IHG Hotels to Launch InterContinental Brand in Laos

Vientiane (Laos) – December 7, 2016 (travelindex.com) – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Lao International Development Co. Ltd. to open the first InterContinental hotel in Laos.

Set to open in 2021, the new-build InterContinental Vientiane will join Crowne Plaza Vientiane to be the second hotel managed by IHG in the capital city. The hotel will feature more than 400 rooms, offering guests a quality stay in the upcoming World Trade Centre – a mixed-use complex being developed by Lao International Development Co. Ltd. Slated to be the city’s commercial hub when it opens, the complex will also include a large retail mall, medical centre, conference centre, office tower and residential towers.

Strategically located a short drive away from Wattay International Airport and adjacent to Lan Cang Avenue, Vietnam Street and French Street, InterContinental Vientiane will boast close proximity to the Prime Minister’s office, international embassies, major convention centres. Guests can also enjoy convenient transportation links to renowned tourist landmarks such as the Lao National Museum and the Morning Market from the hotel.

Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, IHG, South East Asia & Korea, said: “Laos is currently one of the region’s fastest growing nations with close to five million international arrivals each year and future infrastructural and industrial developments underway to continue boosting economic growth and attract foreign investment. It is well on its way to becoming one of the region’s busiest business and tourist destinations and it’s a great time to be bringing the InterContinental brand into the country to tap on this potential.”

“Thanks to its strategic location, InterContinental Vientiane is also set to be positioned as one of the city’s most prominent hotels which will welcome distinguished guests such as visiting dignitaries and heads of states as key government meetings are planned to take place in the adjoining conference centre. We are delighted to be working with our partner Lao International Development Co. Ltd. to launch the InterContinental brand in the Laotian capital and look forward to welcoming guests into the hotel when it opens in 2021,” she continued.

InterContinental Vientiane will feature the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ signature Club Lounge, more than 400 well-appointed guest rooms, a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Guests can also look forward to exceptional dining experiences at the hotel’s specialty restaurant and a variety of international cuisines at an all-day dining restaurant, including a lobby lounge and bar to wind down at the end of the day.

Mr. Xiao Long, CEO, Lao International Development Co. Ltd., said: “It’s an exciting time to be investing in Laos as the country sees improved intra-regional connectivity through the completed Kunming-Vientiane-Bangkok Highway connecting China, Laos and Thailand and the upcoming high speed rail project that will link China to Laos in just a few years. We are confident these infrastructural developments will boost tourist arrivals, especially from surrounding nations, and the opening of InterContinental Vientiane will cater to the influx of travellers.”

“In looking for a hotel management partner we were seeking one with a strong track record in operating hotels in new markets and a well-known premium hotel brand to complement the mix of offerings which would draw business and leisure travellers to stay with us when they travel. The InterContinental brand is known around the world for delivering great, high-quality experiences with world-class service and we are very pleased to partner IHG to develop what we are confident will be one of the most highly sought after hotels in Vientiane,” he added.

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s leading hotel brands, celebrating 70 years of luxury travel this year with a long and successful heritage since the first InterContinental was founded in 1946.

Globally, IHG operates 184 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, with 52 hotels due to open in the next three to five years. In South East Asia, there are 14 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts with 10 more hotels due to open over the next few years.

About InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts: The InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brand has over 180 hotels located in more than 65 countries, with local insight that comes from 70 years of experience. As a brand, we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show in our guests. Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook.

About IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group):
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,100 hotels and more than 750,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with nearly 1,500 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme, with nearly 99 million members worldwide.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 350,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihg.com/media

Enquiries:
Cheryl Chan
Senior Manager, Communications, South East Asia & Korea
InterContinental Hotels Group
Tel: +65 6395 6256
Email: cheryl.chan@ihg.com