Dusit International is a renowned hospitality company founded in Thailand, with over 75 years of experience in delivering exceptional service and luxury experiences. The company operates a diverse portfolio, including hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments under various brands such as Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, and Dusit Princess. Known for blending traditional Thai hospitality with modern conveniences, Dusit International has established a strong presence in Asia and the Middle East and is now expanding into Europe and Africa.

In addition to its hospitality offerings, Dusit is a prominent player in branded residences and hospitality education. It manages the largest hospitality school in Thailand, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and innovation within the industry. The company’s focus on sustainability is exemplified by the Tree of Life Program, which encourages properties to adopt eco-friendly practices through a structured, tiered approach. This initiative highlights Dusit’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while offering luxury services.

With a flexible and culturally rooted approach, Dusit International continues to grow globally, expanding its footprint into new markets while maintaining a strong commitment to its core values of service, sustainability, and authenticity.

At the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024 in Dubai, Dusit International, a leader in luxury and upscale hospitality, showcased its ambitious expansion plans and its commitment to sustainable growth. In an exclusive interview with our Vice President and Senior Editor, Mr. Apratim Ghoshal, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President of Development Global at Dusit International, shared insights into the company’s vision, strategy, and sustainability initiatives. Having established a strong presence in the Middle East for over two decades, Dusit International is now aggressively expanding across new regions while maintaining its Thai-inspired hospitality and service excellence.

Expanding in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe

With its first flagship property, Dusit Thani Dubai, established 24 years ago, Dusit International has solidified its presence in the Middle East. Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International highlighted that the company’s expansion now covers key markets in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt. Dusit is also targeting Africa and is placing significant emphasis on Saudi Arabia, one of its most important markets. The company’s strategic investments aim to capitalize on the region’s booming hospitality industry and the rising demand for luxury accommodations.

Outside the Middle East, Asia remains a key market for Dusit International, particularly in Thailand, where the company operates 16 properties. The brand’s strong foothold in Thailand also attracts international clientele, particularly from Russia and Asia, with its properties offering a blend of luxury, wellness, and cultural authenticity.

In addition to the Middle East and Asia, Dusit International is setting its sights on Europe, with Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International revealing that they are accelerating their expansion into Greece, Austria, Germany, and France. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to tap into European gateway markets and meet the growing demand for luxury and upscale accommodations in this region.

Dusit’s Unique Hospitality Approach

Dusit International prides itself on a holistic hospitality model that goes beyond traditional hotel management. Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International explained that the company doesn’t just bring its brand name into a market but integrates a full-value chain approach. This includes hospitality education, branded residences, and real estate development, ensuring that Dusit can manage the entire process from investment to operation.

Dusit International operates branded residences, which have gained popularity in the Middle East and Asia. These residences offer a combination of high-end luxury living with access to hotel services, catering to a growing demand for long-term stay options in global cities. This integration of luxury hotel services and private residences allows Dusit to cater to a diverse clientele seeking premium experiences.

Another distinctive feature is Dusit Hospitality Education, with Dusit managing the largest hospitality education provider in Thailand. This education focus ensures that Dusit not only excels in service but also trains future hospitality leaders. This creates a synergy between education and hospitality, driving innovation in how the brand operates its properties globally.

Sustainability: The Tree of Life Program

At FHS 2024, sustainability was a major focus for Dusit International. Donavanik introduced the Tree of Life Program, a sustainability initiative that the company launched in 2023. The program is built on a set of 31 criteria designed to guide each hotel property in reducing environmental impact. The criteria include a range of initiatives, such as eliminating single-use plastics, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient solutions.

The program is structured into tiers, allowing each hotel to progress at its own pace. The first tier includes nine mandatory sustainability goals that all properties must achieve. These goals are tied to the key performance indicators (KPIs) of hotel general managers and leadership teams, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core focus at every level of operation.

Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International stressed that sustainability is not just a corporate mandate but a collective effort that empowers local teams. Hotels are encouraged to choose additional sustainability initiatives based on the specific environmental challenges in their location, creating a customized approach to reducing their ecological footprint.

By linking the achievement of sustainability goals to leadership performance, Dusit ensures that its Tree of Life Program has a tangible impact on daily operations. The program’s success is measured by the hotel’s ability to move up the tiers, demonstrating their commitment to environmental and operational sustainability.

Focusing on Growth and Innovation

In the next five years, Dusit International plans to expand aggressively, particularly in Europe and Africa. According to Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International, Europe is a key market for their upscale and luxury properties, with an increasing focus on iconic destinations in Austria, Germany, France, and Greece. The brand’s recent opening in Greece marks a significant milestone in its European expansion, offering a gateway to further development.

Siradej Donavanik, Vice President, Development Global, Dusit International emphasized that while Dusit International may not be as large as some of its competitors, its agility and ability to co-create unique, tailored experiences with developers set it apart. Dusit’s approach allows them to remain nimble, working closely with developers to align with their vision while incorporating Thai hospitality values into the guest experience.

This flexible and customized approach has enabled Dusit to build strong partnerships with developers in different regions, ensuring that each project resonates with the local culture and market demands. As the company continues to grow, its focus remains on creating value for partners and clients by delivering exceptional hospitality experiences rooted in cultural authenticity and sustainability.

Dusit International’s participation in FHS 2024 highlights its forward-looking strategy, combining expansion, sustainability, and innovation to strengthen its position in the global hospitality industry. With a strong presence in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, Dusit is poised for significant growth in the coming years.

Their commitment to sustainability, through initiatives like the Tree of Life Program, underscores their dedication to responsible hospitality. By linking sustainability goals to leadership KPIs, Dusit ensures that environmental responsibility is embedded in their operations at every level.

As the company continues to expand, its unique approach—combining luxury hospitality, real estate development, and hospitality education—sets it apart in the global market. With plans for further growth in Europe and Africa, and a strong presence in the Middle East and Asia, Dusit International is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers while maintaining a focus on sustainability and innovation.

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024 in Dubai is a premier event gathering global leaders, investors, and stakeholders from the hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors. Held from September 30 to October 2, the summit serves as a critical platform for discussing emerging trends, innovations, and investment opportunities in the industry. With more than 1,600 attendees, representing 500 companies from 60+ countries, FHS 2024 creates a unique intersection for industry professionals to collaborate and shape the future of global hospitality.

This year, FHS introduced exciting new initiatives, including the Branded Residences Forum, which focused on the booming branded residences sector, and the UN Tourism Women in Tech Startup Competition, showcasing innovative solutions from women-led tech startups. The #FHSWomenPower initiative also stood out, attracting over 550 women, making it a landmark event for female leadership and inclusivity in the industry.

FHS 2024 is not only about fostering partnerships but also driving sustainable growth and innovation. The event highlights the increasing role of technology, sustainability, and new investment models in shaping the hospitality industry’s future. It remains a must-attend summit for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

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