IHG renews presence in Christchurch with Crowne Plaza signing

SINGAPORE - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement to develop the 200-room Crowne Plaza Christchurch, signalling IHG’s commitment to Christchurch’s economic revival.

Located in the central business district (CBD) and across from the planned new Christchurch Convention Centre due to open in 2017, the upscale hotel will be a conversion of a current commercial building owned by a consortium of local Christchurch investors. The hotel will be one of the tallest buildings in the city, presenting guests with unrivalled views of Mt Hutt and the New Zealand Ski fields.

The hotel will feature up to five suites and 195 guest rooms and food and beverage options including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and lobby lounge and bar.

Catering to both business and leisure travellers, Crowne Plaza Christchurch will also have a business centre and function space for meetings and events, as well as a fitness centre.

Matthew Tripolone, Head of Development, Australasia, IHG, said: “Tourism is one of the 20 high priority projects outlined in the Economic Recovery Programme for Greater Christchurch, and we are proud to be part of the city’s economic revival. The signing of this agreement is testament to our confidence in and commitment to this market. When the new Crowne Plaza Christchurch opens its doors in 2015, IHG will once again have a presence in every major market in New Zealand, and we are confident of our long-term growth in the region."

Dean Humphries, National Director Hotels at Colliers International, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to bring these two partners together. Crowne Plaza Christchurch will play an important role in the city and I’m confident that both parties have the experience and commitment to quality and brand integrity to make this hotel the number one choice for business travellers to Christchurch. The owners are business people that are committed to the Christchurch rebuild and they are delighted to partner with IHG to bring this great brand to the heart of the city."

Crowne Plaza is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the world with nearly 400 hotels in more than 65 countries worldwide, including 68 hotels across AMEA. Crowne Plaza Christchurch will be the third Crowne Plaza in New Zealand, joining Crowne Plaza Queenstown and Crowne Plaza Auckland. IHG currently has 38 hotels open across six countries in Australasia, with an additional five hotels in the pipeline including an InterContinental and four Holiday Inn Express hotels.

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