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Dusit showcases brands at China roadshow

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TTR WEEKLY
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SHANGHAI, 4 July 2023: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, presented its expanding portfolio of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in China and beyond as part of a two-city ‘China Roadshow’ in Beijing and Shanghai.

The event was held from 27 to 30 June and reached out to leading trade and media partners.

Led by Mr Nichlas Maratos, VP – Commercial, Dusit International (front centre), Dusit’s delegation included sales executives from Dusit Hotels and Resorts in China, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam, as well as Global Sales Office leaders representing Dusit’s broader portfolio.

Led by Dusit International’s vice president of commercial, Nichlas Maratos, the delegation included sales executives from Dusit Hotels and Resorts in China, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam, as well as global sales office leaders representing Dusit’s broader portfolio. They made a presentation that explained Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for Chinese travellers at each of its properties.

This included delivering insights into the four pillars of Dusit; Graciousness – Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), Well-being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) – and how each property embraces these to deliver unique Thai-inspired offerings that appeal to the discerning tastes of Chinese travellers.

Among these offerings: Devarana Wellness, a group-wide wellness concept designed to address guests’ most shared concerns – including destressing, detoxifying, and enjoying a deep restorative sleep – and outstanding dining experiences featuring authentic local specialties made using the finest local ingredients.

The team also introduced its exciting roster of new and upcoming properties in key destinations worldwide. This included properties that opened during the past two years, such as ASAI Bangkok Chinatown (the first hotel under Dusit’s vibrant lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, which puts guests in the heart of Bangkok’s renowned Chinatown district), Dusit Hotel and Suites Doha (Dusit’s third hotel in Qatar) and Dusit Thani Tianmu Mountain Hangzhou (a luxury wellness-focused resort featuring a deluxe spa experience).

The spotlight shone on property openings within the first half of 2023, including Dusit Suites Athens (Dusit’s first hotel in Europe), Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi (a unique hybrid property in the Kenyan capital’s cosmopolitan Westlands neighbourhood), ASAI Kyoto Shijo (Dusit’s first hotel in Japan), ASAI Bangkok Sathorn (Dusit’s second ASAI-branded hotel, near Bangkok’s central business district), and dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok (the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city).

The upcoming wellness-focused Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou – slated to soft open in July – was also unveiled, as were Dusit’s first properties in Nepal, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and Dusit Princess Kathmandu (both soft opening in July); Dusit’s second hotel in Japan, Dusit Thani Kyoto (opening this September); Dusit’s return to India with the opening of Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata and dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla (both in Q4); and its expansion in the South of Thailand with Dusit Princess Phatthalung (Q4).

Dusit’s team also revealed that two more wellness-oriented properties will soon open in China, including Dusit Devarana Hangzhou and Dusit Princess Suites Hotel Ganzhou (both in Q4).

All these openings will see Dusit’s global portfolio grow to 62 hotels (approximately 13,700 keys) operating across 17 countries worldwide. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline and expected to open within the next three-to-four years.

La-ead Kovavisaruch (centre), Chief Executive Officer, Vimarn Suriya Company Limited, developer of the Dusit Central Park project, was also on hand with her team to share more details about this significant development.

Regarding the future of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, roadshow attendees also learned more about Dusit’s most significant project to date – the brand-new flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is scheduled to open in mid-2024 as part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark USD1.37 billion mixed-use development in the heart of Bangkok that will also comprise a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end shopping mall, a large roof park, and ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside). Representatives from the residences were on hand to share insights into why this prime address is the ultimate home-away-from-home for discerning Chinese investors.

Reflecting China’s importance as a key source market for Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, especially in the Middle East, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, Dusit’s team also highlighted the company’s commitment to continuing to add services, experiences, and activities that enhance the stays of Chinese travellers – and its vision to open more new properties throughout China.

“With 10 Dusit Hotels and Resorts already in operation in China, and with Chinese travellers among the top source markets for our properties worldwide, China holds great importance for our business, and we remain committed to sustainably expanding our presence in the country and enhancing our services for Chinese guests around the world,” said Mr Maratos. “This roadshow is a testament to our dedication to nurturing lasting relationships with our partners and guests, and we are delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to forge new alliances, celebrate achievements, and chart a course for further growth and success within China’s vibrant and dynamic hospitality market.”

Represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, Dusit has Global Sales Offices in Shanghai and Beijing. Dusit Hotels and Resorts currently in operation in China include Dusit Thani Dongtai; Dusit Devarana Hot Springs & Spa Conghua Guangzhou; Dusit Thani Wujin, Changzhou; Dusit Thani Qingfeng Garden, Changzhou; dusitD2 Binhu, Changzhou; Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay, Huizhou; Dusit Thani Tianmu Mountain, Hangzhou; Dusit Thani Wellness Resort Suzhou; Heritage Villas Zhouzhuang, Managed by Dusit; and Dusit Thani Wetland Park Resort Nanjing.

For more information, please visit dusit.com

About Dusit International

Dusit International, or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT), is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under eight brands (Dusit Devarana, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 17 countries worldwide.

Soft take-off for Kuching Umrah gateway

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 4 July 2023: Sarawak is set to become the regional Umrah Hub for Borneo through a strategic partnership between Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and ATS Global Travel & Charter Sdn. Bhd.

One of the initiatives of this partnership is to develop routes from Kuching to Jeddah and Madinah vis-a-vis airlines or air operators of choice.

Jeddah.

The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said: “This Kuching Umrah Gateway (KUG) soft take-off is a catalytic initiative by STB to make Kuching the regional Umrah Hub. This project is aligned to both Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan (STMP2035) Strategies of Connectivity.

The STMP 2035 has identified air connectivity as one of the imperatives to boost Sarawak’s tourism industry.”

The Minister added: “It is hoped that this initiative will open doors to more than 230,000 pilgrims over six years from Malaysia, Kalimantan, Brunei, and Southern Philippines. We are pleased that the ‘soft take-off’ on 29 August 2023 will come to fruition after working with relevant stakeholders along the supply chain towards successfully implementing the KUG Project.”

He shared: “I am confident that the connectivity through this initial seamless Umrah arrangements will see an overwhelming increase in the number of visitors to Sarawak from the region, giving them a chance to experience all that Sarawak has to offer. Once the KUG

goes on a full scale in the 4th quarter of this year, direct flights will be made available for pilgrims from Kuching. An added attraction of the package will be the opportunity to experience Kuching pre or post-Umrah.”

Echoing YB Minister, Dato’ A. Aziz Ahmad, chairman of ATS, shared, “This strategic partnership showcases our commitment to support STB in attracting more visitors to Sarawak through procuring and maintaining Carriers for the successful implementation of the KUG Project. We are working hard also to open opportunities for feeder flights to support the main line operations of the Umrah flight carriers. ATS will provide Charter flights and work closely with tour agents, including Sarawak Umrah and Hajj Agency (SUHA) and its members, to create attractive Umrah packages.”

To ensure the success of the KUG Project, ATS has also been tasked to procure the necessary approvals from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia, to enable direct flights from Kuching to Jeddah and/or Madinah targeted for the 4th quarter this year.

For the August soft take-off of the Project, Umrah flights would be made available once a week on the route Kuching – Kuala Lumpur – Jeddah and returning from Medinah to Kuching via Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, refer to www.sarawaktourism.com. 

Agents from Iran and UAE explore Malaysia

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TTR WEEKLY
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PUTRAJAYA, 4 July 2023: Two groups of travel trade partners, comprising 17 travel agents from Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently joined six-day/five-night familiarisation trips hosted by Tourism Malaysia.

The trips are part of a promotion focussing on “Malaysia’s colourful city and fun destinations”, presenting the latest product information.

Held in collaboration with Air Arabia, the first group from Iran travelled from Tehran via Sharjah in UAE to Kuala Lumpur to experience several tourism spots, including KLCC, KL Tower, Istana Negara, Merdeka Square, Central Market and Batu Caves before proceeding to the Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson to discover five-star luxury beach resorts. The eight participants also had the opportunity to visit Putrajaya and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities at Resorts World Genting.

The second trip involved nine travel agents from UAE, including representatives from Air Arabia, boarding from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur. Participants enjoyed water sports activities at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur, and visits to the brand-new Genting Skyworld and Sunway Lagoon.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar said: “Tourism Malaysia continues to enhance Malaysia’s tourism promotion to the Middle Eastern market apart from active participation in the latest edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 last May.”

“We hope the participating travel agents in this FAM Trips will fervently support us in selling tour packages to their respective markets in promoting Malaysia as a safe, value-for-money and preferred holiday destination.”

Last year, foreign tourists from Iran and UAE registered 7,570 and 3,230 arrivals to Malaysia, compared to 46,559 and 11,174 arrivals during the pre-pandemic level in 1999, respectively. There are currently three weekly Air Arabia direct flights from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur, with a seating capacity of 1,944 seats.

Melbourne breaks record for hosted events

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 July 2023: From medical conferences to trade expos and international conventions, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) celebrated the biggest month in its history, welcoming over 89,000 visitors through the doors and topping pre-Covid levels during May.

MCEC, in a report released on Monday, said it had hosted over 76 events during May, including manufacturing, hospitality, health, business, industry and consumer events.

Events hosted at MCEC have a ripple effect across Victoria, with MCEC employing close to 1,000 people and supporting over 1,700 suppliers and businesses in the operation and delivery of these events. MCEC works with over 600 food and beverage vendors to source products sustainably in Victoria.

May’s line-up of events started with Spineweek, which brought together 1,500 clinicians and scientists worldwide to foster scientific collaboration.

FoodService Australia, the leading hospitality and food trade event, was held at MCEC over three days. Over 8,000 industry professionals gathered to discover new ideas, products and suppliers, attend conferences and compete in the Chef of the Year competition.

Australian Manufacturing Week brought together nearly 16,000 attendees from 29 countries and showcased innovations, technologies and equipment in the advanced manufacturing sector.

The Good Food & Wine Show attracted over 26,000 attendees across the State to MCEC to watch their favourite celebrity chefs cook, participate in masterclasses and sample Australian produce and wines. 

At the end of May, MCEC hosted the Rotary International Convention, which attracted over 14,000 international delegates to Melbourne and delivered over USD91 million to the local economy. This major event took over the entire MCEC and Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne and Olympic Parks, with activations throughout the city. The event bid was led by Melbourne Convention Bureau, with the support of the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia.

These events directly contribute to the local economy, leaving a lasting legacy on the community and solidifying Melbourne’s reputation as a global knowledge and cultural hub. The diversity of events held at MCEC throughout the year showcases the city’s vibrant and inclusive culture, attracting visitors from all over the world. MCEC’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to sustainability make it a top choice for event organisers looking to impact both their attendees and the environment positively.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos commented: “Business events keep our hotels full, our restaurants buzzing, and our economy strong – no one does events quite like Victoria.”

“MCEC is a key event destination, and I congratulate the entire team for playing a role in attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state, supporting local businesses and jobs.”

HKTB names new Southeast Asia director

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 July 2023: The Hong Kong Tourism Board has made senior management changes in Southeast Asia, a region among the top source markets generating leisure visits to Hong Kong.

HKTB  confirmed Raymond Chan, regional director of Southeast Asia, has relocated back to Hong Kong to take the post of general manager of events and product development since 1 July 2023.

Martin Gwee has been appointed Director of Southeast Asia to lead the development and implementation of the HKTB’s marketing strategies in Southeast Asian markets.

Martin Gwee has been appointed director of Southeast Asia to lead the development and implementation of HKTB’s marketing strategies in Southeast Asian markets.

Hong Kong Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng expressed confidence in Gwee in his new role, saying: “With his extensive marketing experience, industry connections and keen understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of Southeast Asian travellers, I am certain that Martin will lead the team to drive a speedy recovery in the region by exciting Southeast Asian travellers about Hong Kong as a travel destination.”

Gwee joined the HKTB in 2016 and is currently the marketing director for Southeast Asia, responsible for public relations and consumer marketing in the region.

He has successfully implemented numerous award-winning PR and marketing campaigns in his current role. His efforts have significantly strengthened the competitiveness and visibility of Hong Kong as a leading travel destination for Southeast Asian travellers.

Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor opens 2026

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 July 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts announced Monday the signing of Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor in partnership with Recha Estate Co Ltd.

The 250-room property, scheduled to open in 2026, is part of the continued growth of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle estate across the country.

From left to right: Mongkhol Gambir, Managing Director, Recha Estate Co Ltd; Sirianont Srikureja, President and CEO, Recha Estate Co Ltd;  Patrick Finn, Vice President, Development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Saowarin Chanprakaisi, Senior Director, Development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

IHG has two Hotel Indigo properties in Thailand – in Bangkok and Phuket – and four in the pipeline.

IHG Hotels & Resorts senior director of development Southeast Asia and Korea, Saowarin Chanprakaisi said: “The Hotel Indigo brand has been expanding rapidly and is now strongly established in the region and globally. There are bold plans to expand its global footprint to more than 200 open hotels in the next three years as we introduce it to more guests worldwide.

Recha Estate Co Ltd president and CEO Sirianont Srikureja added: “For our first hotel project, we wanted a brand that will be a perfect fit for Thonglor, which is renowned as a stylish, design-led and upscale lifestyle district”

The 250-room property is located on Bangkok’s  Sukhumvit Road and is located close to the Thonglor BTS station.

Across Southeast Asia and Korea, four Hotel Indigo properties have opened, with 11 more in the pipeline. Prime destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Bandung, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.

TTC appoints new TCA president

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 July 2023: The Travel Corporation (TTC)  announced Monday an important leadership change in senior management that promotes Anjali Chandra to the president of Travel Corporation Asia (TCA).

In this new role, she will assume responsibility for the TCA brand while maintaining her role as managing director of global groups at The Travel Corporation (TTC).

TTC Tour Brands and TCA managing director Mae Cheah, together with the local sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, have been instrumental in growing the TCA business by building strong rapport and trust with the trade over the years. They will continue expanding the markets further and successfully support trade partners alongside Chandra.

Chandra has worked with TTC for 23 years, initially managing the Australian Groups Desk for Insight Vacations for many years before taking over an elevated role supervising global groups based out of London in 2014.

“Anjali has proven that she can rise to the challenge of meeting business needs while balancing market needs. I am sure she will apply her knowledge and expertise in the groups’ space to TCA with the same passion and tenacity,” said TTC Tour Brands chief operating officer Ulla Hefel Böhler. “This leadership update marks the next chapter in TCA’s ability to accelerate its growth strategy and adapt quickly to the unique nature of the competitive needs and cultural aspects of the Asian business, led by strong global and local expertise.”

Spectrum of the Seas back in China

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 3 July 2023: Vacationers planning to explore Asia can book four and seven-night vacations on Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas

The cruise line schedules its return to China in April 2024, when Spectrum will sail from Shanghai to popular getaway destinations like Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki and Osaka, Japan. The all-new vacations are now open for bookings on the cruise line’s website.

Back in China

“Chinese vacationers have been eagerly awaiting to wander and make memories throughout Asia again, and we are delighted to make that possible as the first international cruise line to open for bookings and cruise in China. And what better way to mark Royal Caribbean’s homecoming than with the return of Spectrum of the Seas, a ship specifically designed for Asia,” said Royal Caribbean Group senior vice president and chairman Asia Zinan Liu.

Specially designed for Asia and families with young children, Spectrum features a lineup of restaurants and entertainment options, including skydiving on the RipCord by iFly, scaling more than 300 feet above the ocean on North Star, the all-glass observation capsule, and bumper cars and sports in the largest indoor activity space at sea, SeaPlex.

ASAI Bangkok Sathorn commits to community

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 July 2023: ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second ASAI-branded hotel in Bangkok, which recently celebrated its opening, is intent on becoming a vibrant community hub, bringing the community together in events that embody the essence of the ASAI experience, according to Dusit International vice president – development global and ASAI Hotels’ head of Culture Siradej Donavanik.

“At ASAI, our commitment lies in enabling our guests to ‘Live Local’ and forging meaningful connections with our neighbours to craft extraordinary experiences for visitors and locals alike. The resounding success of the Hamlet Block Party is a testament to this community-focused approach, and we are delighted to have provided an unforgettable gathering for all who joined us.”

Explore the newest ASAI hotel in the heart of Sathorn with a special offer starting from THB 1699++ per night.

Created by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, ASAI Hotels is a distinctive lifestyle brand designed to link curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its operations are built on four pillars: Thoughtful Essentials, Common Areas, Locally Inspired, and Connected Community.

The first ASAI-branded property, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, opened in September 2020 in the heart of the city’s renowned Chinatown district. It is now one of the top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor. ASAI Bangkok Sathorn opened in May 2023. It aims to build on its successful launch by linking guests with another vibrant neighbourhood – this one renowned for its cluster of hip bars and restaurants – just a five-minute walk from Saint Louis BTS (Skytrain) Station and a few blocks away from the buzzing Silom Road, on Sathorn Soi 12.

Photo credit: ASAI Bangkok Sathorn.

Alongside 106 thoughtfully compact rooms that focus on the essentials, such as highly comfortable beds, powerful showers, high-quality amenities, and work desks with USB charging stations, the new property boasts a spacious and welcoming communal space that features a cosy neighbourhood bar, a comfortable co-working area, and ERR Rustic Thai Dining, as mentioned above.

Guests also benefit from ASAI’s team of ‘community ambassadors,’ who are on hand to share their in-depth knowledge of the neighbourhood and guide guests towards hidden gems and local treasures, with itineraries tailored to suit individual preferences.

The welcome mat rolls out for international visitors and local residents at ASAI Bangkok Sathorn. Grab a drink from the bar, catch up with friends or get some work done. The hotel’s comfy lounge is the perfect spot to relax and mingle before venturing out to explore the neighbourhood.

Photo credit ASAI Bangkok Sathorn.

For more information: ASIA
CHECK OUT: https://www.facebook.com/ASAIBangkokSathorn  for the latest offers and F&B promotions.

Centra by Centara expands in Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 July 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator and Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited, announced the signing of a hotel management agreement for Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok.

Senior management teams from both companies officially executed the agreement at a signing ceremony at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

The project marks Centara’s sixth hotel in Bangkok and the second HMA to be signed with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited. With plans to renovate an existing building, the hotel is scheduled to open its doors to guests in December 2024.

“It is a pleasure to be working with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited once again, and we are delighted to add a third Centra by Centara hotel to our offerings in Bangkok. Known for its comfort, value and convenience, we look forward to bringing the Centra by Centara brand to another part of the city for travellers to explore,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat.

Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited director Kunyarat Thongtam added: “We are excited to strengthen the relationship between Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited and Centara Hotels and Resorts. We are confident that the values of both our companies align, and we are thrilled to be bringing the elevated comfort of Centra by Centara to MICE and leisure travellers alike in the increasingly popular Ratchada areas”.

With 306 rooms across 32 floors, this new addition to the Ratchada neighbourhood is conveniently located a 10-minute walk to Ladprao MRT station. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, rejuvenating spa, a fully-equipped gym and a contemporary rooftop restaurant with spectacular city views.

Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok is the ninth Centra by Centara-branded property and the third in Bangkok, after the Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaweng Watthana and Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon.

For more information, please visit Centara’s website at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/.

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