Laguna Phuket leaps to spin layoffs reports

[webfact]

Laguna Phuket leaps to spin layoffs reports
Alasdair Forbes


Destination Marketing chief Debbie Dionysius. Photo: Angus Adams

PHUKET: Laguna Phuket this morning rushed to address reports that one of the company’s – and the island’s – best known figures, Destination Marketing chief Debbie Dionysius, is leaving the company, and that she is just one of many.

Unofficial reports say that as many as 300 staff – about 10 per cent of the Laguna Phuket total – are leaving.

In its press release this morning, Laguna said, “Like most companies, Laguna Resorts & Hotels periodically conducts comprehensive reviews of its operations and when the need arises, implements necessary measures to realign its business goals and objectives.

“These exercises allow the company to adapt to the constantly changing dynamics in the Phuket tourism industry.

“As a result of such a review, Laguna Phuket Golf Club will soon undergo a major renovation of the entire 18-hole golf course in phases and consequently some staff members have taken the opportunity to participate in the company’s attractive early retirement programme.”

The statement stresses that the Laguna Wedding Chapel, Quest and Laguna Tours remain unchanged and that events such as the annual triathlon and marathon, in which Ms Dionysius has played a crucial role, “will continue to be annual activities of Laguna Phuket”.

Close to the end of the statement, it alludes vaguely to Ms Dionysius’ department, which has been crucial in marketing not only Laguna as a destination but also, by extension, Phuket.

“Destination Marketing will continue to perform its normal functions with a more streamlined operational structure and strategies,” the statement reads.

The statement came after the publication of a story by Bill Barnett of consultancy C9 Hotelworks, on his thephuketinsider.com blog, which commented on the departure of Ms Dionysius.

In it, he wrote, “It would be unfair to say Laguna has turned its back on Phuket, but more realistic to say they have turned in an opposite direction, reacting to the rise of mass tourism and the changing face of the east.”

He concluded, “Viewing the longer term horizon, the diminishment of Laguna Phuket’s destination marketing mandate is not only their loss, but that of the entire island.”

The story has since been taken down from the blog.

Senior management of the company have declined to make any further comment, referring all enquirers to the official press release. Ms Dionysius also could not be reached for comment.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/laguna-phuket-leaps-to-spin-layoffs-reports-41112.php


-- Phuket News 2013-07-31

[CrisRMenumate]

Reads: now that Phuket is filled with Chinese and Russians who couldn't give a toss about the destination, events etc, they don't need to spend money on marketing Phuket anymore... they have bodies to fill beds and they can cut down on all the unnecessary stuff like service, staff etc. or.. maybe I am misreading the situation?

[laurentbkk]

Could be nice to have the official version of this lady .....

[hellodolly]

I have no facts what so ever.

Just an observation.

"Unofficial reports say that as many as 300 staff"

Just four days after the DSI started looking into illegal business in Phuket.