IHG to manage new Crowne Plaza Resort in Hunter Valley, Australia

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced a management agreement with High Trade Company Pty Ltd that will see the establishment of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort, a purpose-built Crowne Plaza resort on the site of the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club located within the heart of the vineyard district.

High Trade is the owner of the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club, which includes the existing 18-hole golf course and this new accommodation development consisting of a 150-room hotel, 175 villas and a health spa. InterContinental Hotels Group will operate the hotel and villas, which will be built to Crowne Plaza brand specifications and standards.

InterContinental Hotels Group's Managing Director Asia Pacific, A. Patrick Imbardelli commented, "The Crowne Plaza brand has gone from strength to strength in the Asia Pacific region. Our proven ability to deliver returns has driven investor confidence, and our guests are recognising the unique business offerings the Crowne Plaza brand represents."

Construction of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort has commenced and is well under way, with the resort expected to open in late 2005.

"The establishment of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort presents a rare opportunity to be involved in developing a brand-defining Crowne Plaza resort, in a destination that is incredibly popular for both meetings and leisure," said InterContinental Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Phil Lee.

Overlooking the 18 hole golf course, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley will feature 150 rooms, three food and beverage options, Fitness Centre, outdoor heated pool, tennis courts and a health spa. As well as a boardroom and extensive meeting facilities, the hotel will also offer Crowne Plaza's unique meeting success program, with such services as a dedicated Crowne Meeting Director and a 2 hour response time to meeting enquiries.

"InterContinental Hotels Group has demonstrated that it has the management expertise and the global resources to make this hotel a success. We have chosen the Crowne Plaza brand due to its success in attracting guests, business travellers and meeting delegates- both here and overseas," commented High Trade General Manager, Paul Haas.

"With the strength of the Group's global sales and reservations systems and the global Priority Club Rewards loyalty program, we are confident InterContinental Hotels Group will deliver excellent results. This will not only benefit direct stakeholders but it will also bring with it a new and exciting economic growth and opportunity to the already very popular Hunter Valley Region."

Hunter Valley is located two hours north of Sydney, and is one of Australia's best-known wine regions. Featuring more than 90 wineries and cellar doors, a host of fine restaurants and a full calendar of annual and special events, the region attracts more than 2.4 million visitors per year (source: Hunter Valley Tourism Monitor Report Y.E 2003).