InterContinental Hotels Group to Double Portfolio in Booming Kuwait

Noting the potential of Kuwait’s emerging tourism and travel sector, InterContinental Hotels Group is to double its interests in the country over the next year and a half.

Currently InterContinental Hotels Group operates two hotels in Kuwait, including the recently opened Holiday Inn Salmiyah and the Crowne Plaza Kuwait. IHG has plans to open its second Holiday Inn brand property in the country, the Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait in early 2006, followed by the InterContinental Kuwait in 2007.

“This March saw the opening of the Holiday Inn Salmiyah which has been warmly received by the residents of Kuwait and our international guests, enjoying both the array of restaurants as well as the business facilities. The demand has been amazing and it just makes good business sense to further develop the InterContinental Hotels Group portfolio in this bustling and fast growing Gulf-state,” said Hani Kafafi, DOO, Northern Gulf, InterContinental Hotels Group.

A forward-thinking society, Kuwait is acknowledged as a trailblazer in the region for establishing one of the strongest democratic systems in the Gulf as women have the power to vote and be elected to parliament. It is also home to a vibrant economy, with Kuwaitis being confident and committed to investing in local projects and stocks. With plans to double its oil production over the next 15 years, business in Kuwait is booming. The country attracts most of its visitors from other GCC countries, followed by people from the U.S., UK, Europe and the Far East.

With the group doubling its interests in Kuwait, it has the opportunity to equip the new properties with some of the most up-to-date technology. And this is something that Kafafi sees as a real market advantage. Looking to the future, Kafafi believes that technology will be used to better understand customers’ needs and preferences – which will result in a more comfortable and accommodating stay for guests. For now, both InterContinental Hotels Group properties in Kuwait offer high-speed Internet connection in all rooms and wireless connectivity in public areas.

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