The ever increasing optimism of the Chinese markets has led to this new milestone for the company.

Dusit International reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the company's presence in the Chinese speaking markets by unveiling plans to open its first Regional Sales Office (RSO) in Shanghai and its first Development Office in Hong Kong in 2011, as well as introducing the new Dusit.com in Chinese.

"China has been one of the fastest growing markets in terms of visitor numbers to our Dusit properties in Thailand, Manila and Dubai in the past few years. The number of Chinese visitors to our hotels and resorts, particularly from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and leisure group segments, has been increasing reaching four per cent last year. In some of our properties Chinese guests now account for up to eight per cent as at Q1 2011, this was from a base of only one per cent for Q1 in 2010 (Dusit Thani Dubai) and our Dusit Thani Pattaya has also experienced a steawwwdy increase from three per cent to six per cent year on year. As a result of this significant growth, we are opening our new RSO office in Shanghai by 1 July added into the already existing active Hong Kong RSO office. Furthermore, we've recently introduced the new face of Dusit.com with the enhanced development of the full Chinese version and mobile version, and in key locations appointed Chinese speaking property staff. All of which will help to increase our Chinese business to approximately eight per cent worldwide in 2011," said Ms Jennifer Cronin, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Dusit International.

New face of Dusit.com with the enhanced development of the full Chinese version

"Thailand and China have a shared heritage and the blend of the two cultures are a wonderful synergy in capturing Chinese guests, especially with Dusit's reputation for gracious Thai hospitality and our coverage of locations, including the Middle East, Philippines and the soon to open properties in India. With our new initiatives and strategies to attract this exciting growth market, we are strongly confident that our hotels and resorts will quickly become top of mind for the new Chinese leisure traveller and meeting planner," said Ms Cronin.

In addition, Dusit International has opened the first Development Office in Hong Kong on 1 May this year as part of its fast track expansion into China, starting with the first property - Dusit Thani Sanya, opening in 2012.

Dusit Thani Sanya is located on Hainan Island which is often referred to as the "Hawaii of the East" and the actual location of the resort is on the most easterly point of the island with spectacular views of the ocean and the coastline.

The development and opening of Dusit Thani Sanya will serve as another major milestone for Dusit International in entering China, which is considered a key strategic focus for the company's expansion and marks the beginning of creating a network of properties in one of the most dynamic and vital economies in the world.