InterContinental to Develop Property in Pune, India
Centrally located InterContinental Pune to open in 2009 - Underscores Group's continuing development
DECEMBER 1, 2006. InterContinental Hotels Group, the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, has been appointed to manage Pune's first international brand hotel under its luxury InterContinental brand. The new-build InterContinental Pune, comprising 200 rooms and suites and offering more than 1,200 square meters of dedicated meeting space, is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2009.
Ideally located in the central business district of Pune, a strong IT and BPO hub 180 kms south east of Mumbai, InterContinental Pune will offer a comprehensive range of dining and recreation facilities, including two specialty restaurants, an all day dining restaurant, a lively evening entertainment venue and a signature spa. Meeting facilities include a 500- seat ballroom, Pune's largest, as well as several meeting rooms supported by a full range of business services. The hotel will primarily target business travellers and conference delegates, two segments which have shown strong growth in line with the robust Indian economy.
Jan Smits, chief operating officer, Southern Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific, said: 'This collaboration is a clear reflection of our commitment towards further portfolio expansion in India and is in line with the InterContinental Hotels Group's focus on developing strong hotel brands. InterContinental Pune will showcase and support the brand's development in the country'.
Mr. Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman of the Poonawalla Group, said: 'We are delighted to work in partnership with InterContinental Hotels Group to develop the InterContinental Pune. This strategic partnership will successfully combine our local knowledge and InterContinental Hotels Group's global expertise to help us meet the varied needs of business travelers'.
InterContinental Pune will be InterContinental Hotels Group's 15th hotel in India and the first internationally branded hotel in Pune.
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