Intercontinental Hotels : IHG expands Crowne Plaza brand in Thailand

Franchise agreement signed with long-term partner forCrowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has signed a landmark franchise agreement with real estate experts, Siamese Assetto expand its world-renowned Crowne Plaza brand in Bangkok.

The new Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 hotel will open in 2025 in a prime city location, close to the Thai capital'snew central business district.

The announcement signalsthe first time IHG has completeda franchise agreement in Thailand, as they expandtheir relationship with long-term partner Kew Green, a franchisee ofmore than 40 hotels in the UK. Kew Green have undertaken a joint venture with experienced real estate developerSiamese Asset tobring the milestone arrangement to fruition.

Serena Lim, Vice President, Development for IHG, South East Asia & Korea,said: 'This project is the first of its type for IHG in Thailand and made possible by working with Siamese and Kew Green, who bring together the expertise of one of our long-term partners, Kew Green,and local real estate experts, SiameseAsset.

'This deal demonstrates that IHG is nimble and flexible, and that we are changing with the times as well as expanding our long-term partnerships across borders. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Siamese and Kew Green to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to this central location in Thailand's capital.'

This signing demonstrates the continued growth of the Crowne Plaza brand in Thailand having announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvitlast month, expanding the brand's footprintto three hotels in the capital. IHG continues to seek further expansion for the brand across the country as the upscale segment continues to grow.

Kajonsit Singsansern, CEO, Siamese Asset,added:'We are excited to be partnering with IHG to bring Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 to life. Through the experience of Kew Green, as a long-term IHG franchisee, and Siamese Asset's local knowledge ofreal estate, we cannot waitto open the doors of our new venture in 2025.

'To ensure smooth progress, Kew Green will be setting up local infrastructure in Bangkok, which will be supported by its UK operation who are familiar with working with IHG's systems and brand standards.'

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 will be located in amixed-use development- Siamese Rama 9- which featureshigh-end apartments, office space and a mall.It is just 25 kilometresfrom Suvarnabhumi International Airportand 22km from Don Muang International Airport, offering easy connectivity for visitors through the local road network and proximity to the upcomingMRT Orange line. Embassies, office towers and hospitals, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment hotspots, are all within easy reach.

The hotel will showcase the Crowne Plaza brand's focus on the era of connection and productivity,enabling guests to seamlessly move between work and downtime. It will welcome leisure and business travellers alike, with a choice of dining outlets, meeting rooms, a fitness centre, swimming pool andpicturesque rooftop garden.

The centrepiece of the hotel is the 'Plaza Workspace' - a new take on the traditional hotel lobby - providingan inspiring and comfortable space for guests to work, have a meeting or socialise with friends.

The IHG team has a strong in-market presence,supporting our owners and hotel teams across the country. This allows them to benefit from the power of IHG's enterprise,including the strength and resilience of our brands and our global loyalty programme, IHG Rewards Club.

IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures at all its hotels worldwideand understands that cleanliness, health and safety are top priorities for customers, especially at this challenging time. To this end, IHG has introduced additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices, in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey, as well as launchingthe IHG Clean Promise. Once open and part of the IHG family, Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 will follow IHG's Way of Clean and offer guests the IHG Clean Promise.

IHG is committed to growth in Thailand and already has 31hotels operating under sevenbrands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo,Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Staybridge Suites, with another 30in the pipeline, which includes brand entries for Kimpton and voco.

*Numbers correct as of 30 September2020