image

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Cairo Sheikh Zayed City in partnership with Al Badr For Investments and Commercial Spaces Company.

Scheduled to open in 2021, the 187-room new build will form part of Phase II of Arkan Plaza, a prime up-scale mixed-used development, and is strategically located in the heart of Sheikh Zayed City. Guests will be spoilt for choice with three food and beverage outlets enhancing their culinary experience.

The new hotel is 10 min away from the New Cairo Museum and 15 minutes from the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is also in close proximity to Cairo International Airport and will be just 10km away from the Sphinx International Airport.

Rajit Sukumaran, Chief Development Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said: “The latest addition to our portfolio in Cairo underscores our commitment to the market and our overall expansion plan in MENA. The total number of Crowne Plaza hotels in MENA is set to grow over the next three to five years with eight Crowne Plaza hotels in our development pipeline.”

He added that Cairo is an important business hub and the upcoming opening of the Sphinx International Airport presents an excellent opportunity to introduce the brand to cater to the business travellers.

Amr Badreldin, Chairman, Al Badr For Investments and Commercial Spaces Company said: “The hotel’s offering and location also allows for a great experience for a leisure travellers from Egypt looking for a weekend getaway or for international tourists exploring the city. We are delighted to be working with a strong, global player such as IHG® and look forward to welcoming guests in 2021.”

Egypt is fast emerging as a popular destination for travellers from India. According to Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board (ETPB), Indian tourist arrivals to Egypt increased by 30% in the first quarter, this year and is expected to grow to 1.2 lakh Indian visitors by end of 2017, recording a growth of more than 50%, compared to last year.

The new development aligns with IHG’s strategy to grow the Crowne Plaza brand across Middle East and North Africa (MENA), by further strengthening its presence in top-tier business epicentres and primary markets in the region. IHG currently has 2,169 rooms in Cairo under the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites brands. There are currently 412 Crowne Plaza hotels open across the globe, with a further 84 hotels due to open in in the next three to five years (Figures as of September 30, 2017).

Source: travelnewsdigest.in