InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the development of its
first ever European hotel as part of a healthcare complex, the
InterContinental Resort & Spa in Krems, Austria.A management agreement has
been signed with IMC Beteiligungs GmbH, who will own and develop the 119
room hotel and 120 room healthcare clinic set to open in Autumn 2008.

The newly built hotel will be adjacent to the healthcare clinic complete
with five operating theatres.  The healthcare clinic, which will specialise
in treating heart diseases, is a separate enterprise and will be known as
the Austrian Heart Centre.

The resort has been designed to create a tranquil yet exclusive atmosphere
ideal for recovering patients, their visitors and families as well as guests
looking to enjoy a health and spa holiday.  The hotel’s extensive wellness
amenities will reflect this with over 2,500 square metres of spa including
an indoor pool.  There will also be 290 square metres of meeting space and
an all day dining restaurant and bar. 

The resort will overlook the scenic Wachau Valley near the city of Krems,
less than an hour from Vienna International Airport.  Its location among the
vineyards of the region and with views of the Danube River will give it a
peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.  There will also be a wealth of healthy
outdoor activities including walking, cycling and golfing on its doorstep.
Jennifer Fox, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts for
Europe commented: “We are pleased to announce our first hotel and healthcare
clinic concept in Europe.  We have witnessed a growing trend in Europe for
medical tourism with strong demand from the Middle East and Russia.  Austria
has a high standard of medical care and superb infrastructure so is ideally
positioned to attract patients and guests from Europe and beyond.  We will
continue our strategy to develop and introduce similar complexes in Europe
and other regions of the world.”

The Vice Governor of Lower Austria, Dr Ernest Gabmann added, “The government
of the province of Lower Austria welcomes the decision of IHG together with
IMC to open a five-star hotel in Krems and the Wachau, one of the most
beautiful river valleys in Europe and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.”

InterContinental Hotels Group already operates the 229 room InterContinental
Hotel & Conference Centre in Cleveland, USA which is located within the
campus of the Cleveland Clinic.
——-