Thailand’s Centara Accelerates Asia Hospitality Growth with New Hotels in Nepal, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand Following Strong Tourism Recovery and Sustainable Expansion: What You Need to Know

Written By: Ananya Dey

Ananya Dey

I amAnanya Dey, a Journalism and Mass Communication postgraduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Honours). I am passionate about travel, writing, and research, with a strong interest in storytelling and content creation.

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July 12, 2026 10:21 PM

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Thailand’s hospitality industry continues to strengthen its international presence as Centara Hotels & Resorts advances one of its largest expansion programmes across Asia. Following a year of portfolio growth, new resort openings and significant sustainability achievements, the hotel operator is preparing to extend its footprint into new destinations while enhancing guest experiences through digital innovation and responsible tourism.

According to Centara Hotels & Resorts, the company recorded strong business growth during 2025 and is continuing its regional expansion in 2026 with new hotels in Nepal, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand. The strategy complements the broader recovery of tourism across Asia, where governments and tourism authorities continue promoting international arrivals, infrastructure development and sustainable travel.

Strong Financial Performance Supports Future Expansion

Centara reported that 2025 marked one of its strongest operational years despite continued challenges affecting the global hospitality industry.

The company announced full-year revenue of THB 12,318 million, representing approximately 10% growth compared with the previous year. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also increased, supported by stronger average daily room rates across the portfolio.

According to Centara, the opening of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, including the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, contributed significantly to the company’s growth during the year.

While hotel operating profit declined slightly due to investments in new developments and resort upgrades, the company indicated that these investments support its long-term expansion strategy.

Tourism Recovery Creates New Opportunities

The recovery of regional tourism continues to provide favourable conditions for hospitality investment across Asia.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues promoting Thailand’s tourism recovery through international marketing campaigns and destination development, while tourism authorities across Japan, Vietnam and Nepal are encouraging increased international visitation through infrastructure improvements and new tourism experiences.

Centara expects these positive market conditions to support further business growth throughout 2026.

New Hotels Expand Centara’s Asian Footprint

One of the most significant developments during 2026 is Centara’s expansion into several strategic destinations across Asia.

The company’s international growth began with the opening of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, marking Centara’s first property in Nepal.

In Japan, the Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka is scheduled to become the group’s second property in the country, expanding its presence within one of Asia’s largest inbound tourism markets.

Vietnam also represents an important growth destination.

Centara plans to open Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don together with Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don, adding nearly 1,000 new rooms to its Vietnam portfolio and strengthening its presence in Quang Ninh Province near Bai Tu Long Bay.

Within Thailand, the Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani is expected to open later in the year, supporting domestic tourism and regional business travel.

Resort Transformations Strengthen Thailand Portfolio

Alongside international expansion, Centara continues investing in its established Thai properties.

The company confirmed that two flagship resorts will undergo significant redevelopment during 2026.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin will receive extensive upgrades designed to enhance the guest experience.

Meanwhile, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi will be repositioned as Centara Reserve Krabi, becoming only the second property under the company’s premium Reserve brand.

These projects reflect growing demand for luxury experiences while supporting Thailand’s premium tourism segment.

Maldives Continues Supporting Luxury Tourism Growth

The Maldives remains one of Centara’s most important international destinations.

According to the company, the full opening of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts represented its most ambitious development project to date.

The integrated destination includes multiple hospitality brands across interconnected islands, expanding accommodation choices for international visitors seeking luxury experiences in the Indian Ocean.

The project also reflects continued confidence in the Maldives’ tourism sector, supported by the country’s international reputation as one of the world’s leading island destinations.

Smart Technology Enhances Guest Experiences

Digital transformation has become a central part of Centara’s long-term strategy.

The company has introduced a new Centara Data Warehouse, allowing more advanced analysis of guest preferences while supporting personalised travel experiences.

Centara also developed a new booking platform designed to improve connectivity and prepare for future artificial intelligence integration.

Its mobile application, launched during late 2025, has already attracted more than 100,000 downloads, according to the company.

These investments aim to improve operational efficiency while providing travellers with smoother booking and personalised hospitality experiences.

Sustainability Remains a Strategic Priority

Environmental responsibility continues shaping Centara’s future development.

The company has established a long-term objective of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to Centara, several environmental improvements were achieved during 2025, including reductions in:

• Energy consumption
• Water use
• Waste sent to landfill
• Overall greenhouse gas emissions

Solar power generation also expanded following the installation of solar panels across multiple properties.

Centara further announced that it became Thailand’s first hotel group to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across its entire portfolio, reflecting its commitment to internationally recognised sustainability standards.

Responsible Business Extends Beyond Environmental Goals

Centara’s sustainability strategy also includes social responsibility.

The company reported partnerships with 66 educational institutions, providing internship opportunities for more than 3,000 students pursuing hospitality careers.

Employment programmes supporting senior citizens and people with disabilities also remain part of Centara’s broader commitment to inclusive workforce development.

These initiatives align with growing expectations that tourism businesses contribute positively to local communities alongside environmental protection.

Global Marketing Supports Continued Growth

Centara continues strengthening relationships with travel professionals worldwide.

The company plans promotional roadshows across 18 countries, introducing new properties while reinforcing partnerships with travel agencies, tour operators and international tourism organisations.

The opening of the Osaka hotel is expected to strengthen business opportunities in Japan, South Korea and the United States, while complementing Centara’s established markets throughout Europe, Asia, Russia and the Middle East.

Brand development also remains an important priority through the expansion of the Centara Grand Experience and continued growth of the Centara Reserve collection.

Industry Recognition Reflects Strong Corporate Performance

Centara’s business performance has been recognised through multiple industry awards.

According to the company, these include honours for executive leadership, investor relations and corporate governance, alongside sustainability awards and inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for a third consecutive year.

The company also received the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), recognising its commitment to responsible tourism practices.

Long-Term Vision Continues Driving Regional Growth

Centara has stated its ambition to become one of the world’s top 100 hotel groups by 2027.

This objective is supported by continued investment in new destinations, sustainable operations, digital transformation and family-focused hospitality experiences.

As tourism demand strengthens across Asia, the company’s expanding presence in Thailand, Nepal, Japan, Vietnam and the Maldives positions it to benefit from increasing regional and international travel.

Through new hotels, upgraded resorts, environmental initiatives and technology-driven guest services, Centara is reinforcing Thailand’s growing influence within the global hospitality industry while contributing to the continued development of sustainable tourism across Asia.