Representatives from Dusit International and Colours International officially signed the joint venture company agreement on Tuesday 28 March 2017 at International House of Japan on Roppongi Road. Left to right: Mr Yoshihiro Matsumoto, President of Colours International - Ms Suphajee Suthumpan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International - Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dusit International — Photo by Dusit

Global hospitality company Dusit International today announced the formation of Dusit Colours Co., Ltd., a joint venture company launched in partnership with Colours International Co., Ltd., operator of the E-Hotel chain, in Japan.

Marking Dusit International's debut in Japan, Dusit Colours aims to develop and operate Dusit-branded hotels and hotel management related education. As part of the agreement, both companies will work closely together to develop a distinctive hotel franchise model informed by the best of Thai and Japanese hospitality cultures and traditions.

Dusit International owns 49 per cent of the company, while Colours International owns 51 per cent. The joint venture company will explore opportunities in several major Japanese cities, including Kyoto, as candidate sites for hotels under Dusit International's five-star Dusit Thani brand, and is also considering projects under other Dusit hotel brands, including dusitD2, DusitPrincess, and Dusit Devarana.

Japan is among the top ten destinations for travelers worldwide and draws ever increasing numbers of visitors each year. Visitor numbers grew by an average of 33% per annum between 2011-2015, and in 2017 the country recorded its most successful January yet by welcoming almost 2.3 million international visitors. With Japan preparing to host the Olympics in 2020, Dusit International is confident this upward trend will only continue and is delighted to be exploring options in this lucrative market.

"Two core areas for Dusit's profitable and sustainable growth include balance and expansion," said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International and Director of Dusit Colours. "In the next three years we aim to broaden our portfolio to have more than 50 per cent of our operations outside of Thailand, and entering key markets such as Japan will be essential to reaching this goal. We are delighted to partner with Colours International for this joint venture. Their local expertise and knowledge will prove invaluable as we explore projects designed to delight visitors and residents alike in Kyoto."

Mr Yoshihiro Matsumoto, President of Colours International, said, "Both Dusit International and Colours International are known for delivering distinctive hospitality inspired by the cultures of their native countries, so there's a real synergy between our operations. We look forward to making this joint venture a resounding success."

About Colours International

Colours International operates E-Hotels, a business hotel chain in Japan. It embraces "Cheerfulness, Fun and Warmth" as its core hospitality principles and offers its guests places, times, and services that are personal and comfortable.

Colours also plans to develop a higher-end business hotel franchise, the "E-Hotel Premium," which will be equipped chic decor and cutting-edge technology in great locations. The company aspires to make hotels that help invigorate Japan and create the next cultural foundations for the country while working in harmony with local communities.

For more information, please visit www.colours-international.jp

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit dusit.com.

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.