InterContinental Hotels Group confirmed its rapid expansion in Thailand adding Holiday Inn Pattaya to its portfolio. The hotel is scheduled to open at the end of 2008. Holiday Inn Pattaya is owned by The Erawan Group, a well-established real estate holding company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with a strong track record in commercial and hotel developments.

Pattaya’s strong appeal as a holiday destination is reflected in the significant increase in tourist arrivals. In 2005, more than 5.3 million tourists visited the resort city, up 6.4% over the previous year. This provides a strong base for Holiday Inn Pattaya. In addition, there will be opportunities to dynamically package this hotel with other InterContinental Hotels Group properties in Bangkok, Phuket and Cha-Am.

“Extensive investment into tourism-related developments in recent years has given Pattaya a completely new appeal, and this is attracting travellers from all over the world. We are confident that Holiday Inn Pattaya will be well positioned to benefit from the tremendous opportunities for further growth in this dynamic resort city,” said Kasama Punyagupta, president & chief executive officer, The Erawan Group.

“InterContinental Hotels Group is pleased to be part of the rapid developments taking place in and around Pattaya. With the new Suvarnabhumi international airport, travel time to Pattaya will be significantly reduced and this will further attract both local and international leisure and business visitors,” said Jan Smits, chief operating officer, Southern Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific.