IHG expands Vietnam portfolio with new beachfront Crowne Plaza in Nha Trang; one of Vietnam's fastest growing destinations for tourism, and investment.

IHG has 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. It is scheduled to open in early 2010.

The hotel will be conveniently 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.

Consistent with Crowne Plaza global brand standards, Crowne Plaza Nha Trang will deliver comprehensive meetings-focused products and services to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience for guests. Key components will include a Connections Village, Two-Hour Response Guarantee, services of a dedicated Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.

Jan Smits, chief operating officer, Southern Asia and Korea, IHG Asia Pacific, said: "We are excited by the opportunity to introduce our Crowne Plaza brand into one of Vietnam's fastest growing destinations for tourism and investment. Nha Trang's increasing popularity among international and domestic travellers has created a demand for an upscale hotel like Crowne Plaza, offering superior business and recreational services. We are confident Crowne Plaza Nha Trang will perform exceptionally well."

Tran Anh Hoang, chairman, TD Corporation, said: "Crowne Plaza Nha Trang will be a landmark in one of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam. It will be built on an absolute prime site in the best location on the boulevard. We look forward to working with IHG to maximize the potential of this hotel and to bring great experiences to visitors coming into Nha Trang."

Crowne Plaza Nha Trang is the third Crowne Plaza hotel under development in Vietnam. Crowne Plaza Danang, a 500-room hotel with 130 villas, is scheduled to open in 2009 and Crowne Plaza West Hanoi, a 393-room hotel, is scheduled to open in 2010.