InterContinental Hotels Group Latin America, today announced the opening of its newest Holiday Inn Express hotel in Brazil, the 120-room, six-story Holiday Inn Express Maceio. Maceio, located in Northeastern Brazil, is renowned for its pristine beaches and overall natural beauty.

The property, located directly across from Cruz das Almas Beach, is the 20th Holiday Inn opening for InterContinental Hotels Group in Latin America, more than doubling its portfolio over the past five years.

"Brazil's northeastern corridor is one of the country's fastest growing areas," notes Alvaro Diago, Latin America Area President for InterContinental Hotels Group. "The growth has been nothing short of amazing, with the area's natural beauty garnering attention from not only Brazil, but throughout the whole of the southern cone."

In keeping with its commitment to further the Holiday Inn guest experience in Latin America, the Holiday Inn Express Maceio features the latest in in-room technology, including data ports for personal computers with high-speed Internet access and dual-line telephones with voice mail, throughout its 120 guestrooms.

The hotel also features a 24-hour business center, complimentary breakfast, sauna, outdoor pool, cocktail lounge, meeting rooms and a fitness center, conveniently located within close proximity to the city's fine dining, shopping and cultural attractions.

"We are delighted to open the Holiday Inn Express Maceio," says Carlos Baruki, Area Director of Sales and Marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group Latin America. "The hotel's oceanfront location and contemporary architecture, which unites cutting-edge technology with refined style, provides guests with the ultimate in both comfort and convenience."

InterContinental Hotels Group has a number of key Holiday Inn properties opening in Latin America. The company has a number of other properties that are slated to open in Brazil within the year, which will further diversify its portfolio. Some of these include:

* Staybridge Suites, opening in Sao Paulo August, 2003
* Holiday Inn Anhembi, opening in Sao Paulo February, 2004
* Holiday Inn Jaragua, opening in Sao Paulo January, 2004

"The Maceio hotel coupled with the three soon-to-open properties furthers our company's strength in Brazil's growing mid-scale market," adds Diago. "We look to continue our expansion, and probably once again double our Holiday Inn portfolio in the region within the next five years," concludes Diago.

For more than 50 years, InterContinental Hotels Group has been serving the needs of business and leisure travelers in Latin America and around the world. Today, the prestigious global chain has enhanced its offerings by building new hotels, upgrading many properties, and raising the bar for standards for service.