Dusit International Expands in South Asia Through Partnership with Paljor Global Corp

Dusit International Expands in South Asia Through Partnership with Paljor Global Corp

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 27, 2024

Dusit International, Thailand’s premier hospitality and property development group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Paljor Global Corp Private Limited, a prominent Nepalese investment firm and luxury carpet manufacturer, to expand its footprint in Nepal and across South Asia. Building on their successful collaboration at Dusit Princess Kathmandu, both companies aim to introduce a range of Dusit’s hospitality brands and services to the region.

Strengthening Regional Presence

The partnership, announced at a ceremony held at Baan Dusit Thani in Bangkok, is part of Dusit’s broader plan to grow its presence in South Asia. In attendance at the signing were key representatives from both organizations, including Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, and Mr Dorje Gyalsten Lama, Chairman of Paljor Global Corp.

Paljor Global Corp will leverage its strong presence in Nepal and neighboring regions to identify opportunities for Dusit’s wide-ranging portfolio, which includes luxury, midscale, and lifestyle hotels. The partnership is set to focus on the introduction of Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and the newly launched Devarana – Dusit Retreats and Dusit Collection brands, expanding Dusit's influence in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Tibet, and Northeast India.

Collaboration in Hospitality, Education, and Food

Alongside hospitality expansion, both companies will collaborate to bring Dusit’s expertise in hospitality education and culinary arts to South Asia. This includes developing vocational education programs through Dusit Thani College and launching The Food School in Thailand to provide top-tier culinary training in the region.

Additionally, Dusit Foods will introduce its premium line of Dusit Gastro products, such as organic rice and innovative frozen goods, to the hotel and restaurant industries in Nepal.

Growing Tourism Connections

With the increasing number of Nepalese tourists visiting Thailand, the partnership will explore curated travel packages that combine stays at Dusit hotels with immersive local experiences. This initiative aims to attract more South Asian visitors to Dusit’s properties in Thailand, promoting cultural and hospitality exchange between the two countries.

Leadership Perspectives

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to growth in South Asia,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, COO of Dusit International. “Working with Paljor Global Corp allows us to create unique and culturally resonant hospitality experiences that align with the region’s needs.”

image

Mr Dorje Gyalsten Lama, Chairman of Paljor Global Corp, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about expanding Dusit’s renowned offerings in Nepal and beyond. “Our collaboration with Dusit is about more than expansion—it’s about setting new standards for service, education, and sustainability across the region.”

Ms Dolma Tsering Lama, Managing Director of Paljor Global Corp, added, “We look forward to bringing Dusit’s culinary and hospitality expertise to new markets while also empowering future generations through education.”

About Dusit International

Founded in 1948, Dusit International is a global leader in hospitality, property development, and related services. The company operates over 300 properties in 18 countries under eight distinct brands, including Dusit Thani, dusitD2, and Devarana – Dusit Retreats. Its operations encompass hospitality education, food, and property services, with a strong focus on sustainable growth.

About Paljor Global Corp Private Limited

Paljor Global Corp, under the leadership of Mr Dorje Gyaltsen Lama, is dedicated to advancing the hospitality industry across Nepal and South Asia. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to quality, Paljor Global Corp continues to elevate hospitality standards in the region.

For more information, visit dusit-international.com.


Direct Ahmedabad–Colombo Flights Launched with City of Dreams Sri Lanka Partnership

Direct Ahmedabad–Colombo Flights Launched with City of Dreams Sri Lanka Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have joined hands with FitsAir to introduce direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This move is set to make international travel easier for travellers from Gujarat while opening up better access to Sri Lanka’s popular leisure destinations.

Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the new route will run three times a week. The service is aimed at meeting the growing demand for overseas holidays from Gujarat, offering a smooth and direct travel option to Colombo.

With this improved connectivity, travellers can explore a range of premium stays under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.

Gujarat is steadily growing as an important source market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong cultural connections and increasing interest in international travel. The launch of these direct flights is expected to strengthen tourism between Ahmedabad and Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred short-haul destination.

Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Travellers can also opt for curated holiday packages that include stays at Cinnamon properties along with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, such as cultural trips to Kandy and beach getaways.

Nayana Mawilmada, President – Leisure & Property, John Keells Holdings, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, particularly in Gujarat, which continues to show strong potential for outbound travel. This strategic partnership and the introduction of direct connectivity from Ahmedabad make it significantly easier for travellers to experience the unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural richness that City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have to offer.”

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, added, “Ahmedabad is an important and fast-growing market for us. With the launch of these direct flights, we are excited to welcome more travellers from Gujarat to Colombo. From the immersive experiences at City of Dreams Sri Lanka to the diverse hospitality offerings across Cinnamon properties, we look forward to delivering memorable stays tailored to Indian guests.”

Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer, Destination Management Sector, Walkers Tours commented, “This partnership marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. By combining direct flights with thoughtfully curated travel packages, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching Sri Lankan holiday experience for travellers from Gujarat.”

Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will operate three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo. Specially curated travel packages by Cinnamon, which include return airfare, a two-night stay with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, and private airport transfers, offering a convenient and value-driven travel option.

Travel Schedule – Effective from 15th May

  • Ahmedabad → Colombo: 03:40 – 06:50

  • Ahmedabad → Colombo: 10:45 – 13:55

  • Colombo → Ahmedabad: 23:25 – 02:35

  • Colombo → Ahmedabad: 06:30 – 09:40.


Saudia Introduces Google Feature to Help Track Lost Baggage

Saudia Introduces Google Feature to Help Track Lost Baggage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced Google’s Find Hub share item location feature to make baggage recovery smoother and more efficient. The move adds an optional layer of support for guests dealing with delayed or missing baggage.

With this feature, guests using a compatible tracker tag or Bluetooth device can create a secure and temporary link that shares the location of their baggage. This link can be attached while reporting a lost or delayed bag, allowing Saudia’s ground teams to access real-time location details and speed up the recovery process.

The shared access is time-bound and automatically expires after seven days. Guests can also stop sharing the location at any point, ensuring they stay in complete control of their information throughout the process.

This update works alongside Saudia’s existing baggage handling systems, giving travellers better visibility and added reassurance during their journey. It is designed to make the experience more transparent while keeping things simple and user-friendly.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “Our focus is on giving guests confidence and reassurance throughout their journey. Initiatives like this reflect our broader commitment to clarity, transparency, and ensuring guests feel informed and in control at every stage of the experience. It is about strengthening trust and providing peace of mind through thoughtful, guest-centered decisions.”

By rolling out this feature, Saudia becomes one of the first airlines globally to adopt such technology, highlighting its focus on digital innovation and improved guest experiences.

The feature has been built with privacy in mind. Location details are shared only for baggage recovery purposes and remain accessible to the airline for a limited time. Once the process is completed or the guest decides to stop sharing, access is automatically removed.

Guests can use this feature by ensuring their device and tracker accessory are compatible and updated to the latest supported software versions.


InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

By Author

Published on April 6, 2026

InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.

Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.

Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.

The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.

Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.

Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”

With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.