InterContinental Hotels Group
today announced that by the end of July, it would have opened eight new
hotels, adding a total of more than 2,500 rooms in sought-after locales in key
destinations in Asia Pacific.  The Group is believed to have opened more
hotels than any other international hotel company in Asia Pacific.  Its ever-
growing pipeline is a reflection of its commitment to be where its customers
want to be.  In the second half of the year, more new hotels will be launched
in destinations in Asia Pacific such as Hong Kong, Tianjin and Chongqing in
China as well as Perth and Sydney in Australia.The latest additions to the Asia Pacific portfolio include one
InterContinental, three Crowne Plazas, three Holiday Inns and one Express by
Holiday Inn.  Of the eight properties, five were launched in China over the
past six months and one has heralded the debut of Crowne Plaza in the
Philippines.  The remaining two hotels are in Thailand, of which one of them
is the Crowne Plaza Karon Beach Phuket and will be opening at the end of July.
  Reinforcing InterContinental Hotels Group’s position at the industry
forefront, Mr A. Patrick Imbardelli, InterContinental Hotels Group, Managing
Director, Asia Pacific, said, ‘‘InterContinental Hotels Group continues to
grow from strength to strength in Asia Pacific as it extends its distribution
network.  It further reaffirms our unwavering commitment to our guests so that
they can stay at their favourite InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn
or Express by Holiday Inn in the region.  It also demonstrates our value to
our owners as their partner of choice to deliver exceptional business
performance.  By leveraging our core competency in hotel and brand management
as well as the globality of our business, we will continue to roll out our
strategic growth plans in Asia Pacific.’‘
  The four China hotels that opened in the first quarter include Crowne
Plaza Pudong Shanghai, Holiday Inn Sanya Bay, Holiday Inn Erdos Inner
Mongolia, and Express by Holiday Inn Zhengzhou.

  The latest additions in the last quarter up to the end of July include the
following:

  Holiday Inn Bangkok, Thailand
  Owned by President Hotel and Tower Co. Ltd., Holiday Inn Bangkok recently
opened in May and is the Group’s second Holiday Inn and third hotel in the
Thai capital.  Situated in the heart of the city’s commercial centre on
Ploenchit Road, the newly refurbished 379-guestroom hotel sets a new benchmark
with its trendy interiors with state-of-the-art facilities that include
ergonomic workstations, flat screen televisions as well as the latest in
cardiovascular and resistance gym equipment.  Its central location also offers
travelers the added convenience of proximity to popular shopping and cultural
attractions as well as easy access to various forms of public transportation.

  InterContinental Financial Street Beijing, China
  Another hotel that recently opened its doors to welcome guests in June is
the InterContinental Financial Street Beijing.  The first international
premium hotel in Bejing’s most important financial hub, InterContinental
Financial Street Beijing is also the Group’s first InterContinental in the
city and is part of its 48-hotel portfolio in Greater China.  Owned by Beijing
Capital Land Ltd, the newly completed hotel with 332 guestrooms offers
distinctive quality services as well as personal touches in sophisticated
surroundings that will position the hotel well in the hearts and minds of
international travelers and the local community.

  Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, The Philippines
  Centrally located in the vibrant Ortigas commercial hub and owned by
Robinsons Land Corporation, the purpose-built 260-guestroom Crowne Plaza
Galleria Manila is just minutes away from the Makati business district and
within easy reach of the airport.  Exciting dining and entertainment venues
are right at the hotel’s doorsteps.  Coupled with extensive meetings
facilities including the largest ballroom in Ortigas, as well as a selection
of food and beverage outlets, Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila is the perfect
Place To Meet for business and leisure.  Opened this month, Crowne Plaza
Galleria Manila is the Group’s first Crowne Plaza and third hotel in Manila,
The Philippines.

  Crowne Plaza Karon Beach Phuket, Thailand
  Bordering the tranquil Karon Beach, Crown Plaza Karon Beach Phuket offers
164 secluded villas and 168 sea-facing guestrooms with private balconies.
Boasting one of the largest meeting facilities in Phuket with 11 high-tech
meetings rooms catered to by a dedicated meetings team and a comprehensive
business centre, Crowne Plaza Karon Beach Phuket is set to ensure successful
interactions among business travelers.  Families staying at the resort will
appreciate the kids’ retreat ‘‘The Zone’‘, the award-winning Tee Tree Spa and
various exciting dining choices.  Owned by LaSalle Investment Management,
Crowne Plaza Karon Beach Phuket is the Group’s first Crowne Plaza in Phuket
and the sixth operating property in its Thai portfolio.  The newly completed
hotel will officially open on 31 July 2005.

 
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