Transportation Industry

Company Watch - InterContinental Hotels

AirGuide Business, May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

InterContinental Hotels is canvassing worldwide opinion on its new green initiative that could see the project rolled out across its entire portfolio. So far, the idea only exists in virtual form on the company[sup.1]s website but IHG says the Innovation Hotel[sup.1] as it is dubbed, could be standard within the next few years. A huge amount has been made of how to improve hotels[sup.1] environmental performance, but IHG says it is looking at specifics to address consumption issues. Concrete plans could include: roof solar panels to heat water; rainwater harvesting; a roof garden for insulation; windpower to generate electricity; recycled glass windows and household waste to provide heat and power. Furniture will be designed to be recycled as is all paper used at reception, while unused food from the kitchen can be packaged and sent to local charities. Any further scraps will be composted for use as fertiliser on hotel plants and lawns.There will also be low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, while collected rainwater will be used for dishwashers and washing machines. IHG adds that it currently has 200 new-build Holiday Inn prototypes open or under construction, which it says use 30% less materials to build and require 20% less energy to run. Apr 30, 2008

InterContinental Hotels signed an agreement with TD Corporation to manage a new Crowne Plaza in Nha Trang, the Vietnamese coastal city which will host Miss Universe 2008. Crowne Plaza Nha Trang will have 305 rooms and suites, and 113 serviced residences, and will feature contemporary tropical design by renowned Singapore-based architect Tan Hock Beng. The property is scheduled to open in early 2010. It will be located along the renowned Tran Phu Boulevard and will offer direct access to one of Vietnam's most popular city beaches. It will incorporate conference and meeting facilities for up to 800 guests, as well as three food and beverage outlets. Recreational facilities include an elevated pool deck with ocean views, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, yoga area and a Tea Tree Spa. Apr 28, 2008

Barclaycard and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have launched the Priority Club Rewards Visa credit card so customers can earn points on everyday purchases which are redeemable at the latter[sup.1]s hotels. To celebrate the launch cardholders will earn 10,000 bonus points when they first use their card - enough for a free night at selected Express by Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn properties worldwide. Cardholders earn points on any purchases but more when they buy IHG services, and these are redeemable against a range of rewards including hotel stays, airline miles, exclusive wines and more. Users earn two Priority Club points for every [pounds sterling]1 ($2) on IHG services and 1 point for every [pounds sterling]1 spent elsewhere, there is a six month interest free option on all balance transfers and 16.5% APR with no annual fee. Rewards start at just 3,000 points. May 1, 2008

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