InterContinental Hotels Group confident with Kuwait Market’s Performance

Attracting visitors mostly from the US, UK, Japan, Korea and other GCC countries, Kuwait is widely regarded as one of the Middle East’s most bustling business markets. Decisions by the government to introduce new investment laws that allow foreign organizations to establish branches in Kuwait, changes to tax laws to increase foreign investment and increased confidence in the Kuwaiti market have all had an impact, thereby boosting the number of visitors to the oil-rich Gulf state.

“There has been a real change in the business environment here,” said Hani Kafafi, Director of Operations, Northern Gulf and General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kuwait. “There is a great deal of potential and people can really feel that. In the hotel business, we have recognized a shift – this year alone, we have witnessed a 10 percent jump in demand compared to this time last year.”

“With Kuwait recognized as the gateway to Iraq, this place will be the most appropriate place to establish business for organizations that want to be involved in the rebuilding of Iraq.”

InterContinental Hotels Group, is so confident about the future of Kuwait that it recently opened its second property in the country and is already looking at future opportunities. Now in addition to the Crowne Plaza Kuwait, busy business travellers can enjoy the Holiday Inn Kuwait. The 135-room Holiday Inn Kuwait, which is located 200 metres from the seafront and 22km from Kuwait International Airport, will target both the business and leisure markets. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym and a range of restaurants including Lebanese and Chinese.

“We were driven to introduce the Holiday Inn brand to Kuwait because we could see that the market was screaming out for a mid-tier hotel sector solution. In fact, more guests have stayed at a Holiday Inn hotel than at any other hotel brand in the world. Holiday Inn is so popular because it provides what is really important to our guests such as a great night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast, an outstanding rewards programme and friendly, helpful staff,” said Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa.

The Crowne Plaza Kuwait, which boasts 330 rooms and suites, with all the amenities of a deluxe, upmarket international hotel, is now planning to introduce a brand new 2,000 square meter spa.

“Guests are always looking for the best way to relax after a hard day of negotiating business deals, so we want to provide them with the most luxurious of options. Work will commence on the spa development in May this year and it should be finished by November 2006,” said Moloney.

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