InterContinental Hotels Group and Bukhamseen Group Holding Company have signed an agreement to introduce IHG’s upscale extended-stay brand to Kuwait. The signing initiates the development of two Staybridge Suites properties in Kuwait city - in Salmiya and Farwaniya.Established in 1997, Staybridge Suites is an all-suite hotel brand that blends the domestic environment with traditional hotel services, and targeted at travellers looking for a ‘home from home’ experience while on holiday, or those relocating to the area or even seeking temporary housing during household renovations.

John Bamsey, IHG’s Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa said: “Building on this success, IHG is bringing its upscale extended stay brand to the Middle East where we aim to lead the market by setting new standards and clearly differentiating ourselves from the apartment-style concepts currently on offer.”

Staybridge Suites Salmiya, opening in November 2009, will comprise of 120 well-appointed suites. The property will be located in Kuwait city’s prime commercial and residential area, Salmiya, which is in close proximity to tourist attractions including the Marine Museum and Shaab Leisure Park, as well as a variety of shopping malls and restaurants.
 
An extension to the existing Crowne Plaza Kuwait, one of Kuwait’s signature hotels, the country’s second Staybridge Suites property is expected to open in January 2010. Staybridge Suites Farnawiya will feature 150 suites and will be conveniently situated near Kuwait International Airport and a short walk from the business area as well as major shopping malls and dining outlets.

Jawad Bukhamseen, Chairman of Bukhamseen Group Holding, said: “The government is investing heavily in Kuwait’s travel and tourism industry, and over the next 20 years we will witness substantial growth, especially in business tourism development. Partnering with IHG in introducing Staybridge Suites to Kuwait is inline with the country’s direction to offer a diversified hospitality environment to cater for all types of travellers. Our partnership with IHG is founded on the basis of innovation and leading Kuwait’s hospitality industry forward with a variety of internationally-branded accommodation choices as the market matures.”
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