Dubai: Dnata's luxury hotels division says it has more than doubled its portfolio with the addition of Thailand's Centara brand.
Centara Hotels and Resorts is described as Thailand's largest hotel chain. The company owns and operates 26 hotels and resorts across the country including properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Pha Ngan and Pattaya. It also says it has properties in India, the Maldives and Egypt.
The announcement came shortly after Dnata said it had added resorts in Italy and Mauritius to its growing portfolio.
Lisa Balsom, Manager of Luxury Hotels by Dnata, said: "We are delighted to represent such distinguished hotels and resorts in new destinations. All of the new hotel companies have retained us for sales, marketing and public relations in the Gulf region".
"Our portfolio is rapidly expanding with a diverse range of properties that are suitable for both expats and GCC travellers," Balsom said.
No monopoly
"We very much look forward to showcasing the hotels to the region.
"The aim is to bring to attention several new resorts that perhaps people had not thought of visiting before. Destinations such as Hah Hin in Thailand and Florence in Italy allow travellers to see different parts of countries they may have visited before."
Alpha Tours CEO Gassan Aridi said some tour operators in the region might be worried about Dnata's latest addition.
He said: "I do not think Dnata are developing a monopoly on the industry but some operators might be a little concerned by this news.
"We all have special deals with various hotel groups and of course there are many resorts around the world that we would all love to add to our portfolios," Aridi said.
"[The addition of Centara] is a very good move by Dnata as it will enhance their product but it is also good for the travel industry and the main beneficiaries will of course be UAE residents.
"Thailand is a destination very much in demand from travellers in the Gulf and indeed the entire Middle East. This move by Dnata will provide travellers from the region more choice when they considering Thailand."
Dnata is described as one of the largest suppliers of air travel services in the Middle East. The name Dnata is an acronym for "Dubai National Air Transport Association".
