Thailand-based Dusit International, one of Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced its expansion into India with a plan to open at least two Dusit-branded hotels per year from 2021 onwards in Tier I and Tier II cities – such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore – as well as key leisure destinations throughout the country.
Alongside the signing of Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata, under a franchise agreement with the Jain Group, a leading Real Estate, Hospitality and Finance organisation based in Kolkata, Dusit is already in talks with other potential owners and is on course to conclude at least four more signings within the next 12 months.
Following a strategy to focus on quality hotel products that help owners maximise the value of their assets, Dusit’s planned expansion includes exquisite palace conversions where the company aims to uniquely combine its distinctive brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with local customs and traditions to create luxury hotel experiences that deliver sustainable value for the wider community.
Dusit is already well-known in India for its rich hospitality heritage, and India is one of the top seven source markets for Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
As an Asian brand with more than 70 years of experience managing hotels and resorts throughout the region, and with a comprehensive guest loyalty programme that enriches every visit, Dusit’s service offering is well suited to the needs of discerning Indian travellers.
India and Thailand share many similarities in terms of culture and traditions, and Dusit believes this not only makes its brands a popular choice for Indian guests and customers, but also an attractive proposition for Indian hotel owners seeking to work with a company that truly understands their needs while linking them with a large pool of engaged customers.
With India’s fast-growing middle class expected to reach 583 million people – or 41% of India’s projected population – by 2025, Dusit also sees huge potential for its upscale and midscale brands in this burgeoning market.
“While COVID-19 has brought immense challenges for tourism and hospitality worldwide, we remain confident that our resilient industry can and will bounce back, and we expect India to be a key player in international and domestic tourism in the brighter days ahead,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “We are delighted and honoured that the Jain Group has selected our Dusit Princess brand for their property in Kolkata, and we now look forward to bringing more quality products to the market to generate long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Slated to open in Q2 2022 as part of Jain Group’s high-end residential development project, Dream One, Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata will occupy a prime location near the green expanse of Eco Park, only five minutes by car from both the city centre and the airport, and just one minute from Kalakshetra Metro Station.
Comprising 42 three-bedroom units, the new property will provide an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers seeking extended stays. A swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a fitness and wellness centre will be among the recreational facilities. Banqueting and meeting facilities will also be available for small and midscale events.
Mr Shrayans Jain, Vice President, Jain Group, said, “In the new normal following COVID-19, Indian travellers will be increasingly seeking brands they can trust to deliver the high levels of safety, comfort and convenience they deserve. Dusit has more than seven decades of experience delivering exceptional guest and customer experiences in key destinations worldwide, and the company already has a strong reputation in India for the quality of its offerings. Our companies’ shared values to deliver quality in all aspects will ensure Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata is perfectly placed to exceed guest and customer expectations, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with Dusit.”
Dusit International’s property portfolio now comprises more than 300 properties operating under six brands across 13 countries. The company also has a strong background in hospitality education, operating internationally-accredited hospitality colleges in Thailand and the Philippines, as well as Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School in Bangkok, Thailand, in partnership with the renowned Paris-based institute.
Wellness is another area in which Dusit has rich experience. The company’s award-winning Devarana Spa concept delivers a wide range of holistic therapies, adding even greater value to Dusit’s luxury and upper-upscale stay experiences.
The company is represented in India by Ms Deepika Arora, who is part of the core team responsible for Dusit’s market growth and expansion in South Asia and Africa. She is based at Dusit’s offices in Delhi.
