What’s next for Dusit Thani Manila? ALI mulls options

MANILA, Philippines — Discussions are ongoing about the future of Dusit Thani Manila, a five-star hotel in Makati whose land lease will expire next year.

“Just like any partner, we are talking about different possibilities and at the moment there is no agreement yet,” ALI president and CEO Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista-Dy told The STAR.

She said “there is back and forth” when asked if the Thailand-based hospitality company has proposed to extend the lease contract.

ALI chief finance officer Jed Quimpo said discussions are still ongoing and the property giant is exploring multiple options.

“We’re waiting for the project team to let us know what are the different options available to us, but right now (it is) continuing as is,” he also told The STAR.

A Dusit Thani Manila representative previously told The STAR that the hotel’s current land lease extends until the end of 2027, noting that Manila remains a crucial destination for Dusit and the company is committed to maintaining an active presence in the Philippine hospitality industry.

At present, however, a Dusit Thani Manila representative said they are unable to comment further, saying that active discussions are  currently underway regarding the matter.

Dusit Thani Manila offers over 500 rooms and suites, as well as world-class dining destinations and full-service facilities.

Dusit, a hospitality group based in Thailand, ventured overseas in 1997 by acquiring Hotel Nikko Manila.

After major renovations, the hotel was relaunched as Dusit Thani Manila in 2008.