), and Laguna Phuket Golf Club (15 minutes).

Reservations Department
E-mail reservations@indigo-pearl.com

Sales & Marketing Department
David Ippersiel
Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Sales and Marketing
E-mail david@indigo-pearl.com

Administration Department
Arnaud Girodon
General Manager
E-mail arnaud@indigo-pearl.com

Press & Media enquiries
Raewyn du Toit
Director of PR and Marketing
E-mail raewyn@indigo-pearl.com

Jittranuch Ketsrirak
Assistant PR Manager
E-mail jittranuch@indigo-pearl.com

MICE enquiries
Satwadee Phongsa-at
Asst. Events Services Manager
E-mail satwadee@indigo-pearl.com

Food & Beverage Department
Stephane Massarini
Food & Beverage Manager
E-mail stephane@indigo-pearl.com

Spa Department
Nittaya Lokesh
Spa Manager
E-mail nittaya@indigo-pearl.com

Human Resources Department
Samran Chaisonsarayuth
Director of Human Resources
E-mail samran@indigo-pearl.com

Guest Relations Officer
E-mail guestrelations@indigo-pearl.com

Roxanne de Guzman
Yoga Consultant/Trainer
E-mail roxanne@asiapacificleisure.com

Darren Mark Ferre
Tennis Coach
E-mail darrenferre@hotmail.com

Indigo Pearl
Nai Yang Beach and National Park
Phuket 83110, Thailand
Tel +66 (0)76 327 006, (0) 76 327 015
Fax +66 (0)76 327 338-9
E-mail info@indigo-pearl.com

Bangkok Office
64/21 Sukhumvit Soi 20
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel +66 (0)2 260 1022-6
Fax +66 (0)2 260 1027
E-mail bkkoffice@indigo-pearl.com

Our Villas in Kamala on Phuket Island is a Holiday Villa delight 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villa options. Consisting of 16 luxury “pool villas”, nestled in a lush and tropical landscape in front of the beautiful Kamala mountains, just a few minutes from the beach. Our villa property offers luxury & privacy at affordable rates. rhe Resort epresents the true essence of Phuket and is equipped with everything you need to ensure your Phuket vacation in your own private villa is unforgettable. The  Resort offers two, three or four-bedroom villas, fully furnished with a large private swimming pool & terraces. Our Resort is fully serviced by a team of staff and offers a wide range of facilities, providing a fantastic opportunity to enjoy your trip to the paradise island of Phuket with all the comforts of a magnificent new villa resort. With living space built on one level, indoor & outdoor dining, guaranteed privacy and a host of unique services, The Resort truly caters to all your needs. You may entertain your family or a group of friends with a Pool Party, a sumptuous BBQ, or a private massage in the sala, to name but a few of the features on offer exclusively at The Bell. Open for rent from 01 Nov. ‘08 Breakfast served on your pool deck Exclusive dining: - Exclusive Michelin Star quality fine dining - International & Thai food - Barbeque for rent Tour/travel desk We offer luxury private villas with swimming pool are located in a truly peaceful location in Kamala on Phuket Island . The Bell offers vacation villas at reasonable rates and guarantees the ultimate in privacy. Our Villas in Phuket offer spacious villas for rent that will easily accommodate 4, 6 or 8 people in one villa with own pool and provide all the facilities of a hotel at far lower rates. Villa rental will allow you to relax and unwind in your own personal space. All furniture, fixtures and fittings have been designed exclusively for the villa’s by our own private interior and lighting designer. The exterior design of ‘The Bell’ has been carefully chosen to accentuate the beauty of each luxury villa. Lush, tropical gardens, beautiful Infinity pool and warm, romantic lighting create a true feeling of paradise. Our Villas are ideal for your Phuket Vacations. At the resort in Phuket your own space and comfort would not be an issue making your holiday more enjoyable. All villas have a private pool, which can make your vacation even more enjoyable. Phuket can become a real home from home. ‘Phuket offers the option to dine out on your own private pool-deck with some of the finest cuisine on the island prepared specially for you by two of Europe’s finest chefs. Hailing from Belgium, award winning chefs Marc De schrijver and Corry Ringoet present the highest quality in French cuisine. Offering the quality of food associated with Michelin Star restaurants their menu prepared exclusively for ‘The Bell’ on Phuket Island is simply divine and a must for all food lovers. What better way to enjoy their culinary excellence than relaxing by your own private pool with a glass of wine. Street Address 123/29 M.5 T.Cherngtalay A.Talang, Phuket, Thailand, 83110 Phone Number (66) 76 326 318 24 Hour Hotline (66) 80 700 7900 Fax Number (66) 76 326 319 Office Hours 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. + 7 hours ICT Monday through to Saturday including public holidays www.phuketpropertygroup.com

Six Senses’ Hub, Bangkok, November 06, 2008: At the award-winning Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket in Thailand, preventative wellness is a fundamental component that is built into every guest’s personalised multi-day programme or Life Passage.

Elevating this to the next level, Six Senses Destination Spas created The Wellness Wheel to provide a complete wellness solution that assists with holistic integration and guiding guests towards a lifestyle of sustainable health, wellness, happiness and personal growth.

 

The Wellness Wheel introduces twelve key dimensions of wellness that influence and respond to one another in an ongoing process. The coaching programme supporting The Wellness Wheel allows guests to understand how to make specific aspects of wellness active in every life choice, activity and belief. The programme starts during the stay at the Six Senses Destination Spa and continues long after the guest leaves by providing feedback, insights, and guidance on the guest’s lifestyle.

 

The Coaching Programme

 

The web-based coaching programme was developed in cooperation with a US-based company, and includes assessment, guidance and follow-up support. Starting with an in-depth online questionnaire based on twelve key dimensions, guests record their answers to a number of statements relating to their well-being. Guests then judge and record their level of satisfaction about their responses.

 

The twelve key dimensions comprise of Self-Responsibility and Love, Breathing, Sensing, Eating, Moving, Feeling, Thinking, Playing and Working, Communicating, Intimacy, Finding Meaning, and Transcending.

 

Upon completion of the questionnaire, guests receive 1) a Wellness Score, 2) a Satisfaction Score, and 3) an Areas-of-Strength Analysis.

 

Holistic consultants then guide guests on how the different dimensions influence each other, and how to re-balance areas that are weak, how to promote areas of dissatisfaction, and possibly how to predispose areas relating to disease. Following the analysis, guests create an action plan with specific objectives and initiatives to provide a practical gateway for change and growth.

 

After departure from the resort, guests log into their newly created personal webpage where they have access to resources relating to wellness including relevant health advice matching their personal plan and a self-study area providing an opportunity to further explore each dimension. Additionally, an online journal function is available where The Wellness Wheel directs email reminders to guests to inspire and encourage them toward completing their action plans.

The personal action plan can be re-evaluated and re-aligned at any time depending on the individual’s stage of transformation. Whilst at the resort, guests have access to certified wellness coaches; six months after the original assessment, guests have the option of taking another test to review their level of wellness to ascertain if they may benefit from further adjustments in their lives.

For further information contact 076-326-318 or email 7@12buzz.com

Mr. Edwardo Iswandi has joined the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket as Director of Sales &  Marketing.

Edwardo has an extensive sales and marketing background that started in 1994 at the Grand Hyatt Bali. Prior to joining Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, he held several prominent positions in sales and marketing at many five-star properties including the Hyatt Group in Indonesia as well as Thailand, and the Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort, Indonesia.

Edwardo’s most recent position was the Director of Sales & Marketing of the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Thailand.

Born in Indonesia, Edwardo obtained a degree in Tourism Planning & Marketing from BPLP BANDUNG, formerly known as National Hotel Institute, Indonesia.