Dusit International gears up for expansion

Luxury hotel group Dusit International intends to expand its portfolio in gateway cities, including properties in Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Bahrain.

The company is focusing on developing upscale, four- and five-star properties in major tourist destinations, as well as emerging secondary cities in key countries, such as China and India. It is also considering taking on properties that provide strong strategic benefit to the global awareness and recognition of Dusit, including in Europe and the USA.

“Since the company’s inception in 1949, our mission has always been to make Dusit one of the world’s most valued hospitality brands, in terms of preference and loyalty,” said CEO of Dusit International Chanin Donavanik.

“We strive to deliver to the world an exceptional hospitality experience that reflects the unique artistry and culture of Thailand. Our primary focus is the development and expansion of Dusit brands into the international arenas as well as the enhancement of our existing hotels’ performance.”

While Dusit Thani remains the company’s flagship brand, the company said significant efforts were being invested in strengthening support from Dusit International’s dusitD2, Dusit Princess and Dusit Deverana brands.

The group will also be opening its first hotel in India later this year, Dusit Devarana New Delhi. After Dusit Devarana New Delhi in 2012, will be dusitD2 New Delhi in 2013, as well as Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2012.

The company has steadily diversified from owning and operating properties to providing technical consultancy services, pre-opening support and hotel management services, according to director of development Rustom Vickers.

“Over the years, Dusit International has established a presence in several regions, including business development offices in Hong Kong, Germany, Dubai, India and, most recently, China,” he asserted.

“However, in contrast to the size and number of hotels represented by other global brands, Dusit International is characterised as an accomplished niche player and we think this makes us a highly desirable alternative to the more ubiquitous or generic offerings in the market.”

Vickers said that from this base, the primary focus was on the development and expansion of Dusit brands into the international arenas, as well as the enhancement of its existing hotels’ performance.