The Indian market holds the key to growth for every hotel around the world, according to Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International.

Dusit International entered into a joint venture agreement in 2007 with Bird Hospitality Services (BHS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bird Group – one of India's largest conglomerates, to bring the collection of Dusit International property brands to India.

Under this agreement, Bird Group is committed to developing six hotels and resorts in initially New Delhi, Goa, Rishikesh, and Jaipur, providing Dusit International the possibility to manage several hotels in India. The first hotel, Dusit Thani Delhi is expected to open in the first quarter of 2010 and will be followed by three luxury spa resorts in picturesque locations in  Rishikesh, Jaipur, and Goa.

Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group said, "With the joint venture, we will be combining the hospitality expertise of Dusit International and the local network and knowledge of Bird Hospitality to give India hotels and resorts that will redefine the standards of hospitality in the country. The demand for rooms across all segments continues to grow and the need for quality hotels is well spoken about. Apart from the luxury category, Dusit Bird will also offer management contracts across the Dusit International range of brands including budget, lifestyle and service apartments."

In response, Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International added, "The Indian market is already a huge potential travel market. In support of the joint venture with Bird Group to develop hotels and resorts in India, we have also seen the growth of this inbound market for our hotels and resorts in Thailand and in the Middle East. The International Indian Film Academy 2008 (IIFA) chose Dusit Thani Bangkok as its official host hotel in June this year. Millions of people across the world were watching us welcome and accommodate the leading Bollywood celebrities here in our flagship hotel. It was a memorable event affirming how sophisticated the Indian travel market has become. We are confident that our properties in the Middle East, including Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina, and the soon to open Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana and Dusit Residence The Palm, Jumeirah, UAE, will also entice the Indian market with our unique blend of Middle Eastern elements and Thai hospitality."

"We are excited with the joint venture plans of Dusit International and Bird Group, a partnership that will ensure a long and successful relationship in India and beyond, a business partnership that is not just about bricks and mortar, but synergies of our company's unique Thai heritage and Bird Group's hospitality innovation," said Octavio Gamarra.