With two new stores opened at the end of 2010 and another eight to be opened in 2011 in Latin America, the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) continues its positioning in the region by stomping its feet.
During the Anato Tourism Showcase (Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies), HOTEL MANAGEMENT, spoke with Eric Pearson, Chief Marketing Officer, for the Americas of IHG, who commented on the importance that the region has for the group.
Pearson explained that the stability of the economy in the region, especially that of Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, in addition to the future growth of tourism in the first two countries (since Brazil already has a good number of tourists), are the primary factors for which these constructions are taking place. He also highlighted the importance of investors in Latin America and the high preference that IHG has and the support it gives them.
In September 2010, IHG opened in Argentina The InterContinental Mendoza, owned by KLP Emprendimientos S.A, which offers 180 rooms, of which 24 are suites, 11 meeting rooms, a party room, spa, gym and restaurant. This hotel is the Group's 18th accommodation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In Colombia, IHG signed an agreement with Espacios Urbanos S.A. to manage InterContinental's new property in Cartagena, which will have 280 rooms ready in 2013. This property will be part of the mixed Nao Fun Shopping complex, which includes casino, shops, cinemas and restaurants.
He will also manage the Holiday Inn Cartagena, owned by Sundacer S.A.S, which will be ready in 2011 and will have the standards of the relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand in the world. To this establishment will be added the Holiday Inn Bogotá-Airport, a construction that was born from a franchise agreement with Alianza Fiduciaria, this hotel will be only 10 minutes from El Dorado International Airport and will also be inaugurated in 2011.
"Colombia is a strategic market for IHG, we have many investment partners in the country, in addition to its economy and the construction possibilities that currently exist for hotels, such as the exemption from paying taxes for a certain time, makes it even more striking," said Eric Pearson regarding these new openings in the country.
IHG also opened two stores in Brazil and Venezuela. The Holiday Inn Express Cuiabá, in Brazil, was opened in November and with this 12 properties of the Group in the country are added. In Venezuela, the InterContinental Maracaibo was inaugurated and is the second establishment in the city.
