Dusit overseas plots international expansion

Next year will be a busy year for Dusit International as it plots its international growth path and consolidates its position at home in Thailand.

Speaking to Travel Daily, Jiri Kobos, the Thailand-based hotel company’s Vice President of Operations said; “We are seeking expansion of our different brands in key strategic locations, from primary to secondary, as we expand our base outside of Thailand to take advantage global growth overall.”

The group will focus its international growth in India. Commenting on the market, Kobos said; “India’s size welcomes a multitude of brands, so we are entering with Dusit Devarana, dusitD2 and Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts”.

Its first dusitD2 property is set to open in New Delhi early next year. A second hotel will follow shortly before entering into new areas including Goa and Rishikesh. Dusit is partnering with the Bird Group to help guide its market entry.

The dusitD2 brand is also leading the group’s entry into the US market, with a property opening in Pasadena, California, expected soon. Asked why duistD2 was the right choice for the US market, Kobos said; “The US is a multicultural, progressive, mature market and dusitD2 is a good introduction into that particular scenario and market mix.”

The company is also in talks over property openings in New York, San Francisco and Chicago, but Kobos insists they want to focus on locations closer to home.

In Thailand, there are plans to refurbish properties throughout 2012 and Kobos says this strategy “will be the main focus for the next 12 months and thereafter”. Staring with the Dusit Thani Bangkok, hotels in Pattaya and Phuket are all in line for improvement works and updates.