In a landmark move for global hospitality, Dusit International has joined forces with French real estate investment firm SYDEL to launch Dusit France, a joint venture poised to redefine luxury travel in Europe by merging Thailand’s renowned gracious hospitality with the sophistication of the French lifestyle. Officially announced during an exclusive signing ceremony in Paris on July 10, 2025, this partnership marks a strategic expansion of Dusit’s footprint into one of the world’s most iconic and competitive tourism markets.
Bridging East and West: A Cultural Convergence
Dusit France aims to blend the time-honored traditions of Thai service with the elegance and refinement expected by France’s luxury travelers. Through SYDEL’s deep knowledge of French real estate and Dusit’s expansive global hospitality experience, the collaboration will bring culturally rich, wellness-focused, and design-forward accommodations to France’s top leisure and business destinations.
Speaking at the Paris event, Mr. Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, emphasized,
“France represents a natural evolution in our growth strategy. With its global influence in luxury and culture, it offers the perfect canvas for our Thai-inspired service. Dusit France is more than a hotel brand—it’s a bridge between two world-renowned hospitality traditions.”
A Diversified Hospitality Offering: From Urban Icons to Alpine Retreats
Dusit International, a pillar of Thai hospitality since 1948, currently oversees 294 properties across 18 countries. With a hotel portfolio spanning upscale, midscale, and luxury segments, Dusit caters to a variety of traveler profiles—from business executives to wellness seekers and long-stay guests. Notably, 55 properties operate under its flagship Dusit Hotels and Resorts banner, while its luxury villa division, Elite Havens, manages over 230 exclusive villas in sought-after destinations like Bali, Phuket, and the Maldives.
In France, Dusit and SYDEL will focus on acquiring or transforming heritage buildings, resorts, and boutique city hotels into experiential hospitality destinations. Brands expected to feature under Dusit France include:
- Dusit Thani – bespoke luxury hotels
- Devarana – Dusit Retreats – wellness sanctuaries
- Dusit Collection – curated boutique properties
- Dusit Suites – luxury long-stay urban residences
- dusitD2, ASAI, Dusit Princess – lifestyle and midscale hotels targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers
These brands offer a full spectrum of experiences—from tranquil wellness retreats in the French countryside to high-end suites in urban hotspots like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
France: A Strategic Destination for Thai Hospitality
France continues to rank among the top global tourism destinations, with over 90 million annual international arrivals, according to Atout France, the country’s official tourism development agency. The country’s luxury hospitality sector is one of the most developed and competitive in the world, offering a high-value opportunity for differentiated brands such as Dusit.
Dusit France will cater not only to affluent global travelers but also to France’s growing wellness, lifestyle, and experiential tourism segments. With the post-pandemic traveler seeking deeper cultural immersion and well-being, Dusit’s Thai heritage and service philosophy offer an authentic, calming alternative to traditional European luxury.
Growth Backed by Proven European Success
Dusit’s confidence in the French market is supported by its successful entry into Europe with Dusit Suites Athens in Greece. Opened in the Glyfada district of the Athenian Riviera, the property has earned acclaim for blending coastal living with Thai elegance—an approach Dusit plans to replicate and localize for French destinations.
Moreover, the expansion into France comes at a time when inbound Thai tourism to Europe is rebounding, with Thai outbound travel growing 16% year-on-year in 2025, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Dusit’s presence in Europe not only meets international demand but supports cross-cultural tourism flows from Asia to the West.
A Vision for Long-Term Impact
Beyond hotel management, Dusit France plans to invest in community-driven development, green building practices, and cultural preservation. Each property will be tailored to its location, with a focus on sustainability, locally sourced cuisine, and integration with regional artisanship—whether in Provence, the Loire Valley, or the French Riviera.
Mr. Jean-Paul Catinot, CEO of SYDEL, shared his enthusiasm, stating,
“We see in Dusit a long-term partner that values authenticity and quality. Together, we will create living spaces where heritage, comfort, and innovation coexist.”
Looking Ahead
The launch of Dusit France marks an exciting new chapter in Dusit International’s global growth story. With eyes on Paris and beyond, the brand is preparing to open its first French property within the next 24 months, with additional pipeline developments in southern France, the Alps, and Bordeaux.
As Dusit continues to expand across Europe, its unique proposition—rooted in Thai service culture and enriched by global sophistication—stands to reshape how travelers experience French luxury.
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