Dubai, 13 February 2019: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is marking the start of 2019 with a strategy to expand in the GCC market. The plan includes opening six new hotels across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other GCC countries, in a step counted as a first of its kind for the group’s growth in this region.
Known globally for its distinctive brand of gracious hospitality inspired by authentic Thai values, Bangkok-based Dusit International opened its first hotel in the Middle East more than 15 years ago, in Dubai. Today, the company operates five hotels across the region, including three in the UAE – namely Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, and dusitD2 Kenz Dubai. According to its plans, Dusit will have nine hotels in operation in the GCC by the end of the year.
“The GCC is one of the most increasingly important markets for our portfolio, and we are delighted to introduce our unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality in new destinations in this market,” said Prateek Kumar, Regional Vice President – EMEA region. “Our planned expansion is in line with Dusit’s three-pronged strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, which includes balance, expansion and diversification. We aim to have more than 14,000 keys in operation across more than 20 countries by 2021, and our planned expansion in the GCC is a step forward to achieving this goal.”
Among the Dusit hotels slated to open in the GCC this year are: Dusit Resort and Spa Lagoona Beach, Budaiya, Bahrain; and dusitD2 City Centre Bahrain.
In addition to its expansion in the GCC market, Dusit International also plans to open five new hotels in the Philippines, one in Singapore, and two in China before the end of 2019. Several other projects are being developed across the globe.
Dusit International’s core brands include Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Princess Hotels and Resorts, dusitD2 Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments, and Devarana Hotels and Resorts. ASAI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand aimed at millennial-minded travellers, is set to open its first property early next year.