Dusit International, the renowned Thai hotel and property development company, is set to expand its footprint in India, with a focus on emerging cities. The brand’s strategic push aims to introduce its luxury and upper-midscale offerings to high-potential, underserved markets. New properties are slated for Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, and Himachal Pradesh, as part of the company’s broader growth plan.
This expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit’s recent debut in India, which included the soft opening of the dusitD2 Fagu, a contemporary hotel near Shimla, in December. Additionally, the company signed agreements for three significant properties in Karnataka, including the wellness-centric Devarana Sakleshpur, a Dusit Retreat scheduled for a 2028 opening, and two new Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.
The company’s vision is to bring Thai-inspired hospitality to emerging markets in India, offering a mix of luxury, wellness, and personalized service. With this in mind, Dusit plans to launch its upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and Lonavala (120 keys). Additionally, the company is preparing to unveil two boutique luxury properties under its Dusit Collection brand in Kasol and Manali, Himachal Pradesh, each offering 40 rooms.
Dusit International’s Vice President of Global Development, Siradej Donavanik, expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, noting that the recent signings align with Dusit’s long-term strategy. “India represents an exceptional growth opportunity, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where premium hospitality options are still limited despite strong demand,” he said. “We are committed to delivering Thai-inspired hospitality in destinations where it will resonate with both business and leisure travellers.”
Catering to Millennials with ASAI Hotels
In addition to its luxury and midscale properties, Dusit is tapping into India’s rising demand from younger, experience-seeking travellers through its lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels. Launched in 2020, ASAI caters to Millennials and Gen Z, offering a ‘live local’ philosophy that emphasizes community engagement and authentic travel experiences.
“ASAI was created in response to the growing demand for experiential travel,” Donavanik explained. “We focus on fostering connections with local communities, which is a key priority for today’s millennial travellers.” The brand has already launched properties in Bangkok and Kyoto, with additional locations in Southeast Asia under development. ASAI Hotels’ philosophy is expected to resonate with Indian travellers seeking cultural immersion and local flavour, aligning perfectly with the evolving preferences of domestic and outbound travellers.
Sustainability at the Core
As Dusit expands its presence in India, it is also committed to building a sustainable hospitality ecosystem. The company’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which aligns with select United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is central to its approach. The program includes 31 measurable criteria to ensure that Dusit’s operations make a positive and lasting impact in the communities where it operates.
Dusit International’s broader global expansion, which includes markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, China, and India, reflects its ambition to sign more than 100 hotels worldwide in the next five years. The company’s signature Thai hospitality, combined with locally rooted experiences and sustainable practices, is poised to appeal to the growing demand for premium, experience-driven stays.
