Dusit retains strategy for hotel openings this year

An artist’s impression of Dusit Central Park, the mixed-use joint venture project by Dusit Thani and Central Pattana.

SET-listed Dusit International is maintaining its plan for hotel openings this year, focusing on an asset-light model and preparing a comprehensive strategy for long-term success.

Suphajee Suthumpun, group chief executive of Dusit International, said the company remains on track to open new hotels in both Thailand and overseas, including China, the Philippines, India, the Middle East and Greece.

The centrepiece is the Dusit Thani Bangkok, which is part of Dusit Central Park, the mixed-use joint venture project by Dusit Thani and Central Pattana.

Mrs Suphajee said most of the pipeline hotels are under management contracts, which will help balance its portfolio from both owned investment and asset-light properties.

Dusit Thani manages 47 hotels and 276 villas in 16 countries, with a total of 12,032 rooms.

Of those, there are nine properties that the company is invested in, such as the ongoing construction projects of Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and Dusit Thani Maldives.

In addition, the company will continue to sign hotel management agreements and franchise deals, as well as find hotel acquisition opportunities.

Mrs Suphajee said the domestic market, like independent travellers or the Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) segment, in every destination will be the main focus for its business as it helps to compensate for the missing Chinese market.

She said properties in the Maldives and the Middle East have seen a growing recovery and have created a strong momentum for 2022.

Dusit Thani will focus on customer journeys, product offerings and daily operations to ensure efficiency.

“Throughout 2022, we aim to leverage our streamlined operations and new centralised digital solutions to identify new business opportunities,” Mrs Suphajee said.

All hotels use data to enhance customer experiences and generate value for stakeholders.

Mrs Suphajee said the group will deliver not only short-term financial improvement, but also longer-term value creation.

The company will also keep up with changing demands, such as a need for greener and healthier lifestyles, and a work-from-anywhere trend.

She said properties in Dusit Hotels and Resorts will offer long-stay packages to serve the rise of digital nomads, which will be a key source of revenue from 2022 onwards.