Chanin Donavanik, Vice-Chairman of Dusit International, has emphasized the importance of diversifying Thailand’s tourism industry by enhancing quality and promoting second-tier destinations. He commends the government’s tourism promotion strategies, such as expanding visa-free entry and reducing luxury taxes but stresses the need for improvements in safety and convenience to further propel the sector.
Donavanik, who also leads the executive committee and is a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, advocates for a shift in focus towards increasing tourist spending and guiding them to lesser-known cities, drawing parallels with the enthusiasm of Thai tourists for new experiences in Japan. He highlights the necessity for the government to hasten the registration of accommodations to uphold service quality, noting the strong recovery of Thai tourism, fueled by resumed flights and growth in hotel developments, particularly from Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, and South Korea markets.
With the reopening of the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel scheduled for September, as part of the Bt46-billion Dusit Central Park project, Donavanik envisions the establishment as a cross-generational destination competing globally. Reflecting on the hotel’s historical renovations and the current extensive overhaul, he aspires to retain the essence of Dusit Thani while enhancing its offerings and services, including more spacious rooms to meet evolving demands.
The nearing completion of this project signifies a major milestone for Dusit International, with the Dusit Thani Bangkok previously accounting for a significant portion of the group’s revenue. Donavanik foresees the new developments along Rama IV Road and the Silom area enhancing Bangkok’s appeal as a top travel choice, fostering a synergistic rather than competitive environment.
