Absolute Hotel Services (AHS), the Bangkok-based company that operates the Eastin and U Hotels brands, has signed a major deal that will allow it to expand in Europe.

The company has penned a partnership with Vienna House, one of Austria’s largest hotel groups, which will enable both companies to build their brands in Europe and Asia. Vienna House, which currently operates 36 European hotels, was recently acquired by Thai developer U City – a major shareholder in Bangkok’s BTS skytrain company.

Following the deal, AHS said it plans to set up a European office in Vienna, which it will use to launch its U Hotels & Resorts brand in Europe. Vienna House also plans to bring its hotel brand to Asia with the opening of an office in Bangkok.

Responding to questions from Travel Daily on Monday (3 July 2017), AHS said it currently in the process of finding a suitable U Hotel project in Europe and that it expects to make an announcement in due course.

“In Vienna House I can think of no better a partner to introduce our U properties into Europe,” said AHS CEO, Jonathan Wigley. “Their reputation precedes them for an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and authentic hospitality, which is exactly what we at AHS are looking for to spearhead our expansion westwards.”

This westward expansion has already seen AHS sign its first European hotel, the U Istanbul, which is currently under development. The Vienna House collaboration however, will mark the company’s debut in a European Union country.

For Vienna House, its entry into Thailand will mark the first time it has expanded outside Europe. The company currently operates hotels in eight countries, including properties at Disneyland Paris.

“Having Absolute Hotel Services as our partner in Asia is a genuinely exciting time for us as now we have the strong background and unwavering support of an already well-established and respected company to bring the Vienna House experience to a whole new market in Asia,” said Rupert Simoner, CEO of Vienna House.