Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has returned on the scene after the recent nationwide lockdown by opening four hotels and resorts in key domestic destinations – each offering the highest standards of health and safety in accordance with Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) certification – and providing exclusive savings on direct bookings through the end of October.

Seeking to tap into demand generated by the government’s THB 22.4 billion domestic tourism stimulus package, which aims to spur two million domestic trips during 1 July – 31 October 2020, Dusit has opened three of its owned hotels including Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Dusit Thani Pattaya, and Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri, Bangkok.

Properties managed by Dusit will begin opening from early July onwards, including dusitD2 Khao Yai; dusitD2 Ao Nang, Krabi; Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort; and Pathumwan Princess, MBK Centre, Bangkok.

Other owned Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Thailand, which cater primarily to international visitors and business travellers, are slated to reopen when travel restrictions are further eased and ‘travel bubbles’ are introduced. This includes Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, dusitD2 Chiang Mai, Dusit Princess Chiang Mai, and Dusit Princess Srinakarin, Bangkok.

Baan Dusit Thani, Dusit’s first standalone restaurant concept in Bangkok, has been fully operational since early May.

“We are delighted that the government has introduced measures to stimulate domestic tourism, boost the economy, and support everyone in our industry by funding subsidies for flights, accommodation and destination dining,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “We will do our utmost to support these efforts by ensuring we offer the comfortable, convenient, and most importantly, safe stay and dining experiences that guests have come to know and expect from our various brands.

“Alongside our own Dusit Care – Stay with Confidence programme, which includes a new range of facilities, services and operating procedures designed to go beyond enhanced health and safety practices to deliver extra convenience, experience and value, we have complied with all regulations related to the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) certification process. Guests and customers can stay with peace of mind knowing that their health and well-being will always come first at our properties.”

Arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other partners, SHA certification is only awarded to hotels and resorts demonstrating the highest standards of sanitation, hygiene and safety. All of Dusit’s properties in Thailand have been SHA certified.

Alongside implementing new services to inspire traveller confidence, Dusit hopes to further stimulate travel demand in its various destinations by offering exceptional value for money on direct bookings.

With booking and stay dates available from now until 30 October 2020, Dusit’s Journey Together package starts from only THB 4,000 per night at participating properties and includes accommodation, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and more exclusive benefits. Guests can also enjoy the finest local cuisine without leaving the distinctive comfort of Dusit’s properties, as they can replace one meal with a complimentary delivery from one of Dusit’s esteemed local partners.

For more details about Dusit’s new Stay with Confidence services and various special offers, please visit dusit.com.

Accolade marks 70 years of hospitality excellence.

Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, Founder and Honorary Chairperson of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has received the prestigious SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

Ranked among the top 3 “Hospitality and Leisure Management” institutions globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2017 and 2018, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field.

Established in 2016, SHTM’s annual awards are designed to honour outstanding personalities who have contributed substantially to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and around the world. This year, the recipient was selected in accordance with the theme ‘Celebration of Women in Leadership.’

Thanpuying Chanut established Dusit International in 1948 and opened her first property in Bangkok, Princess Hotel, in 1949. It was one of the first properties in the city to feature a swimming pool, an elevator, and air conditioning.

Determined to open a five-star hotel offering luxury hospitality with a distinctively Thai touch, in 1970 she achieved this aim with the opening of the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok – then the city’s tallest, grandest building – which has been a true icon ever since.

Building on the success of this property, Thanpuying Chanut opened more five-star hotels in major tourism destinations in Thailand and overseas, and branched out into hotel and culinary education with the Dusit Thani College in 1993, and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, a joint venture with Le Cordon Bleu, in 2007.

For her efforts in hospitality and related education, on 5 May 2000 His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand conferred upon Ms Piyaoui the highest royal decoration for a civilian: Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, Higher Grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao. And with this, the right to bear the title “Thanpuying,” the equivalent of “Dame.”

The SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Thanpuying Chanut, now 97 years old, in Bangkok in February 2018. A ceremony was held in her honour at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong on 22 June 2018, where she was represented by her son, Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International.

“Throughout her life my mother has worked tirelessly, and unselfishly, to promote and develop Thailand’s tourism industry overall, and she is delighted and honoured to be recognised with this prestigious award,” said Mr Donavanik. “Since opening her first hotel 70 years ago, my mother has always believed in Asia’s potential to become the epicenter of the tourism and travel industry, and she is delighted that, in the SHTM, we have a kindred spirit in Hong Kong which not only shares these sentiments, but whose dedication to developing young talent mirrors our own values and efforts in Southeast Asia.”

Mr Chan Tze-ching, Chairman of the PolyU Council, said, “Our awardee, Thanpuying Chanut, is a legend and pioneer in her industry. Her exemplary accomplishments have not only played an important role in raising the level of the regional and global hospitality business but also helped transform it through a distinctively Asian focus.

“Throughout the years, she has contributed generously to charitable causes and royal projects, in both personal and professional capacities. Thanpuying Chanut provides a truly inspirational role model, demonstrating to practitioners around the world what can be achieved with foresight, tenacity, and a giving heart, while being an especially significant figure to women in this region.”

Previous winners of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award include Mr Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, and the Honourable Sir Michael Kadoorie.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Maldives win a combined total of five awards – including ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ of their respective regions

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has continued its tradition for hospitality excellence by winning five prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards for two of its luxury Dusit Thani hotels – Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Maldives.

Alongside an award for ‘Best Luxury Hotel in the Middle East,’ Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, a five-star business hotel located in the city’s new government district, also received the award for ‘Best General Manager for the Middle East Region.’ This accolade was presented to the General Manager, Mr Desmond Hatton, during the Awards’ official Gala Ceremony, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in late October.

Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury resort located on the stunning Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, added to Dusit’s haul by coming top in three prominent categories – ‘Best Luxury Hotel in the Indian Ocean,’ ‘Best Family Resort in the Indian Ocean,’ and ‘Best Hideaway Spa on a Global Level.’

The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards acknowledge the most exceptional hospitality experiences across 90 categories in over 170 countries. Winners are selected through a rigorous rating process which places an emphasis on quality feedback from guests.

“We are delighted and very proud that Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Maldives have both been recognised for their gracious hospitality and luxury services by winning these prestigious awards,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “We would like to thank the dynamic management and staff of each hotel for their excellent work in achieving this success. These awards really reflect our company-wide commitment to achieving service excellence and always going the extra mile to deliver exceptional guest experiences wherever we set foot.”

With 28 properties currently in operation across four brands in eight countries, Dusit International is in a significant growth phase which will see the number of Dusit properties exceed 70 within the next four-to-five years across key markets worldwide. Alongside Dusit Thani, other brands in Dusit International’s portfolio include dusitD2, Dusit Devarana, and DusitPrincess.

dusitD2 Hua Hin Hotel and Residences will cater for families and leisure travellers in a strategic location near the seaside city’s main attractions

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Enrich Paranimmitr Company Limited, a subsidiary of Bangkok-based Enrich Group, to operate the dusitD2 Hua Hin Hotel and Residences in the heart of the beach resort destination’s main Petchkasem Road.

Designed to cater to families and leisure travellers seeking a fun-filled escape, the property is conveniently located close to Hua Hin’s largest shopping, dining and movie theatre complex, BluPort, the hip and stylish Cicada Night Market, and the Vana Nava Waterpark, which boasts some of the fastest and longest waterslides in Thailand.

Slated to open in Q1 2020, the new property will comprise the upscale dusitD2 hotel with 154 keys, a dusitD2 branded condominium with 364 fully-furnished residential units, and retail and office spaces. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, fitness centre, swimming pool, a kids’ club, a rooftop bar, and 300 sq m of banqueting space. In keeping with the dusitD2 brand, the property will boast a modern design with bright and colourful décor.

The Residences will operate separately to the hotel and will offer its own swimming pool and fitness centre.

Located only three hours’ drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin serves as a popular beachside getaway for Bangkokians and is renowned for its seafood restaurants, lively markets, cultural sights, world-class golf courses, kitesurfing, and family-friendly activities. With royal links going back to the early 1920s, the city also has two regal summer residences that visitors can explore.

“Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s most popular seaside destinations, attracting over five million visitors per year, but it still retains a charming, relaxed atmosphere which makes it perfectly suited to families and leisure travellers seeking relaxation and fun activities by the beach,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “With its stylish design, comfortable rooms, upscale facilities, and Dusit’s distinctive brand of gracious hospitality, dusitD2 Hua Hin will be perfectly positioned to cater to visitors’ needs. We look forward to working with Enrich Paranimmitr Company Limited to make the property a resounding success.”

Ms Suphicha Promsentana, Business Office Director of Enrich Group, said, “After completing several high-end housing projects in Bangkok we wanted to expand our portfolio beyond residential into hospitality and services.  As for our move to develop a hotel; we just had to find the right partner who shared our vision for excellence. We are delighted Dusit International is that partner. The company’s rich hospitality experience speaks for itself, and we are confident that, in Dusit International’s capable hands, the hotel will live up to Dusit’s promise to exceed expectations. Always.”

With 28 properties currently in operation across four brands in eight countries, Dusit International is in a significant growth phase which will see the number of Dusit properties exceed 70 within the next four-to-five years across key markets worldwide. Alongside dusitD2, other brands in Dusit International’s portfolio include Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, and DusitPrincess.

dusitD2 Hua Hin Hotel and Residences will be the second Dusit branded property in Hua Hin. Dusit International also owns and operates the Dusit Thani Hua Hin, a luxury resort which celebrates its 27^th anniversary this year.

Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, was recently named ‘Favourite Hotel or Resort for Families’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2016.

Operated by luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, which prints regional editions in Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards was established in 1987 and today is one of the most respected programmes recognising hospitality excellence. This year, more than 300,000 votes were cast online by international readers, resulting in a list of the world’s finest travel experiences.

Dedicated to readers in the Middle East, the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards featured 21 categories this year. Voting opened earlier in the year and winners were officially announced at a gala dinner held on 14 November 2016 at the Park Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Located just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital city, Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives comprises 94 villas and residences, along with three restaurants, two bars, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. The resort is surrounded by a rich house reef, white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon. A well-equipped Kids’ Club adds to the resort’s family friendly appeal.

“We are extremely proud to win this prestigious award which recognises the quality of the resort’s luxury accommodation and distinctive services,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, the Bangkok-based, global hospitality company which owns and operates Dusit Thani Maldives. “From our gracious, Thai-inspired hospitality, to our well-appointed rooms and esteemed dining experiences, we do everything we can to create memorable guest experiences. And we are delighted to know we are getting it right.”

The Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Award caps a successful year for the resort, which, amongst other accolades, also received the following:

• Gold Magellan Award, Luxury Resort Category – 2016 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.
• Luxury Modern Resort of the Year 2016 – Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016.
• Asia’s Top Leisure Hotel – Now Travel Asia Awards 2016.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the hospitality industry in the region, the Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) has awarded Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dusit International, the APacCHRIE Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held on 13 May 2016.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises leaders who have made significant contributions in shaping, growing and developing the hospitality education landscape. The organisation’s Board members selected Mr Donavanik to receive this award based on his contributions to human capital development for the hospitality industry through initiatives such as: the Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s first hospitality management school certified by the Ministry of Education; Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, the culinary school run in partnership with the famed Paris-based institute; and the newly launched Dusit Thani Hotel School, Thailand’s first vocational hospitality school based on the ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals.

“It is a great honour to be selected by such a distinguished panel of professionals to receive the APacCHRIE Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Mr Donavanik. “It has been our mission to make Dusit International a success, and having it evolve from a purely hotel business to one where we are also helping the industry and training its future leaders gives me great satisfaction.”

Founded in Hong Kong in 2002, APacCHRIE is the regional advocate of hospitality and tourism education for schools, colleges and universities offering programmes in hotel and restaurant management, foodservice management and culinary arts. It is a Federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education founded in 1946, the global advocate of hospitality and tourism education.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the hospitality industry in the region, the Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) has awarded Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dusit International, the APacCHRIE Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held on 13 May 2016.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises leaders who have made significant contributions in shaping, growing and developing the hospitality education landscape. The organisation’s Board members selected Mr Donavanik to receive this award based on his contributions to human capital development for the hospitality industry through initiatives such as: the Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s first hospitality management school certified by the Ministry of Education; Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, the culinary school run in partnership with the famed Paris-based institute; and the newly launched Dusit Thani Hotel School, Thailand’s first vocational hospitality school based on the ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals.

“It is a great honour to be selected by such a distinguished panel of professionals to receive the APacCHRIE Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Mr Donavanik. “It has been our mission to make Dusit International a success, and having it evolve from a purely hotel business to one where we are also helping the industry and training its future leaders gives me great satisfaction.”

Founded in Hong Kong in 2002, APacCHRIE is the regional advocate of hospitality and tourism education for schools, colleges and universities offering programmes in hotel and restaurant management, foodservice management and culinary arts. It is a Federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education founded in 1946, the global advocate of hospitality and tourism education.