InterContinental Hotels Group to expand Middle East and Africa portfolio to more than 80 properties by 2007

InterContinental Hotels Group has launched a major phase of development which will grow its portfolio of hotels and resorts in the Middle East and Africa to more than 80 over the next three years.

With five new properties currently being built and many more in the pipeline, one of the Middle East's largest hotel operators will announce a number of the new projects at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai next month.

"We're looking to add InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels, both in the countries where we already have a presence, and in other emerging markets, and we'll be using the ATM to confirm several new management contracts," said Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa.

The spectacular InterContinental Abu Soma Resort Red Sea recently became the company's 72nd property under management in the region.  

Early next month, the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah will introduce guests to its brand new facilities following a major renovation of the former Holiday Inn property.

Before the end of the month the InterContinental Heliopolis Cairo will open as part of Citystars Heliopolis Cairo, a US$600 million development combining shopping, entertainment, office and residential facilities in the Egyptian capital.

A new Holiday Inn resort opens at Taba in Egypt towards the end of the year, while other Holiday Inn properties are also under development in Cairo, and on the Dead Sea in Jordan, along with a new InterContinental hotel in Aqaba also in Jordan.

InterContinental Hotels Group says its expansion plans have been boosted by the opening in Dubai of its new regional office for the Middle East and Africa. "Dubai's dynamic growth as a business, commercial, and leisure hub made it the logical choice," said Moloney. "In the few months that we have been here we have felt considerable benefits, particularly in terms of the new opportunities we're finding to grow our business."

Backing up the expansion are a range of practical new service initiatives within the group's hotels across the region. These include 24-hour health clubs and laundry services for InterContinental guests, tailored meeting packages at Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn breakfast check-outs saving time for busy executives.