InterContinental has inked a deal to open its first property in Syria in an agreement with MAK Hotel Holdings, part of the MA Kharafi Group of Kuwait.
The 370-room hotel is set in the centre of Damascus and will be ready in 2010 following the inclusion of a shopping mall, cinema complex and office space.
”The MA Kharafi Group is one of the largest Groups in the Middle East,” said IHG chief operating officer John Bamsey. ”During the past few years, we have witnessed a substantial increase in the level of tourism to Syria; our aim is for IHG to be at the forefront of demand for accommodation.”
The InterContinental Damascus will feature the largest ballroom in the capital with space for 2,500 people and three speciality restaurants as well as a health club and spa.
”There is great investment potential throughout Syria and we look forward to expanding our portfolio within the region,” said MAK Hotel Holdings managing director Mohamed Fahmy.
There are 36 InterContinental hotels with 10,900 rooms across the Middle East and Africa.