This signing will see the launch of three new InterContinental hotels as well as a Hotel Indigo property in a series of diverse locations across the country.
A growing footprint
Strengthening IHG’s footprint in the South West Asia region, this signing signifies the development of InterContinental Kathmandu Lazimpat, Hotel Indigo Pokhara Gharipatan, InterContinental Resort Pokhara Begnas Lake and InterContinental Resort Chitwan, Meghauli, altogether encompassing close to 500 rooms.
These openings will also mark the debut of IHG’s InterContinental and Hotel Indigo brands in the market. The hotels are currently under construction and expected to open in the next one to four years.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to introduce two of our leading brands from the luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, to Nepal.”
“The signing of four new hotels in partnership with the esteemed and well- known Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group of Nepal is testament to the trust and love for our brands from our owners as well as guests, and we are proud to grow our footprint in the South-West Asia region to bring our offering to new markets.”
“The strategic location of all four hotels in different key tourism destinations of Nepal provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests.”
“InterContinental and Hotel Indigo have seen phenomenal success across key markets in the wider EMEAA region and we are pleased to have these brands at the forefront of Nepal’s flourishing hospitality industry,” he added. “We are confident that our brands will provide world-class hospitality experiences to guests, and also that we will be the preferred choice for our owners who are looking to build their portfolio in the luxury and lifestyle category.”
The four new hotels
Of these openings, InterContinental Kathmandu Lazimpat will be redeveloped on the same site as Shangri-la Kathmandu hotel in the country’s capital city. This property will be close to a number of embassies and provide easy access to the city centre and Tribhuvan International Airport.
The hotel’s 225 luxurious rooms will be accompanied by an all-day dining space, specialty restaurant, lobby lounge, bar and meeting space including a ballroom, as well as health and wellness facilities, a swimming pool, retail store and club lounge.
Located in the key commercial and residential hub of Gharipatan in Pokhara, Hotel Indigo Pokhara will take inspiration from the local area for everything from its design to restaurant offering. The 100-key hotel will encompass a neighbourhood cafe, restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, a health club, spa and swimming pool, club lounge, business centre and meeting space. Guests will have easy access to the city centre and Pokhara Airport.
InterContinental Pokhara Begnas Lake will then be situated along the banks of Begnas Lake in Pokhara. This 80-key property will feature all-day dining, a lobby lounge and bar, a health club, spa, club lounge, business centre and swimming pool.
Finally, InterContinental Resort Chitwan will accommodate guests in the popular destination of Mehgauli Village. This 80-room property will come with all-day dining and a specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge, bars, a health club, spa, business centre, swimming pool and event space. This hotel will be within close proximity of Chitwan National Park.
Commenting on the signing, Prasidha B. Panday, Chairman, Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the debut of the two renowned brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, in Nepal.”
“We are confident that our partnership with IHG to open four new hotels will help us offer world-class hospitality to guests, at a time when travel to Nepal has increased exponentially. All new hotels will be located in top tourism hubs, and we expect to benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, technology and a strong loyalty programme.”
