Laos – 6 December 2016
InterContinental Hotels Group signs a management agreement with Lao International Development to open the first InterContinental hotel in Laos.
Set to open in 2021, the new-build InterContinental Vientiane will join Crowne Plaza Vientiane to be the second hotel managed by IHG in the capital city. The hotel will feature more than 400 rooms in the upcoming World Trade Centre – a mixed-use complex being developed by Lao International Development.
Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, IHG, South East Asia & Korea, said: “Laos is one of the region’s fastest growing nations with close to five million international arrivals each year and future infrastructural and industrial developments underway to continue boosting economic growth and attract foreign investment.
“It is well on its way to becoming one of the region’s busiest business and tourist destinations and it’s a great time to be bringing the InterContinental brand into the country to tap on this potential.”
Xiao Long, CEO, Lao International Development, said: “It’s an exciting time to be investing in Laos as the country sees improved intra-regional connectivity through the completed Kunming-Vientiane-Bangkok Highway connecting China, Laos and Thailand and the upcoming high-speed rail project that will link China to Laos in just a few years.
“We are confident these infrastructural developments will boost tourist arrivals, especially from surrounding nations, and the opening of InterContinental Vientiane will cater to the influx of travellers.
“In looking for a hotel management partner we were seeking one with a strong track record in operating hotels in new markets and a well-known premium hotel brand to complement the mix of offerings which would draw business and leisure travellers to stay with us when they travel.”