InterContinental on NZ,s South Island to Open on Lake Wakatipu
JULY 18, 2007. IHG is set to launch its first InterContinental hotel on New Zealand's South Island after signing a management agreement with leading property developer, Melview Developments Limited, to establish the brand in Queenstown. The 221-room InterContinental Queenstown will be completed in 2010.
On Melview's Kawarau Falls Station site, Queenstown's two remaining north-facing sites overlook Lake Wakatipu. The property, in what is considered to be the country's "adventure capital," will join InterContinental Wellington to become IHG's second InterContinental hotel in New Zealand.
InterContinental Queenstown will feature more than 3,000 square meters of conference and meeting facilities - the largest of any hotel in the area - as well as a health spa with outdoor pool and Jacuzzis. The hotel's ingenious design will take full advantage of the site from the escarpment's highest point to capture the surrounding lake and mountain views.
"Melview has demonstrated extraordinary vision with its plans for the Kawarau Falls Station site and we're delighted to be part of that vision with the InterContinental Queenstown. Our InterContinental strategy is focused on establishing this premium brand in key gateway and leisure destinations. This project will be a perfect example of that approach," said Keith Barr, the IHG Chief Operating Officer for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
"Domestic and international visitor numbers to Queenstown continue to increase, and its appeal as one of the world's most aspirational destinations is undeniable. We are excited at the prospect of attracting our loyal InterContinental guests to the region and continuing our tradition of providing them with authentic experiences and exceptional service in the best locations throughout the world."
Melview Developments Limited managing director, Nigel McKenna, said the signing with IHG to manage a key element of the Kawarau Falls Station development marks the beginning of one of the region's most ambitious development projects to date.
"Everything about this luxury development - including hotels, retail and residential - has been approached with respect to the international audience. Queenstown has a widespread appeal that is shown in its proportion of international operators and investors, and our intention for the Kawarau Falls Station site is to appeal to that trend.
"Signing IHG to manage the largest single piece of the development made sense given our existing partnership and the Group's impressive international scale, well-positioned brands and global sales and marketing capabilities. We're as excited as they are to see an InterContinental hotel in Queenstown and look forward to working with them as the concept evolves in the lead up to opening in 2010," Mr. McKenna said.
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