Thai hotel chain Dusit International is to develop 40 properties in China.
A collaboration with Dossen International Group, one of the fastest growing hotel groups in China, will see DusitPrincess resorts and residences in China being developed and operated.
Dossen aims to sign at least 40 DusitPrincess hotels in major leisure destinations throughout China within the next five years.
Twenty-seven are expected to open before 2022, with the rest to follow in subsequent years.
Dossen currently operates more than 1,200 hotels under eight brands in over 200 cities worldwide.
The World Tourism Organisation predicts China will become the largest travel destination by 2020, with an estimated 137.10 million international arrivals, equating to 8.6% of the global share.
With per capita income in China increasing at an average 11% per year since 2010, domestic tourism has also risen significantly, leading to a growing demand for quality leisure and wellness holiday destinations within the country.
Dusit believes its new partnership with Dossen will trigger rapid expansion of the DusitPrincess brand within China.
Group chief executive, Suphajee Suthumpun, said: “This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to increase the scale and reach of our brands and operations in China.
“Dossen International Group’s local knowledge and expertise, combined with our own experience, regional distribution channels, and distinctive brand of gracious hospitality, will provide a truly compelling proposition for owners.
“We are confident this will expedite the expansion of the DusitPrincess brand within China. We look forward to establishing a long and prosperous relationship with the Dossen group.”
Dossen founder, chairman and chief executive Allan Cheng added: “We have rich experience localising international brands, and by improving market share and brand awareness of the DusitPrincess brand within China, we are confident we can make it a huge success.”