IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed agreements to unveil two of its brands in new countries, with voco debuting in South Korea and Crowne Plaza opening in Albania. Another voco will be opening in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.
Voco Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi-do province to open in 2023
IHG has partnered with Seraphim Development to sign the first voco hotel in South Korea.
The new-build 280-room urban resort will also be the first upscale international hotel brand in Gyeonggi-do province when it opens in 2023, according to the companies.
“We are delighted to sign our first voco hotel in South Korea, adding to our existing portfolio of nine hotels in the country,” said Serena Lim, VP, development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG. “South Korea is an important market for IHG, and a key focus of our expansion plans in Southeast Asia & Korea post-pandemic. With the global power of the IHG systems and enterprise delivered by a strong team on the ground, we look to grow in some wonderful city and resort locations across the country.
She added, “We want to grow by working with community partners and it is important that we have the right brands, in the right location with the right owner. It’s fantastic to be working with new partner Seraphim Development on this exciting opportunity to deliver the world-renowned voco experience for our guests. Contemporary brands really resonate in Korea, so we think Korea is a perfect market for voco and our portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands.”
The hotel will offer the city’s only rooftop pool with a 360-degree view of Godeok city and Ansung River. Facilities at voco Pyeongtaek City will also include a restaurant, lounge and bar, fitness center and 4,265 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Sae Youn Park, project director, Seraphim Development, added, “We are excited to sign our first partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and leverage their strong industry experience to bring a fresh, new brand to South Korea. The voco brand offers a contemporary lifestyle experience that is warm and welcoming. Its distinctive hallmarks of attentive service, comfort, and leisure spaces for guests will bring our vision for this urban destination resort to life.
With the signing of voco Pyeongtaek City, IHG has 15 signed and open hotels in Asia-Pacific, including three open properties in Hunter Valley and the Gold Coast in Australia and Hangzhou in China, with further openings set for Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, New Zealand and Saipan.
The property will be IHG’s 10th hotel in South Korea and its fourth brand in the country, alongside InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
Crowne Plaza to debut in Albania with Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania
IHG has signed a franchise agreement with Mediterranean Investment Group for the debut of Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania, the first for the brand in the country.
Expected to open in 2024, the hotel will offer 140 guestrooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and lounge, meeting room facilities and a wellness area including a spa, fitness center and indoor swimming pool.
The hotel will form part of Durrës’ new waterfront investment project, which will include a new cruise terminal, marina, green spaces and cycle routes.
Willemijn Geels, VP development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “Albania represents a key entry market for IHG Hotels & Resorts and we are delighted to be partnering with Mediterranean Investment Group to open the Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania. There is a great deal of scope to bring further IHG Hotels & Resorts brands to the Balkans, and we are actively looking at new opportunities to build on our presence there. Our Crowne Plaza brand has already proven to be highly successful in Belgrade, Serbia, and we look forward to introducing it to the Albanian market as we look to grow across the Balkans.”
Gazmend Haxhia, board member, Mediterranean Investment Group, said, “IHG Hotels & Resorts presented a compelling partnership opportunity to open Crowne Plaza Durrës in a city which is experiencing high growth and investment levels. We believe that the premium Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand caters perfectly to the current leisure demand and growing interest from corporate travelers choosing to visit Durrës. We look forward to opening the hotel during a major new investment period for Durrës in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.”
Voco coming to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
IHG has signed a management agreement with ASRE Limited to introduce its voco brand into Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will have 141 rooms and open its doors to guests in December.
The new hotel joins the voco family in Dubai, with voco Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road and the soon to open voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is a manmade island built on reclaimed land resembling a stylized palm tree if viewed from above. The property will be a part of a newly launched area called Palm West Beach developed by Nakheel, comprised of dining concepts and a promenade along the beach.
The hotel will have four dining options, a 180-sq.-ft. meeting room and a gym, pool and spa.
Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said, “As part of our growth strategy in the region and UAE in particular, we are pleased to partner with ASRE Limited to open another voco hotel in Dubai – voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah. With the hotel’s strategic location on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, we are set to make a strong entry in this dynamic location.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Adnan Al Ahmad, operations manager, ASRE Limited, added, “We are delighted to partner with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to expand the presence of the voco brand in the region with voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah. We are also pleased to be able to join the IHG family swiftly with a simplified conversion process. The hotel will be open and ready to welcome guests later this year, and with a great location, the power of the brand and IHG’s signature hospitality, we are confident the hotel will be a great success.”
