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As part of its fast track expansion to India, Dusit International appoints Mr. Harsh Varma as the Regional Vice President to administer Dusit Bird Hotels Private Limited, a joint venture between Dusit International and Bird Group of India. Together, these two leading corporations will stimulate India’s hotel industry with Thai hospitality excellence and Indian innovation. Mr. Varma, the Indian-born hotelier will be the bridge to helping Dusit expand and develop its brand to this country.
“India has always been a key market for Dusit International. Since this is the first time Dusit will be entering the Indian market, we will need someone with the capability and expertise, and who understands the market from its heartbeat. We believe that Mr. Varma fulfills these requirements and will be a strong player to lead this team. With his broad vision for hotel operations, we are confident that our new hotels opening in India, such as the anticipated Dusit Devarana New Delhi opening 2010, will quickly establish itself as one of the leading hotels in the city,” said Mr. Octavio Gamarra, Senior Vice President, Dusit International.
“The Bird-Dusit Joint Venture is looking to bring the best in Asian hospitality to India before the Commonwealth Games in 2010 to meet some of the shortage in rooms that is anticipated before this second largest sporting event in the world. Every aspect of the Bird-Dusit properties will set a new benchmark for the hotel industry in the country. The appointment of Mr. Varma is the first step in building an exceptional team for our hospitality venture and we expect the team to grow to more than 200 people by the time we launch our first two properties next year,” said Mr. Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group.
“We are not only excited for this opportunity to expand Dusit International with the Bird Group in the booming Indian market, but also to be the first hotel management company that will successfully combine the unique qualities of Thai and Indian hospitality. I look forward to the challenges ahead with much enthusiasm,” said Mr. Varma.
Mr. Varma, a hotelier who speaks four languages fluently (English, Thai, Hindi, and Punjabi), and has devoted and achieved over 20 years of experience in the hospitality field began his life pursuing his interests in Economics and Law. After his studies, he found that his passion belonged to the hotel industry and decided to follow this dream. Mr. Varma obtained a diploma in hotel management from the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi and decided to embark on his career path with The Oberoi Group.
His dedication to The Oberoi Group endured for nearly 10 years which gave him the experience to become General Manager for two properties of the Ascott Group, the largest global serviced residence operator. He continued his career as General Manager with Oakwood City Residence (Bangkok), the largest serviced apartment development in Southeast Asia, and now to Dusit International as the Regional Vice President India.
Dusit Bird Hotels Private Limited forecasts the management of at least six hotels in India by 2013, including two properties in New Delhi and one in Jaipur which will be in operation by 2011. With Mr. Varma’s extensive background, he will unquestionably extend Dusit International’s vision to India with certain success.
 Mr. Harsh Varma Regional Vice President India for Dusit Bird Hotels Private Limited, A joint venture between Dusit International and Bird Group of India |
 Mr. Octavio Gamarra Senior Vice President, Dusit International |
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