The Skift Travel Podcast From Local Roots to Global Reach: Asia’s Hospitality Growth Strategy
Join industry leaders Rafat Ali, CEO & Co-Founder of Skift, and Siradej "Champ" Donavanik, Vice President Development (Global), of Dusit International, as they explore how Asian hospitality brands are carving out a unique identity amid global competition.
From managing villas across continents to expanding beyond Thailand, they discuss the importance of cultural authenticity, personalized guest experiences, and balancing technology with the human touch.
Dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia’s booming travel markets, the impact of geopolitical shifts on tourism, and how Dusit leverages bespoke hospitality and strategic partnerships to grow in diverse markets, including India, China, Japan, and Europe.
Learn how innovation, tradition, and education intersect to redefine what hospitality means in an increasingly connected world.
Presented by EF World Journeys.
Key Themes:
- Managing and marketing villas across 20+ countries on four continents
- Diversifying beyond Thailand: growth priorities in Southeast Asia, India, China, and Europe
- Leveraging Asian hospitality’s unique, personalized service as a competitive edge
- Balancing high-tech tools with high-touch human interaction for better guest experiences
- Using technology to free staff for more meaningful guest engagement, not replace them
- Overcoming challenges from geopolitical issues and natural disasters in Thailand
- Promoting cross-cultural education and ASEAN hospitality competency standards
- Targeting fast-growing emerging markets: Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines
- Entering complex markets like India with local partners and long-term commitment
- Exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia and new European territories
- Positioning Asian hospitality brands as distinctive alternatives to Western global chains
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