DEVELOPMENT - RIZWANA HUMAYUN, DIRECTOR OF SALES AT DUSIT HOTELS & RESORTS: “IT'S IMPORTANT TO US TO CONVEY THAILAND'S CULTURE AND HISTORY”
The Thai group continues its international expansion, focusing on the authenticity and hospitality of the land of smiles. Rizwana Humayun, in charge of sales for Southern Europe, explains the group's strategy and its ambitions for the European market
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DEVELOPMENT - RIZWANA HUMAYUN, DIRECTOR OF SALES AT DUSIT HOTELS & RESORTS: “IT'S IMPORTANT TO US TO CONVEY THAILAND'S CULTURE AND HISTORY”
The Thai group continues its international expansion, focusing on the authenticity and hospitality of the land of smiles. Rizwana Humayun, in charge of sales for Southern Europe, explains the group's strategy and its ambitions for the European market
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Catégorie : Monde - Interviews et portraits
- Interviews
Interview de Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine le 04-03-2025
 Rizwana Humayun is Director of Sales - Global Sales Office Paris for France, Italy, Spain and Portugal for Dusit Hotels & Resorts
Crédit photo © Dusit Hotels & Resorts
Her solid international experience, notably in the Maldives and Seychelles with brands such as Kempinski and Leading Hotels of the World, combined with her sales expertise and love of the hotel business, led her to offer her services to the Thai group since 2024, for which she actively contributes to developing brand awareness in Europe.
In an interview with Journal des Palaces, Rizwana Humayun discusses the history of Dusit, the group's unique identity, the authentic experiences that travelers can enjoy in its properties, and its ambitions for development.
Journal des Palaces: What are the history and DNA of DUSIT International?
Rizwana HUMAYUN: Dusit Hotels & Resorts is a Thai group with 75 years of expertise and know-how in the hotel business, and one of the leading players in the development of tourism in the land of smiles. The hotel business complements other key sectors for the Dusit International Group, notably international trade and education.
Each of the Group's divisions plays an active role in building Thailand's international reputation, as well as supporting and nurturing the local economy.
Could you give us a brief overview of the company and its various brands?
The Group is expanding rapidly, mainly in Asia and the Middle East. Today, it comprises 56 hotels in 18 destinations under 7 different brands. Probably the best known on the French market, Dusit Thani is a 5* brand and currently comprises 29 hotels, notably in Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, the Maldives and the Philippines. Dusit Thani Kyoto, opening in 2023, and Dusit Thani Bangkok, reopening in 2024, have just joined the Takumians by Serandipians collection.
Dusit Princess and Dusit D2 are positioned in the 4* segment, one more classic, the other more lifestyle, in destinations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Oman and even Kenya. Asai, a young 3* lifestyle brand, is present in Bangkok and Kyoto, and offers small, ideally located, modern and functional accommodations for travelers in search of comfort and cultural exploration.
As a Thai company, how is this identity reflected in your hotels?
Thai culture remains at the heart of our hotels' identity, blending perfectly with the local character of each of our destinations. We share a strong culinary culture in our signature Benjarong restaurants, offering unrivalled expertise in our Dusit Thani 5* hotels, whether in Thailand, Abu Dhabi or the Maldives.Well-being is also a key element in our ability to offer our customers exceptional treatments and an exceptional atmosphere. To this end, we use two signature brands, Deverana Spa and Naam Spa, where our customers can immerse themselves in deep relaxation and the glow of Thailand for the duration of a massage.We are committed to conveying the culture and history of Thailand, and to offering services that are both modern and authentic. The Dusit Thani Bangkok is a perfect example of this: we've just completed 5 years of reconstruction, after 50 years in business. Today, it's extraordinary to see the imposing columns that were designed by hand using the materials of the time, as well as antique furniture and restored tapestries.
Internationally, this identity is reflected in our sense of service and smile.
Could you name a few examples of the unique experiences that travelers can enjoy at your hotels and destinations, whether in the heart of nature or in an urban setting?
One of the strengths of Dusit Hotels & Resorts is our extensive presence, offering accommodation in the city, in the mountains or on the beach.In the city, for example, Dusit Thani Singapore is an exceptional address located 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city center, right in the heart of a golf club with access to two 18-hole golf courses. A paradise for golfers, of course, but also for MICE and stop-over guests.In a verdant setting, Dusit D2 Kao Noi in Thailand, facing the UNESCO-listed national park, or Dusit Thani Dhulikel, in the mountains of Nepal, are wonderful options for hikers or yoga enthusiasts in search of disconnection.In a completely different mountain setting, the Dusit D2 is an ideal place to discover Oman's Jabal Akhdar region, from rose-picking to home-cooked dinners or hillside picnics with Omani Bedouin flavors.Finally, seaside experiences are also possible in Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Phuket or the Maldives. The manta ray ball is a grandiose experience not to be missed between May and November, with the best snorkeling spot just 10 minutes from the Dusit Thani Maldives!
What are your target markets and what assets do your hotels leverage to win market share?
The Group's reputation has always been built up in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, and continues to attract the attention of agencies, given the modernity of the facilities and the reflection of an authentic local culture.
A partial presence in Europe over the last few years has shown a clear interest in our hotels in the English and German markets, leaving many opportunities in this region still unexplored. It was against this backdrop that Dusit decided to develop its presence in Europe by opening our office for France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, with France remaining my priority to date.
At the same time, the group maintains close relations with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Paris office provides us with real support in raising our profile in the market. Likewise, key players in the Asian region have placed their trust in us and are actively involved in promoting the brand in France, including Climats du Monde, Asia, Thaï Airways, Singapore Airlines and Asian Trails.
We have also created a privileged link with Serandipians to penetrate the luxury market in Europe. Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Thani Kyoto have recently joined the Takumians by Serandipians collection, and Elite Havens private villas are listed in Private Collection by Serandipians. This additional visibility supports our message and strengthens the positioning of these properties and the reputation of the Dusit Hotels & Resorts brand.
In the luxury segment, some of our properties have joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Fine Hotels & Resorts collections, giving them international exposure.
What are the Group's development ambitions?
The Group is continuing to expand its presence in Asia, with several recent openings, including Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Princess Chiang Mai in Thailand, Dusit Princess Malaka in Malaysia, and Dusit Princess Hanoi in Vietnam, Dusit D2 Maldives, Dusit D2 Fagu in India, and Dusit Princess in the Philippines.
 Dusit Thani Kyoto is one of the jewels in the Dusit Thani collection
Crédit photo © Dusit Hotels & Resorts
 Dusit Thani Bangkok reopened in 2024 after 5 years of total renovation
Crédit photo © Dusit Hotels & Resorts
 A Deluxe room at the Dusit Thani Bangkok
Crédit photo © Dusit Hotels & Resorts
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