Bournemouth University was one of the partners at the Dusit Gracious Hospitality and Tourism International Conference 2017 that took place at the Dusit Thani College Bangkok Thailand 29th November to 2nd December 2017 http://dusitconference.com/. 
Professor Dimitrios Buhalis Head of Department of Tourism and Hospitality Bournemouth University was the CoChair of the conference and worked closely with the Chair Dr Sarote Phornprapha President Dusit Thani College for the design and the delivery of the amazing conference programme http://dusitconference.com/programme/ and fantastic speakers from around the world http://dusitconference.com/speaker-profile/.
The conference attracted 200 people and provided a forum for discussion on Gracious Hospitality and Tourism. Asian Hospitality and Tourism is often seen as offering superior experiences to visitors and guests. Within the Thailand and the Dusit Thani Hotels and College context, Gracious Hospitality and Tourism is emblematic of the experience cocreation. Hospitality infused with authentic Thai values ensures the relentless focus on guest experience as part of Thai heritage. Kindness, compassion, and care are all in the DNA, and inspire the same distinctive service at each Dusit branded property worldwide.
Thai hospitality is epitomised by graciousness, offering courteous, kind, and pleasant, courteous, polite, civil, chivalrous, well mannered, mannerly, decorous, tactful, diplomatic; kind, benevolent, considerate, thoughtful, obliging, accommodating, indulgent, magnanimous, friendly, amiable, cordial, hospitable experiences. This is often in contrast to different styles of hospitality and tourism found around the world. 
This conference adopted an inclusive approach and focused on the opportunities and challenges of Gracious Hospitality and Tourism. It analysed a range of hospitality and tourism businesses and organisations and explored dynamic innovations to maintain competitive advantages. The conference had a strong future focus towards 2030 and aims to become an annual event.
