Brands
Dusit checks into India’s heartland with big plans and bigger pillows
MUMBAI: Who said luxury stays were only for metros? Dusit International, Thailand’s hospitality heavyweight, is going deep into India’s belly—and we’re not talking about Bangkok curry. After dipping its toes in the Himalayas with dusitD2 Fagu in Shimla, the brand is doubling down with a fresh batch of hotels in under-served but high-potential Indian cities. From Bhiwadi to Manali, the roadmap is equal parts spa, strategy and some serious swagger.
Dusit’s new game plan includes opening six properties across tier two and tier three cities like Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Lonavala (120 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and luxury boutique escapes in Kasol and Manali (40 keys each) under the Dusit Collection banner. It’s the brand’s way of sprinkling its signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality across India’s scenic but often overlooked travel gems.
“India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit – across major metros and particularly in tier two and tier three cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand,” said Dusit International VP – development (global) Siradej Donavanik. “The country’s tourism industry is evolving rapidly… We aim to create exceptional stays that resonate deeply with Indian travellers.”
Fresh off the December 2024 launch of its dusitD2 Fagu in Shimla, the company also inked deals for three more properties in Karnataka, including the wellness-centric Devarana Sakleshpur – A Dusit Retreat (expected to open in 2028), and two Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.
With a portfolio stretching from ultra-luxury Devarana to millennial-ready ASAI Hotels, Dusit isn’t aiming for mass expansion. It’s curating destinations with a wellness bent, premium design ethos, and genuine local flavour. Think essential oils meet essential Instagram content.
The hospitality giant is also walking the sustainability talk. Its Tree of Life programme aligns with the UN’s sustainable development goals through 31 measurable criteria — planting not just properties but purpose. From reducing impact to upskilling talent, Dusit is setting up more than just beds. It’s crafting a hospitality ecosystem, including local education through Dusit Hospitality Education.
All this fits into Dusit’s global ambition of signing over 100 hotels in the next five years, across emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan, and India. With its seamless blend of Thai flair and local insight, the group wants to turn every stay into an experience, not just an expense.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
