voco hotel in South Korea to open in 2023

The first Voco hotel in South Korea will debut in 2023, thanks to a partnership between IHG Hotels and Resorts and Seraphim Development.

The Voco Pyeongtaek City hotel is located in Gyeonggi-do province, on the Korean Peninsula, near a major sea port that is easily accessible by sea, express train, and car. Pyeongtaek Special Tourism Area and Naeri Cultural Park are two adjacent attractions.

Voco Pyeongtaek City is set to open in 2023.

The hotel will have 280 rooms, the only rooftop pool in Godeok city with a 360-degree view of the Ansung River, a restaurant, a lounge and bar, a fitness centre, and 1,300 square metres of conference space.

“We are delighted to sign our first voco hotel in South Korea, adding to our existing portfolio of nine hotels in the country,”

Serena Lim, VP, development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG.

“South Korea is an important market for IHG, and a key focus of our expansion plans in Southeast Asia & Korea post-pandemic. With the global power of the IHG systems and enterprise delivered by a strong team on the ground, we look to grow in some wonderful city and resort locations across the country.”

She added, “We want to grow by working with community partners and it is important that we have the right brands, in the right location with the right owner. It’s fantastic to be working with new partner Seraphim Development on this exciting opportunity to deliver the world-renowned voco experience for our guests. Contemporary brands really resonate in Korea, so we think Korea is a perfect market for voco and our portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands.”

With a 360-degree view of Godeok city and the Ansung River, the hotel will have the city's first rooftop pool. A restaurant, lounge and bar, fitness centre, and 4,265 square feet of conference space will be available at voco Pyeongtaek City.

“We are excited to sign our first partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and leverage their strong industry experience to bring a fresh, new brand to South Korea. The voco brand offers a contemporary lifestyle experience that is warm and welcoming. Its distinctive hallmarks of attentive service, comfort, and leisure spaces for guests will bring our vision for this urban destination resort to life.” - Sae Youn Park, project director, Seraphim Development

IHG now has 15 signed and open hotels in Asia-Pacific, including three open properties in Australia's Hunter Valley and Gold Coast, and China's Hangzhou, with more openings planned for Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, New Zealand, and Saipan.

Along with InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, this will be IHG's 10th hotel in South Korea and its fourth brand in the country.

Crowne Plaza to debut in Albania with Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania

IHG has entered into a franchise deal with Mediterranean Investment Group for the opening of Crowne Plaza Durrës, Albania, which will be the brand's first in the nation.

Durres, Albania. View from above on the embankment of the seaside town of Durres located on the Adriatic coast.

The hotel will have 140 rooms when it opens in 2024, as well as a restaurant, bar, and lounge, meeting space, and a wellness section with a spa, fitness centre, and indoor swimming pool.

The hotel will be part of Durrës' new waterfront investment project, which includes a new cruise terminal, marina, open spaces, and bike paths.

“Albania represents a crucial entry market for IHG Hotels & Resorts, and we are happy to be collaborating with Mediterranean Investment Group to open the Crowne Plaza Durrs, Albania,” said Willemijn Geels, VP development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. There is a lot of potential to introduce more IHG Hotels & Resorts brands to the Balkans, and we're actively searching for new ways to expand our footprint. Our Crowne Plaza brand has already proven to be a huge success in Belgrade, Serbia, and we're excited to bring it to Albania as part of our plan to expand throughout the Balkans.”

Gazmend Haxhia, board member, Mediterranean Investment Group, said,

“IHG Hotels & Resorts presented a compelling partnership opportunity to open Crowne Plaza Durrës in a city which is experiencing high growth and investment levels.

We believe that the premium Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand caters perfectly to the current leisure demand and growing interest from corporate travelers choosing to visit Durrës. We look forward to opening the hotel during a major new investment period for Durrës in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.”

voco coming to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

IHG has signed a management agreement with ASRE Limited to introduce its voco brand into Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will have 141 rooms and open its doors to guests in December.

The new hotel joins the voco family in Dubai, with voco Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road and the soon to open voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is a manmade island built on reclaimed land resembling a stylized palm tree if viewed from above. The property will be a part of a newly launched area called Palm West Beach developed by Nakheel, comprised of dining concepts and a promenade along the beach.

The hotel will have four dining options, a 180-sq.-ft. meeting room and a gym, pool and spa.

Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said,

“As part of our growth strategy in the region and UAE in particular, we are pleased to partner with ASRE Limited to open another voco hotel in Dubai – voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah. With the hotel’s strategic location on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, we are set to make a strong entry in this dynamic location.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Adnan Al Ahmad, operations manager, ASRE Limited, added, “We are delighted to partner with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to expand the presence of the voco brand in the region with voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

We are also pleased to be able to join the IHG family swiftly with a simplified conversion process. The hotel will be open and ready to welcome guests later this year, and with a great location, the power of the brand and IHG’s signature hospitality, we are confident the hotel will be a great success.”

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IHG to debut voco and Crowne Plaza in new countries