InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, is set to enrich its service and product offering within the UAE as it looks toward the opening of three key properties at Dubai Festival City. As the largest hotel operator in the Middle East and Africa, the group will be further expanding its portfolio of properties with the opening of INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City in the third quarter of 2007.

In conjunction with Al-Futtaim Group, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City hotels, as well as the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City, will further enhance the group’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards; with all three properties defining the essence of luxury, quality and service.

The introduction of the InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City is a first for the group in the UAE market and is specially designed to cater to the needs of extended stay guests featuring kitchen and living areas. The suites can host both large and small families, while single travellers will appreciate the service and privacy of the studios.

Each property is specifically designed to cater to different guest’s requirements and needs, with the three developments reflecting the growing demands of the tourism industry within Dubai, which continues to experience phenomenal growth year on year. The Dubai government anticipates that by 2010, more than 15 million tourists are expected to arrive in Dubai, compared to about five million visitors in 2003. In line with this massive influx, it is anticipated that there will be a need for 70,000 to 80,000 hotel rooms by the end of the decade.

This development within Middle East and the UAE particularly, is extremely important within the objectives of the InterContinental Hotels Group globally, with a company goal of a net organic growth of 60,000 rooms by 2008. 

Speaking about the projects, Tom Meyer, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Dubai Festival City said: “InterContinental Hotels Group arrived in the region over 40 years ago with InterContinental Phoenicia in Lebanon, pioneering the international 5-star hotel category here. We are committed to continue providing a first-class product as evident with the Dubai Festival City projects.”

“InterContinental Hotels Group has and continues to adapt to the changing market demands and it is only by maintaining a flexible approach to business that the group has been able to go from strength to strength. We believe this exciting project at Dubai Festival City will complement the Emirate’s vibrant growth.”

 “This is an exciting venture for me and I am really looking forward to presenting Dubai with three new and completely different hotels. Each property will, in their own right, deliver innovative services and facilities that are set to be industry firsts in this region and will take the guest experience to a new level. ” added Meyer.