INDIA: Hotel Paraag Limited And InterContinental Hotels Group Sign Agreement For Two Hotels In Bangalore

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has entered into an agreement with Hotel Paraag Limited in Bangalore, for two hotels – the newly built InterContinental Bengaluru Whitefield and Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Raj Bhavan Road, which will be a conversion hotel.

This development will mark the debut of the globally renowned luxury brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Bengaluru and expansion of IHG’s upscale brand, Crowne Plaza in the country.

The development marks the debut of the globally renowned luxury brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Bengaluru and expansion of IHG’s upscale brand, Crowne Plaza in the country. Both hotels are expected to be operational by Q1 2022 and will increase IHG’s system size in India by over 400 rooms.

Already under advance stages of construction, InterContinental Bengaluru Whitefield will feature 265 aesthetically designed rooms.

The luxury hotel will be will be centrally located in Whitefield. The hotel will offer unrivalled amenities including a large banqueting/meeting space and a large lawn.

Post extensive renovation and upgrades to the existing property, on opening in 2022, Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Raj Bhavan Road will boast of 140 well-designed rooms featuring modern amenities. The hotel will feature a large banquet/meeting space, a business centre, pool and other world class facilities.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, vice president, development, South West Asia (SWA), IHG said, We are delighted to partner with Hotel Paraag Limited to strengthen the presence of two of our globally renowned brands – InterContinental and Crowne Plaza in India.

This signing is a significant milestone for us as we debut our iconic brand, InterContinental in Bengaluru and mark the growth of the brand in SWA. This is our sixth InterContinental property, opened or signed in the region and the third in the country.

InterContinental has been receiving great response in the region and we are in a number of active discussions to further expand the brand footprint.

He added: Bengaluru serves as a host to many leading conferences and seminars attracting global business visitors in large numbers. We therefore see great potential in this market for our brand, Crowne Plaza which is known to offer business ready services to corporate guests and excellent MICE facilities.

With 11 open hotels in SWA and 7 in the pipeline, the brand is gaining popularity in the region and has proved to be a great choice for our guests and owners alike.

Ramesh Srinivas Jannu, managing director, Hotel Paraag Limited said, We are delighted to partner with IHG as they debut their iconic global brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the city and continue to strengthen the presence of Crowne Plaza, a well-received brand in the upscale segment.

Given the rising demand in the city for high quality hospitality from renowned brands, we see this partnership as a great opportunity to offer our guests quality experiences for various needs and occasions.

InterContinental Bengaluru Whitefield and Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Raj Bhavan Road will offer an excellent combination of strategic location and IHG’s signature hospitality.

We couldn’t be more confident of the success of these properties as we prepare to host our guests in the near future.


Tourism Observer

MEXICO: 95 Room Avid Hotel Fresnillo To Open 2019

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Mexico-based Operadora MBA today announce the signing of the first avid hotels property in Mexico located in Fresnillo, Zacatecas.

Executives from both companies celebrated the signing in a private ceremony in Mexico City.

Jorge Apaez, Chief Operating Officer, Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean, IHG, said: The first signing in Mexico of IHG’s new high-quality midscale brand, demonstrates further momentum for avid hotels.

New hotel signings continue to exceed expectations, and total more than 100 avid hotels across the U.S., Canada and now Mexico, almost one every other day since launch last year.

This latest development demonstrates that owners believe in the strength of the avid hotels brand and the power of IHG.

German Ongay, Vice President, Development, Mexico, IHG, added: The avid hotels brand was developed to meet the needs of everyday travelers who are looking for a high-quality, consistent experience from their hotel stay.

We were confident this offering would resonate with owners in Mexico, and Operadora MBA has signed the first franchise agreement for an avid hotels location in the market just three months after launching the brand.

The avid hotels brand was thoughtfully designed for travelers who want a hotel experience that meets their expectations for the type of hospitality they value most—the basics done exceptionally well at a great value.

The first avid hotels location in Mexico will be strategically located at the Paseo del Mineral Avenue at the city’s main entrance in an area known for its commercial and business activity.

The hotel will be a four story, new-build hotel with 95 guest rooms and is expected to open in mid-2019. The avid hotel Fresnillo will offer all of the brand’s signature hallmarks:

The modern exterior hotel design will include an open and airy retail-like entry, a canopy, and will use the stairwell as an eye catching red architectural feature.

On the inside, guests will find vibrant, open public and work areas and inviting communal spaces that allow guests to relax, work, connect or eat.

Guest rooms will include sound reducing features for a superior night’s sleep; a dedicated workspace; open, easy-to-use storage. The guest bathroom experience will re-energize guests with a fresh and bright design.

The hotel will offer a high-quality, complimentary grab-and-go breakfast and marketplace options made for guests on the go.

The hotel will be equipped with IHG® Connect Wi-Fi with the fastest speed in the industry and the ability for loyalty members to be automatically connected for all future visits, and will also leverage IHG’s state-of-the-art, cloud-based next generation reservation system.


Tourism Observer

KENYA: Intercontinental Hotel Group Former Africa Manager Appointed To Head Ole Sereni

Hotel group Ole Sereni has hired a former manager of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) as its new boss.

Karl Hala, who was the regional general manager, IHG Africa and general manager InterContinental Hotel Lagos will be responsible for all operations and revenue growth for Ole Sereni.

I am excited to start a new challenge within Ole Sereni and look forward to working with the team to further develop their already extensive product and service suite, said Mr Hala.

This position was previously held by Ghulam Samdani.

Karl’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to the Ole Sereni family. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading airport hotel in our industry, said Ole Sereni Director of the Board Mr Nazir Noordin.

Mr Hala has spent the past 35 years at InterContinental Hotel Group with 10 years handling Africa.

Ole Sereni is currently constructing the second phase of the hotel, which will feature long-stay apartments to cater for accommodation demands by clients.

Meanwhile, Mumbai-based hospitality firm Sarovar has asked the High Court to allow it to recover Sh57 million from Ole Sereni as compensation for being unfairly booted from management of the four-star Kenyan hotel.

Sarovar claims in suit papers that Ole Sereni has failed to honour demands for settlement of the Sh57 million it was awarded by an arbitration panel in December last year.

Ole Sereni is yet to respond to the suit. Justice Rachael Ng’etich has ordered the Kenyan hotel to respond before July 19 when the case comes up before her again.

Ole Sereni on opening its doors in 2009 hired Sarovar to manage the Mombasa Road facility. The hotel however parted ways with Sarovar in 2013 following allegations of negligent management.

The two parties opted to settle their dispute through arbitration, and in December last year the panel of Njoroge Regeru, Njeri Kariuki and Wilfred Nderitu ruled that Ole Sereni had not followed due process and awarded the Indian firm Sh57 million.

Sarovar has sued Ole Sereni through its parent firm, Placid View Properties Limited.

Sarovar argued that Ole Sereni did not give a 30 day notice before terminating its management deal with the four star hotel.

The final award has not been modified, set aside, or varied by any competent court. I am not aware of any proceedings in this honourable court seeking to set aside or vary the final award. Placid View Properties Limited is yet to settle the final award despite my company making a request through our advocate.

I request this honourable court to adopt and enter judgment against Placid View as per the final award of the arbitration tribunal to enable my company enforce the resultant decree. I also pray that my company be awarded the costs of these proceedings, Sarovar executive director Ajay Bakaya says.

But Ole Sereni insisted that there was no need to issue a notice, as Sarovar had breached the management contract by failing to ensure that the hotel was up to standards expected of a four star facility.



Tourism Observer

SINGAPORE: First Hotel Indigo Opens In Singapore

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has expanded the South East Asian footprint of its boutique hotel brand, Hotel Indigo, with the opening of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong.

Hotel Indigo is the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand and no two hotels under the brand around the world are alike. Each hotel is designed to reflect the local culture, character and history of its neighbourhood through its design, food & beverage, amenities and services.

Located in the eastern region of Singapore and a 15-minute drive from Changi Airport and Central Business District, the 131-room Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong integrates a modernjavascript:void(0); multi-storey building with the architecturally significant heritage building – the former Joo Chiat Police Station, constructed in 1928 and characteristic of government buildings of the time to serve the needs of the surrounding Katong community.

Incorporating the colourful charm of the surrounding neighbourhood into its architecture and design, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong features design elements inspired by the rich and vibrant culture of the Peranakans (Straits-born Chinese). This includes a feature wall at the hotel’s reception comprising a collage of intricate Peranakan ceramic patterns and colourful pop-art renditions of water jars, art murals in each room that depict the laidback, communal lifestyle of the neighbourhood, as well as a pop-up ‘mama stall’ reminiscent of small convenience stalls often located in housing estates of the 1960s, displaying local artisans’ crafts in the hotel’s pavilion.

Adel Aramouni, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong said: “The Joo Chiat neighbourhood in Katong is well-loved for its diverse and fascinating mix of architecture, history, culture, and established Peranakan and Eurasian communities. As Singapore’s first Heritage Town, this part of Singapore has long been an integral part of the nation’s heritage and is now home to Singapore’s first Hotel Indigo. Apart from providing our guests with a space to relax and recharge, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong gives our guests the opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in the rustic charm of the Katong district, leaving them feeling inspired, refreshed, and connected to the neighbourhood around them.”

Leanne Harwood, VP Operations, IHG, South East Asia and Korea commented: “There is a rising wave of travellers seeking differentiated travel and an increasing demand for hotels that offer authentic and refreshingly local experiences, especially amongst seasoned and savvy travellers. Singapore has seen a steady increase in boutique hotels that aim to meet this demand for experiential travel and the global boutique hotel industry as a whole now comprises about five percent of the market. We’ve seen success on the back of the launch of the brand in Thailand last year and are confident Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong will be a popular choice amongst travellers to Singapore.”

The meticulously designed 30-square metre guest rooms mirror the structure and flow of a condensed Peranakan home, taking guests from the living room to the bedroom through to the spa-inspired bathroom which features aromatherapeutic toiletries. Guests can also utilise a 24-hour Fitness Centre with Technogym equipment or take a relaxing dip in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool while enjoying the spectacular view of the cultural enclave of Katong.

This philosophy of bringing the local neighbourhood to life in the property extends to the hotel’s food and beverage offering. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s all-day dining restaurant, *Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, serves authentic modern and traditional cuisine from the Straits of Malacca, as well as a delectable selection of Western favourites. It also offers locally-inspired food such as Ayam Buah Keluak and Foie Gras Tau Kwa Pau, coffee from beans roasted by local specialty coffee roasters Common Man Coffee Roasters, tea from TWG Tea, and innovative local cocktails.

Designed by renowned architects Ong & Ong and multi-disciplinary architectural practice eco.id Architects and Design Consultancy, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong thoughtfully incorporates highlights of the Katong neighbourhood story into the hotel’s creative design.

CANADA: Holiday Inn Brand Unveils Revamped Ottawa Property After $9 Million Renovation

Holiday InnInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of the newly-renovated 261-room Holiday Inn Ottawa East hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, after a $9 million renovation funded by hotel ownership. Formerly the Chimo Hotel, this property joins six other IHG hotels located nearby including the Hotel Indigo Ottawa and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport.

The hotel is centrally located and offers easy access to the airport and main highways. Additionally, guests are minutes away from the Ray Chabot Grant Thornton Baseball Stadium, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Via Rail Station and Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport.

Eric Lent, Vice President, Holiday Inn® Brand, The Americas, IHG said: “Holiday Inn is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world, and we’re pleased to add this hotel into our family. The Holiday Inn brand created the modern hotel experience and has continued to grow and change with the needs of travellers. The Holiday Inn Ottawa East hotel is another example of how this brand delivers a special kind of hospitality that makes guests feel at home the moment they walk through the front door.”

The Holiday Inn brand opened the doors of its first hotel more than 60 years ago and since then has been making travel more enjoyable for generations of travellers all over the world. Whether on the journey of a lifetime, a family vacation or business, guests know they can expect the contemporary design, modern amenities, and warm, welcoming service that distinguish the Holiday Inn brand.

Holiday Inn hotels are designed to provide a welcoming and sociable environment for business and leisure travellers alike spending time away from home. Amenities including free Wi-Fi, easily accessible outlets throughout guestrooms and convenient open public areas ideal for collaboration or post-meeting relaxation help travellers stay productive and accomplish their goals in a warm and social atmosphere.

Additional amenities at the Holiday Inn Ottawa East hotel include an indoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a Kids’ Club for children ages 4 to 11, where kids can colour and fill out a registration card to “check in” while being entered to win a monthly prize. The hotel also offers an “Adopt a Friend” program that gives kids the opportunity to adopt a stuffed animal for the length of their stay. The hotel boasts 8,500 sq. ft. of meeting/banquet space with capacity for up to 180 people. Guests can enjoy Reza’s Kitchen, which offers casual dining with a contemporary twist. Reza’s is named after Chef Reza, one of the original chefs at the Chimo Hotel in the 1970’s. Up to four kids 12 and younger may eat free when ordering from the kids’ menu in the hotel restaurant and accompanied by a dining adult.

Jean-Pierre Benjamin, General Manager, Holiday Inn Ottawa East said: “With our extensive renovation, we anticipate the Holiday Inn Ottawa East hotel will quickly become a favourite choice of business and leisure travellers visiting the area. We look forward to greeting our guests with the welcoming service that they’ve come to expect from Holiday Inn hotels.”

USA: IHG Appoints Michael Torres Vice President Corporate Communications For The Americas

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has named Michael Torres Vice President of Corporate Communications, The Americas. Torres will provide strategic counsel to protect and enhance the reputation of IHG and its family of brands for the region, which includes the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

As the chief communications officer, he will serve on the Americas Regional Executive Committee and be based in Atlanta. Torres will oversee internal and external corporate communications, including employee/organizational, crisis/issues management, strategic messaging, marketing communications and media relations.

Elie Maalouf, CEO, The Americas, IHG said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to IHG. His rich experience building robust communications strategies for some of the world’s most well-known companies such as Anheuser-Busch, AB InBev and PepsiCo and their globally recognized brands will be invaluable to how we continue to strengthen the positive cloud of commentary for our high-quality portfolio of hotels – how people relate to and talk about them – both inside and outside of IHG.”

Michael Torres added: “The nature of the industry is fundamentally changing as consumer expectations continue to evolve. Becoming a member of the IHG family provides an opportunity to work with people who are at the forefront of that future and help make a difference. The talent and commitment here are essential building blocks in charting new pathways for strategic communications that will protect and enhance the image and reputation of IHG and its portfolio of strong hotel brands.”

As senior director of global corporate communications at PepsiCo, Torres provided strategic internal and external corporate and executive communications, and reputation risk/issues management counsel and direction for PepsiCo’s Global Research and Development Division.

As a member of the chief scientific officer’s and executive vice president’s senior leadership team, Torres’ role as R&D’s chief communications officer also included the development and execution of the first global R&D communications function and strategic communications plan that enhanced, promoted and protected the image of the company as well as global R&D initiatives and programs across AMEA, Europe and North and South America. Torres’ legacy also includes the development and execution of a global R&D change management communications strategy, which received an HR Excellence Award, recognizing it as the best-in-class model at PepsiCo.

He also directed corporate communications, marketing and social media communications for PepsiCo’s $1 billion Tropicana line of beverages and the Naked Emerging Group, including the Naked, IZZE, O.N.E brands. In this role, he oversaw internal and external communications strategies and executions, including the recalibration of Tropicana’s award-winning social media footprint (Facebook, Twitter and blogger outreach) and successful leadership on litigation communications for Naked Juice and Tropicana Pure Premium.

Before joining PepsiCo, Torres held several leadership positions at Anheuser-Busch and AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer. He initially oversaw communications for Anheuser-Busch’s international subsidiary for five years and then was promoted to direct the company’s North America Brand/Sports & Entertainment Marketing Communications teams where he also built a lifestyle communications practice. Following the merger between Anheuser-Busch and InBev, he led global external communications for the newly formed parent company, AB InBev.

In this role, Torres oversaw the development and execution of all marketing communications strategies for more than 200 brands, key global sponsorships (including World Cup, Super Bowl, etc.), investor relations communications that included the first combined annual report between InBev and Anheuser-Busch, the relisting of “BUD” on the New York Stock Exchange and supported earnings announcements.

He began his career in public affairs at Fleishman-Hillard Inc., where he developed and executed public relations, community relations and grassroots PR programs — from a major Superfund clean-up project and national campaign that earned FDA approval for Olestra to the Vatican during Pope John Paul’s visit to the United States and several state gaming initiatives.

Torres earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and is an alumnus of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Advanced Marketing Program from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, the Coro Fellows Foundation, the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and Anheuser-Busch’s Senior Leadership Development program.