Dusit Hotels and Resorts is linking with Generator and Freehand Hotels, as the pair look to support one another with international expansion.
With one partner based in largely Western markets, and the other firmly established in Asia Pacific, the aim is that each will use their existing networks to help the other grow.
Building from an Asian base
Dusit, part of a Thai conglomerate, has already built a successful network of hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific. Generator and Freehand has grown its portfolio in Europe and the USA, based around a hostel format with flexible accommodation in Generator, aimed squarely at the younger traveller. Freehand is a more lifestyle oriented hotel brand.
For its part, the Generator and Freehand team will look to introduce Dusit into key European destinations where it already has a presence, in cities such as London, Paris, and Rome. And, in the US, it will target opportunities in destinations such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York.
“It’s a real win-win situation for both companies,” said Siradej Donavanik, VP of global development for Dusit International. “It broadens our development horizons without compromising our existing brand portfolios, allowing us to capitalise on prospects that might not align with our current brand offerings.”
And Alastair Thomann, CEO of Generator and Freehand, added: “Dusit’s unique blend of tradition and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for delivering culturally rich experiences for inspired travellers worldwide.”
Dusit has a strong pipeline of new projects. Upcoming openings include the 80 room DusitD2 Fagu, in Shimla, India, due to launch in late 2024, around the same time as DusitD2 Feydhoo in the Maldives will open. And in Bahrain, a further property is nearing its opening phase, the 195 room DusitD2 City Centre, Bahrain.
India remains a strong focus for growth, and Dusit is developing several properties in India’s Karnataka region. These include Dusit Princess Resort Bagepalli, and the Dusit Princess Coorg Hotel and residences, set within the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Expansion in China
In China, the group has pipeline properties including Dusit Princess Suites Hotel, Ganzhou and the 200 room Dusit Thani Jing An Shanghai. The Devarana brand is also growing, with a wellness resort in Hangzhou due to open in mid 2025, and a 150 room hot springs resort in planning in Tengchong.
At Generator, the group currently has 12 European hostels, and five US properties, including Freehand hotels in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and New York. 2024 saw the group launch its new Berlin Alexanderplatz hostel, and reintroduce the Paramount in New York to that market with a format that embraces a range of hybrid accommodation offerings. These properties run under a management contract, a format that Thomann is keen to grow.
