IHG Hotels & Resorts, has signed a Management Agreement with Mabany Edris to open Holiday Inn New Assiut Asayla. The hotel was signed at a ceremony in Egypt in presence of Abdel Fattah Al-Assi, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and Mohamad Anwar, Deputy Head of Urban Communities Authorities. IHG has a strong legacy in Egypt, having opened its first hotel in 1980s, and currently operates over 2000 rooms and have more than 800 rooms in the pipeline, across brands. The announcement follows several high-profile signings this year, across IHG’ luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections, underscoring the company’s progressive expansion plans across the MEA region. Further, the signing strengthens IHG’s mainstream portfolio in MEA, in line with demands across key markets in the region. Commenting on the signing, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “As Egypt continues to appeal to business and leisure travellers, we are committed to accelerating our growth and diversify our offering to cater to the needs of varied guest profiles, and also supporting development of new cities and tourist destinations in the country . We are also very pleased with the strong progress we are making in expanding our presence in the mainstream segment across the MEA region. The region is poised for a new era of travel as it undergoes a historic period of growth and transformation, and we anticipate demand from a wider base of travellers who will look for wide-ranging hospitality options. He added, We are excited about this new venture with our partner Mabany Edris who has a wealth of experience in the property sector locally, and we look forward to welcoming guests to …
Read More »IHG signs MDA with RIVA Development Company to open 7 new hotels across KSA
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company to open at least 7 hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands. The announcement was made at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 in Dubai. The 5-year agreement will add to IHG’s portfolio across key brands in the country in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Abha, Hail, Qassim and Tabuk. Most hotels under the agreement are expected to be greenfield projects and will represent the best in class products. The agreement also presents the potential to extend the partnership for another 5 years to develop an additional 12 hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to partner with RIVA Development Company as we strengthen our offering in Saudi Arabia. We have a strong legacy in the Kingdom and are committed to leveraging the growth opportunities that focus on aligning with Saudi’s vision 2030 and the priority destinations highlighted in the Saudi Tourism Strategy, by expanding our presence across the country through our portfolio of global brands. With a number of recent signings in Saudi Arabia, across our brands such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, voco and Crowne Plaza, we are growing our presence with best-in-class products, experiences and services, that attract both domestic and international visitors, as well as Saudi talent as part of our support to the government’s “Tawteen” program. We also look forward to introducing new brands from our global portfolio to the Saudi market, and …
Read More »IHG signs agreement for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigan’s Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021. After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the tenth voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline across key cities such as Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg. Commenting on the signing, Matthew Tripolone, VP Development, Middle East and Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to be adding voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai to our UAE portfolio, in partnership with Bonnington Hospitality JLT. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Middle East, and we are proud to introduce our second voco to Dubai, which is a priority market for us in the region. He added, “The brand offers a simplified conversion process, making it quick and easy for owners of high-quality independent hotels to become part of IHG’s system and drive higher returns thereafter. The brand also allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a brand name they can trust.” Dennis McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer, Bonnington Hospitality and McGettigan Group, added, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IHG and the voco brand. As a unique family-owned and operated hotel in Dubai, Bonnington Hotel meticulously provides each guest with the highest levels of …
Read More »IHG welcomes its first Hotel Indigo in Dubai Downtown
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand’s first ever hotel in India, GCC and Africa. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Set to open in October 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. For centuries, the Creek has been the city’s epicenter of trade. Visitors to the area can still see the hustle and bustle of this fascinating tradition, where the Dhows and Abras (wooden boats) are docked on the banks of the Creek. Boats still ferry throngs of people across the waterway, just like they did during the pearl boom of centuries ago. As the Creek winds its way through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, vintage gives way to vogue, connecting the trading posts of old with modern architectural exuberance. In the distance sits D3, a nexus of art, design and innovation. “We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the GCC, India and Africa.” said Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai …
Read More »IHG and Emirates Skywards offer members more travel rewards
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, have launched a limited time offer allowing IHG Rewards Club and Emirates Skywards members to earn triple Skywards Miles when booking a stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This exclusive, limited time offer allows guests to earn 6 Skywards Miles per USD 1 spent at Regent Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and avid Hotels globally; and 3 Skywards Miles per USD 1 spent at Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and The Venetian | The Palazzo Las Vegas. The promotion is valid for registrations and hotel bookings made from September 1, 2020 until December 31st 2020, for hotel stays until March 2021 at any IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
Read More »Hotel Indigo in downtown Dubai with 269 rooms to open soon
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) adds Hotel Indigo, to its boutique and lifestyle brand, the brand’s first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Slated to open in Summer 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. Each of the 269 rooms are inspired by the story of Dubai Creek– whether that’s through the surrealist wallpaper exclusively created by local artists, bespoke shisha lamps or the wardrobes with carved wooden doors, hand-crafted in Mashrabiya style with a modern twist. The spa inspired mother-of-pearl bathrooms pay homage to the country’s proud heritage of pearl diving, while eye-catching vibrant Moroso designer furniture adds a contemporary touch to the interior. Floor to ceiling windows overlook envy-inducing views; be it over the Dubai Canal or the Dubai Skyline. Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, said, “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our neighbourhood story with you.”
Read More »IHG to open new office in March 2020 in Riyadh
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to open an office in Riyadh in March 2020. The news comes as IHG continues to expand its portfolio in the Kingdom in response to Vision 2030 and the opportunities it presents to the tourism and hospitality sector. The new office will also drive the performance of IHG’s existing estate further in the country and simultaneously support the expanding portfolio, as well as the company’s ambition towards leading ‘Saudization’ efforts in the industry. To lead IHG’s business in Saudi Arabia, Bastien Blanc has been appointed as Managing Director, KSA and Bahrain effective March 1, 2020. In his current role with IHG, Bastien is responsible for leading the operations across IHG’s portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa, including KSA. In his new role, Bastien will be responsible for driving both growth and performance for IHG in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. With extensive experience of working in KSA, Bastien has been deeply ingrained into the market. He has also been leading IHG’s ‘Saudization’ efforts which he will continue to drive further in his new role. Bastien will continue to report to Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG. Commenting on the recent developments, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG said, “Saudi Arabia is a key market for IHG in the Middle East. With Saudi Vision 2030 and the rapid socio-economic transformation in the country, we believe, the tourism and hospitality industry will continue to be presented with unparalleled opportunities. We are therefore, pleased to solidify our presence in the country with the opening of a new office in the capital city, and appoint a talented team led by Bastien, to drive our growth and performance in …
Read More »Break out of the ‘bored-room’ and get creative with IHG’s Unique Meetings
When it comes to modern meetings, the rulebook has been thrown out the window and delegates have changing expectations. Boardrooms can often be stifling environments, filled with a range of emotions, from boredom to tension and frustration, leaving the question, how can we break out of the ‘bored-room’ and get the most of our meetings? The answer is IHG’s Unique Meetings, a portfolio of one-of-a-kind event spaces and experiences designed specifically for those looking for non-traditional meetings that are conducive to productivity, creativity and collaboration. Unique Meetings offer more than just four walls and were introduced to cater to the changing expectations of event attendees, who are looking for memorable experiences and stand-out venues. Whether it’s a tropical beach or a Bedouin tent, IHG provides alternative settings for business gatherings and has a team of event planners to assist with organising meetings and conferences that take advantage of the surroundings and leave guests with a long-lasting impression.
Read More »IHG strengthens mid-scale portfolio with Holiday Inn Dubai Deira Islands
The latest deal to be signed was the new Holiday Inn at the upcoming Dubai Deira Islands which will soon be a very popular destination. The signing is aligned with IHG’s strategy to increase its mid-scale offering in the Middle East and cater to the diverse profiles of guests visiting the region. Expected to open in 2023, the 170-key hotel will be in close proximity to the city centre (15-minute drive) and airport (10-minute drive). Ideal for business and leisure travellers, Holiday Inn Dubai Deira Islands will feature well-appointed guest rooms, excellent facilities including a business centre, three meeting rooms (432 sqm in total) as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium and outdoor pool for guests to relax and rejuvenate. Furthermore, guests will have two dining options offering an excellent selection of food and beverages. Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “This is the sixth signing for our mid-scale portfolio in the Middle East, this year, and we are very pleased with the strong progress we are making in this segment. We are excited about this new venture and look forward to welcoming guests to this highly anticipated location in 2023.” Partnering with IHG for Holiday Inn Dubai Deira Islands, Ravi Sankar said, “IHG is a trusted brand with a long-standing history in the Middle East and we are proud to partner with them to open Holiday Inn Dubai Deira Islands. I am confident that the strategic location combined with IHG’s signature hospitality, will successfully cater to the needs of the modern business and leisure traveller.”
Read More »IHG signs global partnership agreement with KSA based Seera Group
IHG signed a global partnership agreement with Seera Group, the largest travel and tourism company in the Middle East with a prominent local, regional and international presence. The significant direct connectivity distribution agreement, which was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, will provide Seera Group (formerly Al Tayyar Travel Group) with access to IHG’s current global portfolio of 15 brands and over 5,600 hotels, in more than 100 countries, for the leisure travel category. Seera Group will also have access to automated real-time pricing and inventory across IHG’s portfolio. Commenting on the signing, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG, said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Seera Group. IHG has ambitious growth aspirations for the region, and the exciting agreement will allow us to connect with a wider audience of leisure travellers. Leisure travel is a growing category amongst the region’s domestic and outbound travellers, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a number of projects initiated under the KSA National Vision 2030. Our global portfolio of well-known brands and hotels, coupled with the partnership, will allow us to be able to bring both greater awareness and choice to the travellers in the region.” The agreement will provide IHG with access to Seera Group’s extensive regional network of retail branches and call centres, as well as the group’s leading consumer travel brand Almosafer and its UAE-focused OTA tajawal, strengthening IHG’s visibility and sales capabilities. Abdullah Al Dawood, CEO of Seera Group, said, “Seera Group is fast becoming the partner of choice for hotel brands looking to harness the power of the Middle East’s travel industry, and with a new partnership, IHG will gain exposure to our …
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