Visitors to the Mediterranean region will soon have two new hotels to choose from as the InterContinental Heliopolis makes ready to open its doors this autumn. The InterContinental Hotels Group has also acquired a new resort in Cyprus due to open early next year. In addition to these properties IHG will also be opening two new Holiday Inn properties in the next 12 months. The Holiday Inn Taba is due to welcome guests late this year, while the Holiday Inn Heliopolis is set to open summer 2005.

The four new properties are being introduced to the travel trade at Mediterranean Travel Fair this week as new destinations for business and leisure travellers and meeting & conference organisers.

The widely talked about InterContinental Heliopolis will open in Cairo this autumn as part of the spectacular $600 million CityStars project providing a major business boost for the Egyptian capital.

Offering 792 superbly furnished guest rooms, suites and apartments, along with an impressive range of business, dining, meeting and leisure facilities, the InterContinental Heliopolis Cairo becomes the brand’s latest hotel in Egypt complementing the ever popular Semiramis InterContinental in the city.

“We are currently in the final stages of pre - opening preparations, staff are going through minute training schedules and every detail is being checked and re checked so that when we open the doors guests will find a polished package of service, outstanding interiors and facilities, and attention to detail,” said Thomas Hilberath, general manager, InterContinental Heliopolis.

The new InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel will open March 2005 in Paphos, Cyprus and will be the first Intercontinental property on the island. Overlooking the blue Mediterranean at the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite - the Goddess of love, the hotel is located in the heart of the award winning Aphrodite Hills Resort surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course, spa and tennis academy.Ê

Surrounded by natural gardens, the new luxury hotel is located in 270 hectares of land, offering unrivalled facilities. The hotel will feature 290 bedrooms and suites, and for those looking to completely get away from it all, the hotel also offers superior rooms with their own private pools.Ê

In addition guests will be spoilt for choice in the hotel’s restaurants and bars. The hotel will feature a speciality restaurant serving Euro-Asian fusion cuisine; Californian style brasserie poolside grill and bar; Mediterranean restaurant; all day dinning restaurant with terrace; plus live music and drinks will be available in the lobby lounge and Sunset Bar. Room service will be available 24 hours a day.

“Cyprus is a popular holiday destination year round and also provides the perfect half way point for business travellers from west and east to meet. Quality accommodation such as that the InterContinental brand can offer is needed to bolster the upscale requirements for travellers to the island,” said Richard Hartman, executive director, Europe Middle East and Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group.

With a Red Sea location and an opening date scheduled for the end of this year, InterContinental Hotels Group will also be promoting the Holiday Inn Taba to travel professionals during Mediterranean Travel Fair.

The property boasts 178 sea-facing rooms in its first phase and a further132 rooms to be added in a second phase. The hotels extensive facilities will include a seven food and beverage outlets and a Bedouin site located in the mountains; a beach club and aqua centre, tennis courts, horse and camel riding, a children’s club, fitness centre and an amphitheatre.

Opening in summer 2005 the Holiday Inn Heliopolis will provide a quality mid-scale hotel for visitors to the CityStars project. With 330 rooms and extensive conference and meeting facilities this property will be a welcome addition for meetings and event organisers.
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