InterContinental to make Laos debut

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Lao International Development to open the first InterContinental hotel in Laos.

Set to open in 2021, the newbuild InterContinental Vientiane will join Crowne Plaza Vientiane to be the second hotel managed by IHG in the capital city. The hotel will feature over 400 guestrooms and will be situated in the World Trade Centre – a mixed-use complex being developed by Lao International Development. Slated to be the city’s commercial hub when it opens, the complex will also include a large retail mall, medical centre, conference centre, office tower and residential towers.

Strategically located a short drive away from Wattay International Airport, InterContinental Vientiane will boast close proximity to the Prime Minister’s office, international embassies and major convention centres.

Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, IHG, South East Asia & Korea, comments: “Laos is currently 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.”

InterContinental Vientiane will feature the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ signature Club Lounge alongside a swimming pool and spa and fitness centre. Guests can also look forward to high-quality dining experiences at the hotel’s specialty restaurant and a variety of international cuisines at an all-day dining space.

Mr. Xiao Long, CEO, Lao International Development, comments: “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.”

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