Thai hotel and property development company Dusit International has entered a strategic partnership with French real estate investment company Sydel to form Dusit France.

This joint venture (JV) marks Dusit International's first foray into the French market, aiming to introduce its Thai-inspired hospitality.

The collaboration will use Sydel's expertise in the local market to scout for potential locations for Dusit Hotels and Resorts' nine different brands covering various segments from budget-friendly lifestyle hotels to upscale luxury resorts.

The brands under consideration for the French market include Devarana – Dusit Retreats, dusitD2, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, and Dusit Thani.

The JV will also focus on assisting asset owners with repositioning efforts and developing new hotel concepts suited to the French hospitality sector.

Dusit currently operates 294 properties across 18 countries, with 55 under the Dusit Hotels and Resorts brand and 239 luxury villas managed by Elite Havens.

In Europe, the company has a presence with the upper-upscale Dusit Suites Athens in Glyfada, a coastal area of Greece.

Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sydel to seek opportunities to expand Dusit’s footprint and bring our distinctive brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to France – one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations.

“This partnership marks an important milestone in our global expansion strategy, and we are confident that our unique blend of cultural authenticity, innovation, and gracious service will resonate strongly with travellers and developers alike.”