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Singapore: Wednesday 16 July, 2003 - InterContinental
Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] announced today the newly
branded InterContinental Bangkok as the latest addition to its brand portfolio
of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts. Formerly known as the Le Royal
Meridien, the presence of InterContinental Bangkok also reinforces IHG�s
commitment to Thailand to support the growth of Thailand�s tourism industry.
�We are pleased and honoured to form an alliance with the Srivikorn and Charoen-rajapark families and believe that it will be a mutually beneficial relationship for both organizations as we work closely to enhance revenue and returns for the hotel property. InterContinental Bangkok is a significant addition to our portfolio and we are very excited about it. A superb property in an exceptional location,� said Mr. A. Patrick Imbardelli, Managing Director, InterContinental Hotels Group, Asia Pacific, �I strongly believe the InterContinental Bangkok will set new service standards with its distinctive offering of international understanding, complemented with Thai hospitality, which will greatly appeal to international business and leisure travellers.� Mr. Imbardelli added, �Importantly, the entry of InterContinental Bangkok into the marketplace helps put our brand right in the heart of one of Asia�s most dynamic and intriguing cities. This marks the roll out of our intensive but strategic expansion plans for Thailand for the next few months as we believe that Thailand has the growth potential, being a premiere tourist destination and a gateway to Southeast Asia, serving as a hub for inbound and outbound travellers, from all around the world. In fact, tourism into the country will receive an added boost with commendable efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to make Thailand the tourism capital of Asia.� The transformation of InterContinental Bangkok will continue for the next six months with refurbishment activities focusing on its lobby and restaurants to create an unforgettable guest experience, in line with the InterContinental brand while subtly reflecting the Thai culture. Guests staying at a InterContinental hotel will appreciate four key areas of differentiation, identified under the ICONs service programme. They are In An Instant so that guests can have all queries answered at a touch of a button, Global Connections to enable international travellers to keep in touch with their business and home with consistent technology connectivity, Around The Clock service that ensures guests� needs are met, irrespective of the time (24-hour Room Service, Valet Service, Gym/Health Club and Business Centre) and Little Things That Make A Difference such as a Jetlag Recovery Kit or Instant Money, a local currency pack or even the Insider Concierge to help our guests discover Bangkok conveniently and easily. These service initiatives will underline InterContinental Bangkok�s promise of �we know what it takes� to make business or leisure trips more pleasurable. The InterContinental brand is well-recognised globally and is synonymous with luxurious accommodations and world-class standards of quality and services and at the same time, capturing the subtle essence of the local environment. With the introduction of InterContinental Bangkok, international travelers including 15 million members of IHG�s loyalty programme Priority Club Rewards, will now have the opportunity to stay at one of the world�s finest hotels in Bangkok, one of Asia�s most popular destinations. International travellers staying at the InterContinental Bangkok will appreciate its central location, along Ploenchit Road, and its close proximity to the Chitlom BTS skytrain station, making it especially convenient to explore Bangkok with ease. InterContinental Bangkok is targeted at the business and leisure markets as it is highly accessible and is clearly the place to be and be seen, with its excellent dining and entertainment outlets as well as its meeting facilities, among the best and biggest in Bangkok�s hotels. To celebrate the newly rebranded InterContinental Bangkok, guests making an online reservation for InterContinental Bangkok on 18 July 2003, will get to enjoy a special introductory offer to stay at the hotel. In addition, Priority Club members who sign up for the offer will receive welcome gifts when they stay at the hotel. Reservations can be made at www.ichotelsgroup.com/onedaysale. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], owns, manages, leases or franchises more than 3,300 hotels and 515,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK. |
Contact:
Joanna Ong
InterContinental Hotels Group Tel: (65) 6395 6074 E-mail: [email protected] www.ichotelsgroup.com |