MALDIVES:IHG Welcomes InterContinental Maamunagau Resort

InterContinental Hotels Group has welcomed the opening of the Maamunagau Resort.

The property, also known as InterContinental Maldives, is the latest in a series of new luxury resort openings which includes ANA InterContinental Beppu in Japan and InterContinental Hayman Island in Australia.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the region is situated on the southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll near Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and one of the most secluded locations in the Maldives.

The resort boasts 81 beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences and is the first to offer all guests access to the world-class service and amenities of Club InterContinental throughout the entire island.

These generous offerings, coupled with extensive wellness facilities, bespoke experiences and six restaurants and bars, combine to take this Maldivian gem to the next level.

Stefan Huemer, general manager of InterContinental Maldives, commented: “The opening of the InterContinental Maldives signals a new era for the brand; and further raises the bar in terms of luxury and immersive experiences here in the Raa Atoll.

We are truly privileged to open this resort, which flanks the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere and creates an offering that enriches guests’ stay through education, exploration and relaxation, whilst ensuring the preservation of this ocean idyll for generations to come.

A 35-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Malé’s Velana International Airport enthrals guests with an awe-inspiring view of Maamunagau Island surrounded by emerald blue waters and pristine white sands.

Stepping onto the island, guests will be mesmerised by the property’s 81 luxuriously appointed Beach, Lagoon and Overwater Villas and Residences, tantalising gastronomic experiences, thoughtfully curated personalised service, immaculate attention to detail, and an ever-present element of surprise and delight.

Enclaved within the archipelago’s largest natural lagoon, InterContinental Maldives is also located in proximity to Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

The resort is committed to creating a sustainable marine ecosystem and has partnered with Manta Trust in support of the Maldivian Manta Ray Project, to nurture a safe habitat for the manta rays as well as providing guests with the opportunity to swim alongside these graceful creatures and snorkel in underwater coral gardens.

Located in the southern Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is blessed with a large inner lagoon located to its west, calm waters, amazing sunset views and a pristine white beach.

The resort is now accepting bookings for stays with opening privileges from September 1, 2019, until January 31, 2020, via www.intercontinental.com/maldives.

Guests staying during this period will enjoy daily complimentary breakfast and dinner at Cafè Umi for any length of stay; and, complimentary seaplane transfers for stays of five nights or longer.

The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand makes travel alluring, with insights from more than 70 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of the InterContinental Life.

Tourism Observer

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

CHINA: Hotels Introduce Facial Recognition Check-ins And Artificial Intelligence Smart Rooms

Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels launch innovations after joint ventures with mainland technology giants Alibaba and Baidu

Two international hotel chains in mainland China have started using hi-tech innovations such as check-in facial recognition sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) room service features to improve the comfort and convenience of guests.

The equipment being introduced by Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been devised in collaboration with the nation’s leading technology companies.

Marriott International introduced facial recognition check-in services in July at two mainland hotels – the Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang, in Zhejiang province, and Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay, in Hainan province – but it has plans to introduce the sensors at all of its worldwide properties.

The hotel group said the check-in process could normally take at least three minutes, but even longer during peak times.

However, the use of its facial recognition technology meant the check-in process could now be completed in less than a minute.

The installation of the self-service check-in terminal in the lobbies of the hotels meant Chinese guests were able to easily scan their ID cards, pose for a portrait photograph and input their contact information before the machine issued room key cards after verifying their identities and booking details.

Two international hotel chains in mainland China have started using hi-tech innovations such as check-in facial recognition sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) room service features to improve the comfort and convenience of guests.

The equipment being introduced by Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been devised in collaboration with the nation’s leading technology companies.

Marriott International introduced facial recognition check-in services in July at two mainland hotels – the Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang, in Zhejiang province, and Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay, in Hainan province, but it has plans to introduce the sensors at all of its worldwide properties.

The hotel group said the check-in process could normally take at least three minutes, but even longer during peak times.

However, the use of its facial recognition technology meant the check-in process could now be completed in less than a minute.

The installation of the self-service check-in terminal in the lobbies of the hotels meant Chinese guests were able to easily scan their ID cards, pose for a portrait photograph and input their contact information before the machine issued room key cards after verifying their identities and booking details.

The pilot service is part of digital initiatives as a result of a joint venture launched in August 2017 between Marriott International and Alibaba Group, the Chinese multinational e-commerce, AI and technology conglomerate.

The system is powered by Alibaba’s Fliggy digital travel service platform.

In addition, the joint venture also manages Marriott’s microsite on Fliggy, which allows guests to access the group’s 6,000 hotels under 30 brands.

Meanwhile, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with Baidu – another Chinese multinational technology company specialising in online services and products and AI – to introduce the use of AI technology in rooms.

Each of the AI smart rooms is equipped with a voice-control system powered by Baidu’s DuerOS, an AI platform that aims to offer more natural human-computer interactive experience.

A control panel allows guests to use their voices to control some of the in-room amenities, such as opening and closing curtains and switching lights and televisions on and off.

The system can also be used to fine-tune the current backstage management system, such as customising information and the resetting of the devices.

InterContinental has already launched the AI smart rooms at the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, in Beijing, and InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Centre, in Guangdong province, and plans to add them to around 100 of the Club InterContinental suites at InterContinental hotels in major mainland Chinese cities within the year.


Tourism Observer