Thai-Inspired

Hospitality Where the memories you make last infinitely longer.

An Interview with Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, dusitD2 Constance Pasadena exterior (left); and studio suite (above)

EDITORS’ NOTE Lim Boon Kwee In 2018, Dusit will open the pio- to suit both gourmets and casual diners alike, and joined Dusit International in March neering Dusit Hospitality Management we always make a point of employing top culinary 2013 as President of Dusit Fudu Hotel College, a unique fully integrated hospi- talents who use only the finest ingredients. Management Company Ltd. Prior to tality school and dusitD2 hotel in , How critical is Dusit’s spa component? this, Lim was the Senior Vice President . is famous for its signature massage of Millennium and Copthorne for Asia. What are the key characteristics treatments, and our guests, both business and lei- He has worked for companies such of a Dusit hotel and how do you pro- sure travelers, very much enjoy using our spa as Westin, Intercontinental, Sedona vide consistency within the proper- services. Under the Dusit brand, we operate two International, Shangri-La Hotels ties while also customizing your distinctive spa experiences – Devarana and Namm. & Resorts, and New World Hotels & product to the local market? The former is an upmarket sanctuary offering a Resorts. Lim holds a Bachelor of Science The key characteristics of any Dusit wide range of treatments conducted using premium degree in Business Administration from property revolve around our gracious, products; the latter is an urban retreat offering the the University of Denver in Hotel and Lim Boon Kwee Thai-inspired service. We are proud of latest in beauty and wellness treatments conducted Restaurant Management as well as a our heritage, and we want to the world in contemporary surroundings. Master of Business Administration from the Nanyang to know it. This transpires in our brand promise – Our many years of experience operating suc- Business School of the Nanyang Technological “to deliver an experience that enlivens the individual cessful high-end spas means we are also well-posi- University, . spirit, no matter the journey.” To ensure we achieve tioned to offer consulting for luxury spas operating this, the management and staff at each of our prop- under Dusit’s own spa brands, or a customized COMPANY BRIEF Dusit International (dusit.com) erties receives Dusit’s core training about how to concept. has more than 60 years’ experience in the hotel and best deliver our signature service to our guests. With the impact that technology has had hospitality field. Founded in 1949 by Honorary We pay close attention to the fine details, so on the hotel industry, how do you ensure that Chairperson Thanpuying , whose that no matter where a guest is in the world, if Dusit does not lose the human touch and per- first hotel was the Princess on ’s New Road, they enter a Dusit hotel, they will find the same set sonal interaction the brand is known for? Dusit International has since acquired a unique of signature amenities and facilities as they would As a modern hospitality brand, people and portfolio of distinctive hotels, building upon Thai find in a property of the same brand in Thailand. technology are at the core of everything we do. culture and tradition to create a personalized wel- Each property also customizes its F&B offer- While we do embrace new technology and all the come for all guests made distinctive under the Dusit ings to suit the local market. benefits it has to offer, we will always ensure that International brand promise; the delivery of an What are your plans for expansion into human touch and personal interaction remain at the ‘experience that enlivens the individual spirit, no new markets and would you highlight some of forefront of the Dusit hospitality experience. These matter the journey.’ Dusit International com- the properties in development for Dusit? hallmarks make us unique, and to keep them intact prises four hotel brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit We are actively growing globally and now we must carefully implement technology in a way Princess, and Dusit Devarana. It also operates Dusit have 45 confirmed projects in the pipeline. In that reinforces our staff’s ability to offer gracious, Residences and its own signature Devarana Spa. the next three years alone, the number of operating personalized service rather than detract from it. Dusit hotels is set to double. Specifically, we are While we are in the process of revamping WhatmakesDusitsospecialandwhathasbeen growing well in emerging markets such as the our technology, leveraging the latest digital tools to thesecrettoitssuccess? Philippines, , , Sri Lanka, and improve operational efficiency and improve online As a hospitality brand, Dusit is unique. Myanmar. We are also working on many new proj- transactions, we are also using it for training pur- Founded in 1949, the company has since gone on ects across the Middle East and Africa. poses and skill development. Not only does this to establish a presence in key markets across the Our first dusitD2 in the Middle East opened in mean that our staff is better positioned to offer a globe and is one of only a few Thai-owned hospi- December, and our first resort in Singapore, Dusit high level of service to our guests, but they are also On Location at Montage Laguna Beach tality brands to have a multinational presence. Thani Laguna Singapore will be open at the end happier, too. And happy staff means happy guests. The secret to our success is our gracious, Thai- of this year. What are the key ingredients to a true lux- inspired hospitality, which we have carefully imple- How does Dusit approach food and bev- ury hotel experience today and has it become mented at our properties overseas as well as across erage and what are the keys to having a suc- more about customizing the guest experience? Whether your plans call for a romantic retreat, a family adventure or an urban escape, we invite you four unique hotel brands. cessful hotel restaurant? The key ingredients of a true luxury hotel The company also has a fast-growing The key to success for any restaurant, whether experience today all revolve around the guest to experience our collection of extraordinary destinations. From the legendary shores of Hawaii to Education Division. Established in 1993, it com- stand-alone or hotel based, is offering value with experience and how we can best tailor our services the charm of the South Carolina coast, Montage Hotels & Resorts provides the perfect backdrop prises , which offers vocational quality food and beverages at a reasonable price – to meet our guests’ needs. From check-in through to create memories that can be cherished long after you return home. and postgraduate hospitality degrees at campuses and ensuring people regularly frequent our venue. to check-out, luxury guests expect to be thoroughly in Bangkok and ; Le Cordon Bleu Dusit To ensure there is a buzz about our F&B oper- pampered throughout their stay. Facilities and ame- (866) 551-8244 montagehotels.com Culinary School; and the recently opened Dusit ations, we regularly refresh our restaurant menus nities should always be top of the line, service must Thani Hotel School, which is Thailand’s first hos- by adding enticing new dishes, and we also regu- be personalized, and staff and management should BEVERLY HILLS | DEER VALLEY | KAPALUA BAY | LAGUNA BEACH pitality school based on the ASEAN Common larly introduce exciting new concepts and promo- go beyond expectations to deliver a truly memo- PALMETTO BLUFF | LOS CABOS (Opening Early 2018) Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals. tions. Across our brands, we have dining outlets rable experience.• 110 LEADERS POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2017 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. VOLUME 40, NUMBER 1

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