IHG Signs Two New Hotels In Wuhan New City
IHG is continuing its push into second tier cities in central and western China by signing deals to manage two new hotels in the central China gateway city of Wuhan.
The two hotels, InterContinental Wuhan and Holiday Inn Wuhan New City, will be located at the Wuhan New City International Expo Centre, the largest facility of its kind in Central China, covering 1,000,000 square metres. With a total of 1,300 rooms, the two hotels are expected to open in 2012.
Edmond Ip, chief operating officer IHG Greater China, said that the vast central and western areas of China represent huge potential for the hotel industry and IHG is taking the lead by establishing a presence in these up-and-coming regions. He added that Wuhan is a growing base for the automotive industry, and this, combined with its rising status as a regional business centre will drive demand for the meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition market and provide a solid revenue stream for both new hotels.
The two new hotels are owned by Wuhan New City International Expo Centre Company — a joint venture between Wuhan Urban Construction Investment & Development Group and Chengdu Convention and Exhibition Group, a long-term partner of IHG in seven other hotels.