Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will showcase an array of new destinations and an innovative sustainability initiative, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, to be held from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

 

Its showcase will also include the much-anticipated September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, and its first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma'ah, Riyadh.

 

Led by Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world.

 

This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company's founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today.

 

Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens.

 

The spotlight will shine on last year's international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.

 

Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit's domestic property count to 18.

 

Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to 10 new Dusit Hotels and Resorts across existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Slated for a Q4 2024 opening, the 150-key Dusit Princess Al Majma'ah, Riyadh, is poised to become a key player in Riyadh's hospitality scene, marking its arrival as the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma-ah. 

 

Other highlights being showcased include dusitD2 Feydhoo, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a private Maldives island only five minutes by speedboat from Male airport (slated to open in Q4); Osaka Kansai Airport Hotel, the company’s third hotel in Japan (Q3); and the highly anticipated return of the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, which will reopen on September 27, 2024

 

Dusit’s team at ATM will also shed light on Dusit’s innovative group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life. Launched in 2023, this comprehensive programme aligns with the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and incorporates a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. 

 

It is designed to ensure that each Dusit property operates as sustainably as possible, with measurable key performance indicators to drive effective implementation.

 

“At Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences while fostering a positive impact on the world around us,” said COO Cretallaz. 

 

“Through our innovative offerings, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and commitment to Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we aim to redefine travel for discerning guests globally. We are excited to share our vision with the industry at ATM 2024 and look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.” – TradeArabia News Service

 

Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority, has announced the awarding of a contract for the construction of five new community neighbourhood councils in the areas of Nad Al Sheba II, Al Awir II, Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, and Hatta.

 

This project supports the goals of the ‘Year of Community’, declared for 2025, which aims to strengthen family and societal bonds, and is aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to enhance the well-being of Emirati families, reinforce national identity and values, and ensure a cohesive and inclusive social environment.

 

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, affirmed that neighbourhood councils serve as living examples of social cohesion in Dubai.

 

"These spaces bring community members together in environments that support dialogue, preserve heritage, and reflect the UAE’s cultural identity," she stated.

 

"As part of our role in supervising neighbourhood councils, we are committed to evolving these facilities in line with the needs of residents, ensuring they contribute to national identity and foster meaningful engagement through a variety of activities and events," observed Hessa. 

 

She said establishing new councils represents a pivotal step in enhancing social services across residential areas. 

 

"This expansion supports the leadership’s vision of building a more connected and empowered society. These projects respond to population growth and urban development while ensuring that high-quality services reach every neighbourhood, in accordance with the highest standards," she added.

 

The five councils will follow a unified architectural design reflecting modern aesthetics while respecting Emirati heritage. 

 

The Hatta council will be adapted to suit the area’s unique heritage and urban standards, ensuring that it complements the natural and historical environment of the region.

 

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said these councils are essential to keeping pace with the evolving needs of citizens and providing facilities that ensure a decent, happy, and stable life for all.

 

"They offer spaces that strengthen community cohesion, encourage younger generations to uphold Emirati traditions, and create inclusive platforms for dialogue, consultation, and engagement," he noted.

 

Each council will cover approximately 1,256 sq m, within a total development area of 6,280 sq m and will include a divisible multi-use hall, a majlis for daily use, separate prayer halls for men and women, a reception area, staff offices, storage spaces, preparatory kitchens, and toilet facilities.

 

According to him, construction of the Al Barsha South I, Al Warqa II, Nad Al Sheba II, and Al Awir II councils is expected to be completed by Q4, while Hatta’s council is set for handover in Q2 2026.-TradeArabia News Service

Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is set to boost its presence in India by launching new luxury and upper midscale brands in key regions including Bhiwadi, Raipur, Lonavala, Kasol, Kolkata, Manali, and Karnataka. 

 

In addition to exploring opportunities in India's Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.

 

With rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity reshaping India's hospitality landscape, Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide.

 

In addition to exploring opportunities in India's Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. 

 

This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit's recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December 2024, and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (set to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.

 

With a diverse brand portfolio spanning the ultra-luxury Devarana – Dusit Retreats to upper midscale and midscale brands such as Dusit Princess and ASAI Hotels, Dusit plans to tap underserved locations where it can leverage its expertise in delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to meet the needs of today's business and leisure travellers.

 

Prioritising quality over quantity, the company is thoughtfully selecting locations that align with its ethos of premium, experience-driven hospitality – offering a distinctive blend of holistic wellness, contemporary design, and exceptional service.

 

As part of this vision, Dusit is preparing to launch six additional hotels across the country. The upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand will debut in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and Lonavala (120 keys). 

 

Meanwhile, two boutique luxury properties under the recently introduced Dusit Collection brand – in Kasol and Manali (each with 40 rooms) – will offer refined escapes in the Himalayan foothills.

 

"India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit – across major metros and particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand," said Siradej Donavanik, the Vice President – Development (Global), Dusit International. 

 

"The country's tourism industry is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for high-quality, experience-driven stays. By blending our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with wellness-led experiences and destination-driven properties, we aim to create exceptional stays that resonate deeply with Indian travellers," he stated.

 

"Through strategic partnerships with visionary local developers, we are committed to shaping India's premium hospitality landscape for the long term," he added.-TradeArabia News Service