Islamabad, Pakistan – 17 September 2024: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is expanding its footprint in Pakistan by signing a franchise agreement with MGC Developments to launch Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II. Scheduled to open in August 2028, the 150-key hotel in Pakistan’s capital will join IHG’s portfolio of more than 1,000 operational Holiday Inn hotels globally.
A pioneer brand with a rich heritage, Holiday Inn has continued to evolve through the years, keeping the guest at the heart of all innovation and earning its status as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognized hotel brands. Designed for the contemporary traveler, Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II will feature the brand-transforming Open Lobby concept, offering guests a revolutionary approach and in-hotel experience. The new concept reimagines the traditional hotel lobby into a multi-functional hub featuring trendy and modern designs, where guests can seamlessly blend work, grab a bite, or unwind.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “The signing of Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II is a significant milestone in our strategic expansion across the Southwest Asia region. With the capital city of Pakistan known for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and strategic location, we are confident that our partnership with MGC Developments will further support the tourism sector, offering guests a comfortable stay and showcasing international standards of hospitality.”
“We are thrilled to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a globally acclaimed hospitality leader. This venture is part of our bigger goal to deliver hundreds of cutting-edge projects in Pakistan. We envision blending MGC’s distinctive experiences with IHG’s unmatched hospitality expertise while fulfilling the city’s hospitality needs and contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth,” said the Founder & CEO of MGC Developments, Ch. Nouman Iftikhar, during the signing ceremony.
The signing capitalizes on the untapped and unbranded hospitality sector in Pakistan, which is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing demand that has been recorded in the country.
Deeply rooted in the Holiday Inn brand ethos to deliver high quality and authentic travel experience to all guests, the hotel will feature thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, bar, fitness center, an outdoor, pool, spa, meeting spaces and high-speed wi-fi. The facilities will be complemented by warm and welcoming service, offering the brand’s renowned ‘Kids Stay and Eat Free’ program.
In addition to its broad range of facilities, the newly-built hotel in DHA Phase II will offer guests unparalleled access to cityscape, entertainment, recreation, and dining. Islamabad is also a popular destination among domestic and international tourists, as visitors can indulge in the city’s rich cultural heritage and explore several iconic landmarks such as the Faisal Mosque, Shakarparian National Park, and Pakistan Monument.
IHG® currently has 193 hotels operating across 9 brands in South West Asia, Middle East and Africa, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 160 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.
