Thai hospitality group Dusit International has struck a deal to open its first hotel in India – and outlined its vision to add several more properties across the country in the next few months as part of an ambitious expansion strategy.
Starting with Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata, the Bangkok-headquartered company behind more than 300 properties worldwide is exploring further opportunities for its brands in key locations across India. We find out more.
India earmarked as a key growth opportunity
One of Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, Dusit International is now setting plans in motion for a quality-focused expansion, with the aim of opening at least two new Dusit-branded hotels per year from 2021 onwards in Tier I and Tier II cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as leisure destinations throughout India. In addition to the signing of Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata under a franchise agreement with the Kolkata-based Jain Group, the company reported that it’s on course to conclude another four signings within the coming year.
With each property brought into its portfolio, the group follows a strategy of helping owners maximise the value of their assets. Among the planned expansion are palace conversions where the local customs and traditions will be combined with its distinctive brand of Thai-inspired hospitality to create luxury hotel experiences that provide value to the wider community.
Already well-known in India, and counting the country among the top source markets for Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, the group is well-positioned to grow its presence here. The parallels between Indian and Thai culture and traditions give the business confidence in its appeal to Indian guests and hotel owners. With the rapid growth of India’s middle class, which is expected to reach 583 million people by 2025, the group sees great potential for upscale and midscale brands in this market.
“While Covid19 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 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 our stakeholders.”
Making a mark in Kolkata
Currently slated for debut in Q2 2022, Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata will occupy a prime location near Eco Park as a part of Jain Group’s high-end residential project Dream One. This site is just five minutes by car from the city centre and airport and only a minute from Kalakshetra Metro Station.
Providing an ideal base for business and leisure travellers seeking extended stays, the new property will consist of 42 three-bedroom units, a swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a fitness and wellness centre. Event space will also be available for small and midscale events.
“In the new normal following Covid19, Indian travellers will be increasingly seeking brands they can trust to deliver the high levels of safety, comfort and convenience they deserve,” said Shrayans Jain, vice president of the Jain Group. “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 currently has more than 300 properties operating under six brands across 13 countries. The company is represented in India by Delhi-based Deepika Arora who is part of the core team behind its expansion across South Asia and Africa.
Founded in 1948, Bangkok-headquartered hospitality group Dusit International is able to draw on decades of experience in the hotel sector.
