InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with U&N Hospitality Company Limited for a 222-room Holiday Inn Express on the popular Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, Thailand. The hotel will mark the entry of Holiday Inn Express into Krabi when it opens in 2017.

Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach will be a scenic 30-minute drive from Krabi International Airport, or a two-hour drive for those arriving from Phuket International Airport. Developed on a sprawling site along the coastline, guests staying at the hotel will enjoy the close proximity to the beach which is a short three-minute walk away. The new hotel will also be situated near the existing Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach.

The hotel will be surrounded by a range of local restaurants and bars, including some of the area’s most renowned seafood establishments offering guests a wide variety of dining options. Guests who wish to explore the span of Krabi’s sandy white beaches can venture to Noppharat Thara beach a few minutes north of Ao Nang: famous for its peaceful waters, magnificent sunset views and quaint local eateries.

Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia, IHG, said: “Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing strong growth and we are seeing beach destinations such as Krabi gaining popularity amongst travellers seeking a relaxing retreat away from the hustle of the city. As Krabi International Airport becomes more accessible to key global cities and international direct flights to Krabi increase, we anticipate a surge in visitor arrivals over the next few years. It is a great time to be bringing the Holiday Inn Express brand into Krabi and we are delighted to be working with U&N Hospitality Company Limited to open the new Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach in a great location along the coastline of the beautiful Ao Nang Beach.”

U&M Hospitality Company Limited, owned by the renowned Kitprasan family in Krabi, had previously partnered with IHG for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach which opened in 2012.

Mr. Sornkom Kitprasan, Director, U&N Hospitality Company Limited said: “We are delighted to once again be working with IHG to grow our hospitality portfolio in Thailand following the strong performance of the first hotel we launched together in Krabi: Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach. With the growing global following of the Holiday Inn brand family and projected increase in visitor arrivals in Krabi, we are confident we will also see strong results from Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach when it opens in 2017.”

Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach will feature the brand’s signature Great Room where guests can dine and interact with each other during their stay. Providing guests with everything they need and nothing they don’t, the hotel will offer guests a smart and convenient stay which includes: