InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s largest hotel companies today announced the signing of Holiday Inn® Plovdiv International Fair in Bulgaria. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2015.

Holiday Inn Plovdiv International Fair will operate under a franchise agreement with new owner Petrov Commerce Ltd. The existing office building will be converted into a 68 room hotel and emerge as the first IHG hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city. The hotel will be situated at the entrance of Plovdiv City Centre close to Plovdiv fair grounds which attracts more than 600, 000 visitors annually.

Angel Kolev Petrov, Owner of Petrov Commerce Ltd. Said: “Our hotel has a winning formula - great facilities combined with a welcoming Open Lobby and friendly efficient service in a city rich in history and culture. We look forward to both international and local travellers coming to stay with us.”

Peter Vermeer, Director of development Eastern and Central Europe said: “We’re excited to be expanding in Bulgaria. The hotel market is starting to gain some momentum as international brands begin to make headway here. The Holiday Inn brand continues to resonate with guests and owners looking for hotels providing simple service, friendly hotel staff and comfortable beds in easily accessible locations.”

The Holiday Inn brand is part of IHG, which is currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary as a global standalone hotel company. Every Holiday Inn features signature bedding that includes a pillow menu, as well as meeting and on-site business facilities, free breakfast and a Kids Stay and Eat Free programme, providing guests with a relaxed comfortable atmosphere and the services they need. Holiday Inn hotels participate in IHG’s guest loyalty programme, IHG Rewards Club, the industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program with 76 million members.

There are currently 281 Holiday Inn hotels in Europe with a further 25 in the pipeline due to open within the next three to five years*.