InterContinental Hotels Group sets new benchmark as largest International Hotel Company in Perth with InterContinental & Holiday Inn Burswood Resort Perth, also IHG's First InterContinental Hotel In Western Australia.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the latest addition to
the global network of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, with today's
official re-branding of Burswood Resort Hotel to InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth. It is IHG's first InterContinental hotel in Perth and the second in Australia. As part of the IHG's global portfolio, InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth will be an additional luxurious accommodation option to international travellers including 18 million members of IHG's loyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards.

Having recently undergone an approximately US$18.9 million refurbishment, InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth features over 400 luxurious guest rooms, an Executive Club Lounge, the Waterside Health & Fitness Centre and Escape Day Spa, and a comprehensive selection of retail outlets, restaurants, bars, conference and recreation facilities.

Construction has also commenced on InterContinental Hotels Group's new approximately US$31.8 million Holiday Inn Burswood, which is scheduled to open in early 2005 and will be made up of approximately 300 guest rooms. Upon the opening of Holiday Inn Burswood, IHG will be the largest international hotel operator in Perth with a total of four hotels and more than 1,000 guest rooms.

"The addition of InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth to our portfolio is the result of the Group's strategic focus to grow the InterContinental brand in Asia Pacific. We recognise the international and domestic appeal of Burswood International Resort Casino, which attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year and strongly believe that the InterContinental brand will enhance the value of this world-renown icon. The combination of Burswood's well-known reputation, together with the prestige of the InterContinental brand, will certainly place Perth as an attractive destination in the international markets," said InterContinental Hotels Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, A. Patrick Imbardelli.

As part of the re-branding, InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth is introducing a range of unique products and services. These include In An Instant so that guests can have all queries answered at a touch of a button; Global Connections to enable international travellers to keep in touch with their business and home with consistent technology connectivity; Around The Clock service that ensures guests' needs are met, irrespective of the time (24-hour Room Service, Valet Service, Gym/Health Club and Business Centre); and Little Things That Make A Difference such as a Jetlag Recovery Kit or Instant Money, a local currency pack or even the Insider Concierge to help guests discover Perth conveniently and easily.

InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth also introduces Club InterContinental, the ultimate choice for the experienced traveller to enjoy total privacy and comfort. Special features of Club InterContinental rooms include superior in-room services and facilities and additional services such as free national newspapers, shoeshine, garment pressing and evening turndown.

Offering stunning views of the Swan River and the City of Perth, the exclusive Club InterContinental lounge will offer Private Check-out, full business and concierge services as well as free continental breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés and soft beverages throughout the day.

"The introduction of iconic hotel brands such as InterContinental and Holiday Inn is strategically important to Burswood and its competitive positioning, increasing accommodation options for our guests," said Burswood Managing Director, John Schaap.

"Through our partnership with IHG, Burswood is more strongly positioned in key markets nationally and globally, given the worldwide network and selling power of the InterContinental Hotels Group. The partnership enables us to leverage benefits from InterContinental Hotels Group's strong global brands, promotion, loyalty programs and reservation systems to boost our profile and appeal as a corporate, convention and leisure destination," Mr Schaap said.

Mr Imbardelli added, "InterContinental Burswood Resort Perth has strengthened IHG's leadership in Australia as well as in Perth, which is one of the key inbound gateways to Australia and a popular destination for international travellers. More importantly with the introduction of InterContinental Burswood Resort and Holiday Inn Burswood within the same vicinity, we can then provide a wider choice of mid-scale to luxury accommodation options to business and leisure travellers."