IHG continues to grow its presence in Turkey with the signing of its sixteenth hotel in the country and its first in Diyarbakir: Holiday Inn Diyarbakir – City Center.

The 161-room hotel will be converted from an existing building under a franchise agreement with BED Turizm Company and coordinated by POYA Hotel Project Management Company. Due to open in 2015, the hotel's facilities will include a gym, spa, bar, restaurant, five meeting rooms on the mezzanine level, and a banqueting area on the roof terrace. The hotel will also feature the Holiday Inn brand's new open lobby concept, which combines the front desk, lounge area and business centre into one open integrated space.

The existing building has been a main attraction in Diyarbakir since 1980 and the café on the ground floor is already a popular place with locals and tourists alike. The owner of Holiday Inn Diyarbakir – City Center plans to continue on the building's legacy by ensuring the café firmly remains part of the hotel's open lobby design.

Located at the heart of the historic city, the hotel is walking distance to neighbouring government offices, the City Hall and the Old Town, an area rich in cultural heritage. Diyarbakir, which is one of the largest cities in South Eastern Turkey, is the administrative capital of the Diyarbakır Province. The city is swiftly gaining recognition in Turkey as a business hub, resulting in a significant increase in the number of national and international travellers to the region.

Yalin Yaltirakli, IHG's Development Director for Turkey said: "We're very excited to be opening our first hotel in Diyarbakir which is a key city for our growth plans in Turkey. The Holiday Inn brand continues to gain momentum across Europe as owners are increasingly taking advantage of development opportunities in expanding business regions that lie beyond a country's capital."

Åžaban Üge, Chairman of BED Turizm said: "We are delighted to be working with IHG to open this great hotel in Diyarbakir.  The location is already a focal point in the city and this hotel will truly be a hub for business and leisure travellers alike."

Every Holiday Inn features signature bedding that includes a pillow menu, as well as meeting and on-site business facilities, free breakfast and a Kids Stay and Eat Free programme, providing guests with a relaxed comfortable atmosphere and the services they need.

IHG currently has 15* hotels in Turkey, with the portfolio expected to increase by another 8* over the next three to five years.

* As at 30th June 2013