Leading Thai hotel operator Centara faces a busy 2025, as it embarks on a schedule that will see it launch nine new hotels and resorts.

The additions will see Centara open its portfolio into new markets in Indonesia and Nepal, as it enters those countries for the first time. There will also be extensive property renovations, and a digital upgrade for the business.

Building on a successful performance

The growth comes after a strong year for the business in 2024. Total revenues grew 12% year on year, while net profits were up 43% to THB 1.1 billion.

“2024 was an outstanding year for Centara, as our business rebounded strongly,” said COO Michael Henssler. “We have carried this positive momentum into 2025 and are well on track towards achieving our target of becoming a top 100 global group and boosting revenue to THB20 billion by 2027.”

New launches will kick off with the opening of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, planned for April 2025. It will be joined by the Annapurna Mountain Resort in Nepal, and a new Centara Collection resort in Bali, Indonesia. And two hotels in Vietnam – Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, and Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don- will between them add almost 1,000 rooms to the portfolio.

In its home market of Thailand, the current portfolio of 51 operated hotels will see four additions. These are Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi, Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, Saree Samui, joining the Centara Collection, and Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani.

Two Thai properties have scheduled renovations. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin will have a phased refurbishment to update its interiors, while also adding 70 villas, which will join the Centara Collection. Alongside the existing property, a new Centara Life branded hotel is also in the works.

Also seeing the decorators will be Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi. The resort will close to guests while work takes place, reemerging as Centara Reserve Krabi following the substantial upgrade.

Guests will also see a step change in their experience of Centara. By mid year, a new guest-focused app will launch, simplifying the reservation process, and allowing for more personalisation and the deployment of smart AI to assist guests. Greater use of social media is also planned, to support a younger demographic.

Taking the lead in sustainability

As a major hotel group, Centara is also focused on leadership in the sustainability space. The group has set itself targets of a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by 2029, and a 20% reduction in water use, by 2029. Looking further ahead, the company’s aim is to get to overall net zero as a business by 2050.

Already progress is well on the way, and 2024 saw Centara deploy solar panels to create green electricity on eight more hotels. Centara became the first hotel group in Thailand to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, with 93% of its properties certified.