InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the launch of its Holiday Inn Express brand in Russia, the CIS and Georgia.

In cooperation with Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), Russia’s rapidly growing hotel property developer, IHG has introduced Holiday Inn Express Voronezh, Kirova, marking the debut of the brand in the region. The hotel will open in a few weeks, just months after IHG brought its Hotel Indigo brand to Russia for the first time.

Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), a portfolio company of VIY Management (VIYM) and IHG, signed a franchise multiple development agreement (MDA) in 2013 to develop a number of Holiday Inn Express hotels by 2019, a significant step towards IHG’s ambition to be market leaders in Russia, the CIS and Georgia, with 100 hotels open or in the development pipeline by 2020.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe, IHG comments: “Russia, the CIS and Georgia is a priority market for us and we want to be number one there. In line with our strategy we are expanding our portfolio of brands in the region and in March this year we brought our upscale boutique brand Hotel Indigo to Russia. We have also identified a gap in the market for quality, affordable mid-market accommodation and our Holiday Inn Express brand meets the needs of our owners and our guests perfectly. We’re delighted to be partnering with VIY Management and its hotel business RHC, a proven and highly respected hotel developer and operator in Russia.”

The 145-guestroom Holiday Inn Express, Voronezh is located in the heart of Voronezh city centre. Designed to be the right choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers, Holiday Inn’s brand proposition of ‘Simple. Smart. Spot on’, aims to offer guests everything they need. All guestrooms at Voronezh are the same size, however guests can choose between a family room with a sofa, a king size double or a twin room. Each guestroom has a workspace with a desk and chair, flat-screen TV, safe, bathroom with shower, large mirror, hairdryer and toiletries. The complimentary ‘Express Start’ breakfast bar features a full range of breakfast items, including regional and local dishes.

Michael Johnston, CEO of Regional Hotel Chain LLC, adds: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first Holiday Inn Express hotel under our MDA with IHG, and also our first modular constructed hotel. Our agreement with IHG is of strategic importance to us, providing us with an excellent platform for further growth as we continue to develop hotels throughout Russia.”

The guestroom pictured is a standard double from the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Schiphol.

www.ihg.com