After successfully exporting their spa mantra to Europe, in the form of the Devarana Spa (their first outside Asia), Thailand’s leading hospitality chain Dusit Thani has set its sights on India.
In a joint venture with India’s Bird Group subsidiary, Bird Hospitality Services (BHS), Dusit plans to open five hotels and resorts under a new Dusit Devarana sub-brand, with the first one scheduled to open in New Delhi in May next year, and one each in Jaipur, Rishikesh and Goa by 2013.
According to Dusit, the New Delhi project will be its first luxury offering under the group’s fifth sub-brand, and will comprise 78 rooms.
“India has always been a key market for us, and we are confident that our new hotels and resorts opening in India will quickly establish itself as one of the leading hotels in the city,” said Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International.
Another property in New Delhi that will carry the DusitD2 brand (the first Dusit D2 hotel outside of Thailand) is also in the works.
Dusit is confident it can combine the best of Thai hospitality with Indian touches, a view shared by its Indian partners.
“Every aspect of the Bird-Dusit properties is expected to set a new benchmark for the Indian hotel industry,” said Ankur Bhatia, executive director of the Bird group.
Gamarra added: “2010 will be a milestone for Dusit International with the opening of the two Indian properties, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Samui, and even more soon to be announced. The future has never been brighter.”
