60 SECONDS WITH DUSIT INTERNATIONAL’S ANDREW SHAW

During ATM, HN also caught up with Andrew Shaw, head of development - Europe, Middle East and Africa at Dusit International, who made time to highlight the chain’s plans and expectations for the region.

1. What is your expansion strategy for the region and which markets interest you the most?

In the MENA region, we currently have six hotels in operation across the UAE, Egypt and Kenya. Eleven projects are anticipated to open over the next couple of years across Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. Our hotel brands in operation encompass the mid-market, upscale and luxury segments.

2. What are your current projects and future plans?

At ATM, we officially announced the signing of Dusit Resort and Spa Lagoona Beach, our second property in Bahrain, which follows last year’s signing of dusitd2 City Centre Bahrain. Both properties are slated to open in Q4 this year. We also recently announced the launch of our new brand, ASAI Hotels, which is designed to link curious, millennial-minded travelers with authentic local experiences in vibrant cities and resort destinations worldwide. The first ASAI hotel is slated to open in Bangkok next year. Four more ASAI hotels are already in the pipeline: three in Cebu, the Philippines, in Lapu-lapu, Oslob and the city center; and one hotel in Yangon, Myanmar, in the historic Yankin Township. All are expected to open in 2019.