In an era where travel and hospitality blend with visionary ambition, Centara Hotels & Resorts stands at the forefront, embarking on a transformative journey. As Thailand’s preeminent hotel operator, Centara is charting a course towards a revolutionary future, targeting a coveted position among the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027. This aspiration is not merely a goal but a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and sustainable luxury.
The foundation of this ambitious endeavour was solidified in 2023, a landmark year marking Centara’s 40th anniversary. Celebrating this milestone, the company unveiled a series of strategic successes, not least introducing the Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, marking its foray into Japan. Accolades such as Kincentric’s “Best Employers Thailand Award” and the “Strongest Brand in Thailand” for Centara Grand underscored the company’s stature and commitment to excellence. Achieving a staggering 52% increase in total revenues from the previous year and an 83% surge in EBITDA, Centara’s trajectory is one of robust growth and profitability.
The narrative of 2024 unfolds with Centara poised to unveil a constellation of new properties, brand evolutions, and guest experiences that promise to redefine hospitality. Among the highlights is the introduction of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, a multi-island destination that promises an unparalleled escape into luxury and adventure. This venture, alongside renovating flagship properties and expanding its diverse brand portfolio, underscores Centara’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Centara’s strategic vision is deeply rooted in Thai-inspired, family-centric hospitality, a philosophy that extends beyond mere accommodation to offer memorable experiences. The brand’s popular CentaraThe1 membership programme exemplifies this approach, offering enhanced benefits, rewards, and a digital ecosystem to enrich the guest’s journey.
Sustainability forms the bedrock of Centara’s operations, with the group steadfastly working towards significant environmental milestones, including a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2029 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This commitment is further evidenced by the certification of numerous properties by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC, reinforcing Centara’s role as a responsible and sustainable tourism steward.
In the words of Michael Henssler, Centara’s Chief Operating Officer, “2023 was a pivotal year… as we celebrated our 40th anniversary, moved into new markets, and achieved an upsurge in performance.” Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO, echoes this sentiment and expresses delight in the company’s rapid progress towards its global ambition, ascending from 150th to 111th in the worldwide hotel group rankings.
As Centara Hotels & Resorts continues to innovate and expand its horizons, it aims to ascend in the global rankings and redefine the essence of hospitality. Through its visionary projects, commitment to sustainability, and unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction, Centara is not just reaching for a place among the top 100 hotel operators but also setting a new standard for the industry.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach
