THE InterContinental hotels group has announced plans to launch its highly successful chain of branded economy hotels in the Middle East with the aim of operating 20 of the new properties in the next five years.

The move will reinforce the company’s position as the largest multi-brand hotel operator in the region, adding to its current portfolio of 72 upscale Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza properties and mid-market Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts.
Express by Holiday Inn hotels are designed and purpose-built for price-conscious business and leisure travellers, catering for short-term guests.
The first Express by Holiday Inn is with Saudi Real Estate Development Company, a specialised and professional real estate group that has a roll-out plan for 12 hotels throughout Saudi Arabia, all operational by 2009. A similar roll-out plan will be announced this year for the GCC countries.
Ten group properties are currently under construction. Five of these are InterContentinental hotels, including Dubai Festival City Hotel and the Heliopolis Cairo and five are Holiday Inns, including two in Egypt and one on the Dead Sea.