Dusit International Debuts in Nepal with Two Distinctive New Resorts

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, a well-known part of Dusit International, has recently made its first foray into Nepal by opening two new properties: Dusit Princess Kathmandu and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel. These establishments are scheduled to start receiving guests on the 17th and 24th of July, respectively.

Situated in the lively Lazimpat neighborhood of Nepal's capital, the Dusit Princess Kathmandu is designed to serve both business and leisure travelers. Its prime location is close to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and just a short drive from popular attractions like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa. The hotel boasts 107 elegantly furnished guest rooms, a dedicated Thai restaurant, a gourmet outlet, and a rooftop lounge offering stunning city views. Additionally, the hotel provides a spa, gym, and several meeting spaces.

Not far behind the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu is the inauguration of Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel. Nestled in the peaceful Himalayan foothills, this luxurious resort promises a calming escape close to nature while also serving as an ideal wellness destination. With 54 guest rooms and suites, 18 exclusive villas, a wellness center, an outdoor infinity pool, and numerous dining options on offer, guests are sure to be pampered.

Mr. Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer at Dusit International expressed his excitement at the launch of these two properties in Nepal. He looks forward to providing guests with unforgettable experiences through their unique blend of Thai-inspired hospitality and local cultural influences.

To commemorate their openings, both hotels are presenting special introductory deals. The offer for Dusit Princess Kathmandu includes a Superior room with breakfast for two along with a set dinner at their Thai restaurant for NPR 16,500 (USD 125) per night. Guests booking the Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel package will enjoy daily breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, a 30-minute neck and shoulder massage for two, among other perks.

As Dusit's first ventures in Nepal, these properties bolster their worldwide portfolio to 54 hotels under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and more than 240 luxury villas with Elite Havens across 19 countries. Over 60 new Dusit locations are currently in development around the globe.

Foreign investment in Nepal’s hospitality sector is beginning to gain momentum, backed by the country's unique attractions and proactive government support. Notable policies, such as permission for 100% foreign direct investment in tourism-related construction projects like hotels and resorts, have made the nation an attractive destination for international investors.

It's critical for prospective investors to consider potential risks and challenges while examining the promising opportunities within Nepal's hospitality sector. Overall, given its growth potential and government initiatives backing further development, this industry holds considerable promise for international institutions seeking investment opportunities.

The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has shared that as of FY19, there are now 135 star-rated hotels in the country, including 14 five-star establishments. With a capacity of 40,856 rooms, Nepal can comfortably host around 2.5 million visitors. This growth in the hotel sector is a clear sign that the hospitality industry is on the rise.

Let's imagine a theoretical investment opportunity. Picture an international organization looking to put money into building a 100-room hotel in Kathmandu. If the average construction cost per hotel room is $50,000, the total required investment would come to $5 million. Assuming an average occupancy rate of 60% and a nightly room rate of $100, an annual revenue of roughly $2.19 million could be earned from room bookings alone. We haven't even factored in extra income from ancillary services like food and beverage, spa treatments, and the like - which could provide a substantial boost to overall revenue.

To sum up, Nepal's hospitality industry offers quite an attractive investment opportunity for global institutions, thanks to its potential for growth and government support. That being said, it's crucial for would-be investors to carefully evaluate any risks and take into account potential challenges before taking the plunge into this market.