IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The MOU provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visitation to Saudi Arabia from key markets across Middle East and Africa region. This includes developing customised promotions, joint marketing campaigns, and promotion through loyalty programs which will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most exciting destination to an international audience. The MOU was signed at the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai, by James Britchford, Vice President Commercial at IHG for India, Middle East and Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East & Africaat Saudi Tourism Authority. With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the Kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hospitality group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by growing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to further support the Kingdom’s economic Vision by investing in developing Saudi talent in the Kingdom, with an ambition to hire 6,000 nationals across it’s growing portfolio by 2030. James Britchford, Vice President, Commercial, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “As a reflection of our commitment to support the growth of the tourism industry within the Kingdom, we are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Collaborations with key government entities, such as the STA, enable us to position and promote attractive destinations …
Read More »IHG expands luxury and premium hospitality offering in Egypt with triple hotel signing, in partnership with Arabella Group
IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Arabella Group to develop three new hotels in Egypt between 2023 and 2026. The hotels — InterContinental North Coast Direction White, voco Cairo Arabella Plaza Cairo, and Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse — will see IHG add over 500 keys to its Egypt portfolio in response to the growing demand for luxury resorts and premium hospitality options in the North African country. The agreement strengthens IHG’s presence in the luxury and premium sectors in the region as well as underlines the appeal of its high-end hospitality offering among owners and guests alike. The new-build hotel projects, currently under construction, are set to open in notable areas of Egypt. The incoming new voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is scheduled to open its doors in July 2023, with the Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse slated for a January 2026 opening and the InterContinental North Coast Direction White for a September 2026 launch. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: “Egypt offers a wealth of opportunity for the hospitality industry today with New Cairo and other attractive, high-end destinations attracting more visitors to the nation. The signing of three new hotels alongside Arabella Group will support the growth we are witnessing in the country by offering new and compelling luxury and premium hospitality experiences to satisfy the most discerning of travelers.” Mohamed Amin El Dokhmesy, president of Arabella Group added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to expand the footprint of three of its leading brands — InterContinental, voco and Crowne Plaza, in Egypt. IHG has delivered first class hospitality experiences to guests worldwide and in …
Read More »IHG debuts Vignette Collection in the Middle East with a signing in Saudi Arabia
IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with the Owners of Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel in Al Khobar, that was founded by the late ‘Abdulrahman Al Moaibed and the late George N. Frem back in 1977, in order to transform the hotel into Saudi Arabia’s first Vignette Collection Hotel. The new property will be refurbished and is scheduled to be rebranded by 2024. The Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences. Promising luxury with purpose, Vignette Collection hotels weave responsibility, community, and locality together, and exist to make a positive impact in every way possible. The brand also gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. The rebranded Vignette Collections Hotel in Khobar will join existing Vignette properties across countries including Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Australia. The signing of the 150-key hotel in the Eastern Province capital also marks another milestone in IHG’s over 40-year presence in the Kingdom and brings a fresh and compelling luxury experience to the most discerning of guests. The rebranded Vignette Collection Hotel will be a part of a luxury community village with entertainment facilities, 5 food and beverage outlets, sophisticated experimental spa and health club. The community village will offer an Olympic-sized outdoor pool among other premium sporting facilities. Business guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s five multi-purpose meeting rooms and convention spaces, as well as other MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities that will accommodate up to 1,500 guests. The hotel is also strategically located just a …
Read More »IHG signs a new generation InterContinental Hotel with Al Ajlan Company in Riyadh
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Al Ajlan Company for InterContinental Hotel & Residences in the Riyadh North area. Set to open by 2028, the prestigious 400-key hotel and serviced apartments will form part of a state-of-the art masterplan comprising of high-end retail, offices and entertainment. The hotel will reflect the modern luxury philosophy and will strengthen IHG’s offering in the segment. Saudi Arabia represents significant potential for tourism and hospitality industry, as part of its Vision 2030 ambitions. While Riyadh has long been and continues to be a centre for business in the Kingdom, new developments in the north of the city, including the Boulevard, U-Walk, and Riyadh Seasons herald a new demand for leisure tourism as well. In addition to rooms designed with modern aesthetics, the hotel will feature distinctive dining options, multipurpose meetings and events rooms, a health club and a spa. Located in proximity to the airport, the hotel will also be strategically positioned to cater to business and leisure demand. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “This Management Agreement of an exciting new build InterContinental property in Riyadh’s vibrant north district represents IHG’s commitment to support the growing tourism and hospitality ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of Vision 2030. With new developments in leisure and entertainment sector across the country, and the introduction of e-visas and a new airline, Riyadh is ready to welcome more diversified tourists to the capital city. With a strong hotel portfolio across all guest segments and a growing regional office in Riyadh, we …
Read More »IHG hotels and resorts partners for Arabian Travel Market 2023
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals throughout the Middle East, has signed an agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, to become its Official Hotel Partner for ATM 2023, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 1-4 May. Leading international hospitality group IHG, will officially accommodate almost 200 leading international media and key industry buyers from the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey, India, the GCC, US, Egypt and South Africa. The agreement will enable IHG to showcase their InterContinental branded properties in Dubai, as well as voco Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and Hotel Indigo to top industry professionals representing luxury, leisure, MICE and business travel. In addition, IHG will also host the coveted Official ATM Party. The theme of next year’s ATM showcase is “Working Towards Net Zero” and RX (Reed Exhibitions) the organiser of ATM, will celebrate its 30th annual event by unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge, not only to make the ATM 2023 event more sustainable, but to announce 30 long term goals, as ATM works towards Net Zero in line with the RX Global pledge. Commenting on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, IHG’s MD for IMEA said: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with RX as their hotel partner for Arabian Travel Market 2023. We are especially keen on the show’s theme “Working towards Net Zero” as it is well aligned with IHG’s ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ – our ten-year responsible business agenda focused on our people, planet and communities. “The partnership presents a great opportunity for IHG to showcase the work that we are doing on a series of far-reaching …
Read More »IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 6,000 hotels milestone with spectacular openings and partnerships to reward travellers
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is celebrating 6,000 open hotels by unveiling the ‘6,000 Club’ and announcing partnerships with major sports and entertainment events. The 6,000 Club features a collection of stunning newly opened hotels from IHG’s iconic portfolio, showcasing the global reach of its 17 brands and the many ways its hotel teams delight owners and guests by delivering True Hospitality for Good, every day. The milestone was commemorated by IHG CEO, Keith Barr, at the New York Stock Exchange on June 7 when he rang the bell to signal the close of trading, alongside local hotel General Managers and colleagues. In the past five years, IHG has broadened its appeal to owners and guests by acquiring or launching six exciting brands to take the portfolio to 17 – providing more choice and amazing experiences than ever before. The new additions include Luxury & Lifestyle brands Six Senses, Regent and Vignette Collection; Premium brand, voco hotels; Essentials brand, avid hotels; and Suites brand, Atwell Suites. IHG is set to grow its portfolio by a further 30 percent, with more than 1,800 hotels already signed in its development pipeline, illustrating how much owners value the strength of IHG’s scale and brands. To thank guests, the company recently reinvented its loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, to offer members more choice, value and richer rewards than ever before – all powered by leading technology on a new mobile app. The company is also announcing a series of exciting multi-year sports and entertainment partnerships for IHG One Rewards members that will connect travellers at events around the world, including Major League Soccer, European Professional Club Rugby and music festivals across the US and …
Read More »IHG Hotels & Resorts unveils a new vision for Loyalty
When the world hit pause on travel, IHG Hotels & Resorts saw an opportunity to reconnect and learn from its guests and owners. The company made big, bold investments, transforming its portfolio with exciting brands and creating richer experiences – all under a fresh IHG Hotels & Resorts masterbrand. As guests embark on a new era of travel and the industry continues to recover, the company turns to its pioneering loyalty program and is making one of its most significant investments to date. Over the last few years, IHG Rewards has continued to evolve to meet the needs of current and future members. World-class partnerships, such as exclusive stays with Mr & Mrs Smith, a growing brand portfolio, and dynamic Reward Night pricing have given guests greater value and flexibility. Today, IHG Rewards, the industry’s first and one of world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, is sharing the first of many changes that will be introduced in the coming months. The new tier and bonus point earning structure – which will go live during March – is designed to help members earn more points faster and have more ways to use them than ever before. These changes, the first in a series of enhancements, include: Introducing a new Gold Elite tier starting at 20 nights, with an industry-leading 40% bonus point structure Renaming of the ‘Spire Elite’ tier to ‘Diamond Elite’ to simplify member recognition and understanding of our highest tier, which will retain our best-in-class 100% bonus point structure Improving bonus point earn levels across all other Elite tiers Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “If there’s anything that has united the world in the …
Read More »IHG signs InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road, as part of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company. The latest development follows the signing of Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road, and is the second of at least 7 hotels to be announced with the partner, with all openings set to take place in Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands in the coming years. Pioneering luxury travel since 1946, this year, the iconic InterContinental brand is celebrating its 75th Diamond anniversary . The brand also has a strong legacy in Saudi Arabia, having opened InterContinental Riyadh, in 1975 – IHG, has since positioned itself as one of the largest hospitality players in the country. Over the years, IHG continues evolve its luxury offering and have a strong foothold in the segment through the flagship brand, InterContinental which has great recognition in the Kingdom. Expected to open in March 2025, InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road will add to IHG’s current brand portfolio of 9 operating InterContinental hotels in the Kingdom. The hotel will represent the best in class product with a refreshed, modern design, and will feature 250 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 150-unit apartments as part of InterContinental Residences as well as a pool, fitness centre and spa where guests can relax and rejuvenate. True to the evolved brand, the hotel will offer its guests bespoke and intuitive services. Additionally, true Saudi hospitality can be experienced at any of the hotel’s five dining options which will provide guests with a diverse and fine selection of culinary delights to enjoy. InterContinental Riyadh …
Read More »IHG to bring its premium brand, voco to Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with ASRE Limited to introduce its premium brand, voco into Dubai’s exquisite destination, Palm Jumeirah. voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature 141 rooms and open its doors to guests in December 2021. The new hotel joins the voco family in Dubai, with voco Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road and the soon to open voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is a manmade island built on reclaimed land resembling a stylised palm tree if viewed from above. voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will be a part of a trendy, newly launched area called “Palm West Beach” developed by Nakheel, comprising of strong dining concepts and a promenade along the beach. On opening, voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will display a bold identity and will feature vibrant guest rooms. The hotel will also feature a 55sqm meeting room, a gym, pool, and spa, to cater to the demands of both leisure and business travellers. To offer its guests a tasteful experience that reflects its strategic F&B location, the hotel will offer four different dining options. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “As part of our growth strategy in the region and UAE in particular, we are pleased to partner with ASRE Limited to open another voco hotel in Dubai – voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah. With the hotel’s strategic location on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, we are set to make a strong entry in this dynamic location. He added, The voco brand is known to combine the informality and charm of an independent hotel with the quality and reassurance of a trusted global brand. With both new built and conversion opportunities, …
Read More »IHG to bring its lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo to the Saudi capital
IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand to the Kingdom with the signing of Hotel indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road. This development also marks the first hotel to be signed under the Master Development Agreement (MDA) between IHG and RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company. No two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, and this stunning addition to the brand portfolio will have Riyadh’s cultural influences embedded in its DNA through a visionary design which captures the historical charm of local heritage as well as influences of nearby modern architecture. A new built property, Hotel indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road will feature 228 design-led rooms and will open its doors to guests in March 2025. Offering authentic local experiences combined with a modern design, the hotel will also feature two dining options, a pool and a fitness center. Additionally, the hotel will offer 353 sqm of meeting and events space to cater to the demands of business travelers visiting Saudi Arabia’s capital city. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “We are pleased to announce the signing of a new Hotel Indigo in Saudi Arabia in partnership with RIVA Development Company, aligned to our robust expansion plans in the Kingdom over the coming years. Hotel Indigo is a unique brand that allows every individual property to draw inspiration from the local surroundings and offer an immersive and authentic experience to guests. As a result of the Saudi Tourism Development Strategy, there will be a rising wave of travelers coming to Saudi Arabia and seeking differentiated travel and …
Read More »