Dusit International announced its fast track expansion to India opening five hotels and resorts in New Delhi, Jaipur, Rishikesh, and Goa by 2013.

The expansion plan into this country pilots the company's first-ever Dusit Devarana, the most luxurious brand under Dusit International umbrella, as well as the first dusitD2 hotel outside Thailand.

The first hotel, Dusit Devarana New Delhi is expected to open in May 2010. It will be the first luxury hotel in Dusit's India portfolio with only 78 luxury rooms, located near the city centre of New Delhi.

The company's fifth sub-brand following a strategic re-branding and expansion plan, Dusit Devarana which means "garden in heaven" in Thai-Sanskrit epitomises the definitive sanctuary for travellers who value only the finest in the word.

"The brand culture will be manifested through its people, a devoted group of professionals inspired to understand the needs of each guest, delivering highly personalised experiences and create the elusive Dusit Devarana "world of one","said Mr. Anton Kilayko, Corporate Director of Dusit Devarana Hotels & Resorts, and dusitD2 hotels & resorts.

Dusit Devarana New Delhi will be followed by the first dusitD2 hotel outside Thailand - dusitD2 new delhi, Dusit Devarana Jaipur, Dusit Devarana Rishikesh, and the Goa project.

"We have entered into a joint venture agreement 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, we have established the Dusit Bird Hotel Private Limited administered by our first Regional Vice President India, Mr. Harsh Varma, who will be the bridge to helping Dusit expand and develop its brand to this country. India has always been a key market for us, and we are confident that our new hotels and resorts opening in India will quickly establish itself as one of the leading hotels in the city," said Mr. Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International.

"2010 will be a milestone for Dusit International with the opening of the two Indian properties, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Samui, and even more soon to be announced. The future has never been brighter," said Mr. Gamarra.