NEW DELHI - Thai hotel chain Amari Wednesday said it planned to invest $44.1 million in India by 2010 as part of its Asian growth strategy.

The group, which currently has 11 properties in key destinations across Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya plans to operate 40 more properties in Asia Pacific by 2018.

“The next few years will see many changes both at the brand and property levels, ensuring that we continue to set new standards in modern Asian hospitality,” said Amari chief executive Peter Henley.

“Recognising the competitiveness in today’s hospitality industry, we realised that to maintain and develop our position we needed to create a long-term plan to take the company forward,” he added.

As part of this strategy, Amari will spend $2 million on brand building in key markets including India, Britain, Russia and Hong Kong.