IHG to debut in Laos

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement to develop its first hotel in Laos. The deal, with Vietnamese conglomerate, BIM Group, will see the development of two new-build Crowne Plaza properties in the Lao capital Vientiane, and Phu Quoc, the southern resort island in Vietnam. Both scheduled to open in 2015, the two hotels will add about 600 rooms to IHG’s portfolio.  

“The BIM Group is a strategic partner for IHG in the fast-growing IndoChina market. The group’s success in the various businesses speaks highly of its leadership and influence, complementing IHG’s strength and development plans in the region,” said Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer for IHG Asia, Middle East & Africa.

“The debut of the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Vientiane will further invigorate tourism in this part of the world. Crowne Plaza Vientiane aims to generate a new buzz and create additional employment opportunities in this upcoming travel and business destination, as well as provide a comprehensive range of services and products for the MICE sector,” he added.

The 200-room Crowne Plaza Vientiane will be located on a two-hectare site on Rue Samsenthai, in the city centre. The Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Resort meanwhile, will form part of a 155-hectare integrated resort development site on Long Beach. Housing 400 rooms, including 95 residences and five villas, the hotel will occupy 10 hectares of the site with a private beachfront.

Pictured (from left): Do Anh Cuong, Deputy General Director, Syrena (part of BIM Group); Doan Quoc Huy, Executive Vice President, BIM Group; Alan Watts, Vice President of Operations, Southeast Asia, IHG; and Thomas Schmelter, Regional General Manager, IHG Vietnam & Cambodia, IHG