Thailand-based hospitality group, Dusit International, is to target the Middle East as a priority market for its brand expansion with plans to operate at least 15 hotels - many with spas and wellness facilities - by 2015.

Speaking about the plans, Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International Chanin Donavanik said: "The Middle East is a strategically important market for Dusit, as the region remains one of the world's leaders in tourism. The success of our expansion into the Middle East will help pave the way for Dusit's future expansion and provide the impetus to pursue new growth opportunities in other markets."

The strategic expansion will include hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, as well as further properties in Bahrain, Oman and Qatar within the next three years.

Dusit currently operates five properties in the region: Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Princess City Centre Dubai, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina, Pearl Coast Premier Hotel Apartments and the Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo in Egypt. Details: www.dusit.com