Asian hospitality group Dusit International named 2013 as its “Year of Expansion”, with a focus on the Middle East, during ITB Berlin taking place in Germany from March 6-10.
Dusit International has seven properties scheduled to open over the next 12 months and a further 16 projects in the development pipeline.
Recent signings include its first sub-Saharan African property DusitD2 Nairobi; a joint venture agreement in China which will see a minimum of 10 properties developed over the next five years, and domestically, the signing of a dusitD2 hotel in Khao Yai, scheduled to open in Q4, 2014.
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Also set to open this year is the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi in Q2, 2013, in addition to upcoming projects in Dubai, Doha and Jeddah, represent the company’s intention to strengthen its presence in the Middle East region where it has been operating for more than 11 years.
“This is an important year for the company's future. Five years from now, Dusit will own and manage more than 50 hotels in popular destinations across three or four continents, and our brand recognition will grow and be stronger as well," commented MD and CEO Chanin Donavanik.
Key appointments have also been made in line with the group's anticipated growth, including Giovanni Angelini, formerly the CEO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. He joined Dusit International as vice chairman and has been instrumental in orchestrating the joint venture agreement in China.
David Shackleton was brought onboard as COO in Q2, 2012, bringing more than three decades' experience to the role.
Meanwhile, group director of development Rustom Vickers is focused on sourcing new management joint venture and acquisition opportunities internationally.
"I believe Thais are naturally very strong in the hospitality business, and our aim is to be able to export this by continuing to launch quality hotels under the Dusit brand,” added Donavanik.
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