Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the past four decades, Centara has grown from a single hotel in 1983, its flagship Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, to a global hospitality brand with 93 properties across Asia and the Middle East.
Centara’s 40-year history is marked by numerous remarkable achievements. In 1986, the company acquired and renovated the historic Railway Hotel Hua Hin, now the heritage Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin which celebrated its 100-year anniversary this year. In 1990, Centara made a significant stride by becoming a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, solidifying its position in the industry. In 2007, ‘Central Hotels & Resorts’ rebranded itself as the globally recognised “Centara Hotels & Resorts,” defining its own unique identity.
In 2009, Centara launched its first ‘Mirage’ themed resort, Thailand’s premier family-focused property, with Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. This year also saw the opening of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, marking the brand’s first foray into the overseas market, which has since grown to include properties in Sri Lanka, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and most recently, Japan.
Centara achieved another major milestone in 2014, becoming the first and only hotel group to receive the prestigious Royal Insignia of the Sacred Garuda from His Majesty King Adulyadej Bhumibol, an esteemed recognition for the brand’s commitment to excellence.
In 2017, Centara introduced the innovative COSI hotel concept, tailored for tech-savvy travellers seeking a seamless and connected experience. Just four years later, the group launched its first venture into the luxury market with Centara Reserve. Leading the industry in story-driven hospitality, the flagship Centara Reserve Samui was named one of the top 10 best beach island resorts in Thailand at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.
Centara took its acclaimed ‘Mirage’ concept internationally in 2021, introducing its themed family resort concept in Vietnam and the UAE with Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne and Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Ever-growing and enhancing its global presence, Centara proudly unveiled the breathtaking Centara Grand Hotel Osaka this month, its debut property in Japan, showcasing a commitment to captivating guests with exceptional experiences across the world.
In addition to its property expansion, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to delivering world-class service through its signature warm hospitality and authentic Thai family values. Over the past 40 years the brand has solidified itself as The Place to Be for travellers and renowned guests, playing host to a myriad of illustrious celebrities and world leaders, including the Thai royal family, former US President Jimmy Carter, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and Jackie Chan.
Centara continues to be committed to growth and success with the aim of becoming one of the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027. To achieve this goal, Centara Hotels & Resorts is focused on expanding its global footprint with an array of projects in the pipeline across Thailand, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These include expanding the family themed ‘Mirage’ brand in the Maldives; the addition of three more luxury ‘Centara Reserve’ properties in Thailand and the Maldives; and much more.
The hotel group also remains at the forefront of hospitality and sustainability, with the goals of ending single-use plastic and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification at every property by 2025, reducing energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2029, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“We are proud to celebrate 40 years of excellence, innovation, and commitment to growing and evolving as a leading hospitality company,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “On behalf of Centara Hotels & Resorts, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our guests, partners, and associates for their support over the past four decades and for continuing to be part of our incredible journey.”
To kick off its 40-year anniversary celebrations, Centara Hotels & Resorts is rolling out a series of exciting campaigns, privileges and charitable initiatives throughout the rest of 2023, to thank guests for their enduring support. First up in the Wave of Celebrations is Centara’s 40-hour, 40% flash sale where the CentaraThe1 member discount on hotel stays is being increased from 15% to a remarkable 40% for a very limited time. Staring at 00:01 on 19th July, the offer ends at 16:00 on 20th July 2023 (GMT+7). More exciting discounts and surprises in the pipeline include complimentary hotel stays, CentaraThe1 points giveaways and more. To take advantage of these incredible perks, which will be released throughout the rest of this year, guests are encouraged to sign up for the free CentaraThe1 loyalty programme.
About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 93 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.
Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.
Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.