Dusit International, a Thailand-based leader in the hospitality field, has opened Dusit Princess City Centre in Dubai, the first Dusit Princess hotel to open outside Thailand.

The opening of Dusit Princess City Centre, located near Deira City Centre, coincides with encouraging travel and tourism prospects brought about by the UAE's top ranking in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 and the country's positive long-term growth forecast of up to 2.8 per cent within the next 10 years.

The four-star hotel has 120 rooms and suites along with exclusive meeting rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality café, a gymnasium, a swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a juice bar.

Developed to be an attractive choice for both budget-conscious business and leisure guests, Dusit Princess City Centre, Dubai is five minutes away from Dubai International Airport, Dubai Airport Expo Centre and the Ernie Els-designed Dubai Creek golf course.

'The UAE is a strategically important market for Dusit as the country remains the leader in travel and tourism across the Middle East,” said Chanin Donavanik, chief executive officer, Dusit International.

“The success of our new venture in the UAE will help set the tone for the rest of our projects in the region and provide the impetus to pursue new growth opportunities in other markets,” he added.

“Furthermore, our distinct, world-renowned brand of Thai hospitality has captivated thousands of tourists and travellers from the Middle East, particularly the UAE. The opening of Dusit Princess City Centre, Dubai is an exciting opportunity for us to bring Dusit's legendary brand and unique Thai hospitality right in the heart of Dubai.'

The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009, which covered 133 countries, ranked the UAE as the number one travel and tourism destination in the Middle East and Africa, moving up seven places from the previous report, while securing the 33rd spot in the world.

The UAE likewise ranked first among all 133 countries in destination-marketing campaigns, third in government prioritising the sector, and fourth in air transport infrastructure.

'The launch of the new Dusit hotel is in line with Dubai's growing reputation as a dynamic metropolitan society that embraces a spectrum of cultures and nationalities. Dusit Princess City Centre, Dubai likewise complements efforts to further diversify and enrich the value-added offerings of the emirate's hospitality sector, in accordance with the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015,' added Donavanik.

In addition to the Dusit Princess City Centre Dubai, Dusit International is also poised to launch Dusit Abu Dhabi in 2011, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service