16 November 2023
IHG and AWC grow partnership to create luxury destination resort experiences in Chiang Rai
InterContinental and Kimpton brands to debut in Thailand’s famed Golden Triangle area
Bangkok, Thailand – 16 November 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), renowned as Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, extend their long-standing partnership with a landmark agreement to open two new luxury hotels in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Opening in 2025, InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will offer 68 one- and two-bedroom pool and plunge pool villas. Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, which currently operates as The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, will undergo an extensive renovation and convert to the Kimpton brand with 68 suites, along with a range of facilities.
These luxury destination resorts will mark IHG’s entry into Thailand’s Golden Triangle, an area that is popular with travellers for its rich history, immersion into Lanna culture and the scenic mountain and river landscape which borders Laos and Myanmar.
Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “On the back of the recent opening of InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, this signing is another milestone in IHG’s and AWC’s more than 10-year relationship and will provide travellers with the opportunity to explore more of northern Thailand.”
“We remain on track to grow our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50%, and it’s fantastic to be expanding the InterContinental and Kimpton brands into new destinations.”
“The luxury boutique and design-forward Kimpton brand has enjoyed a huge period of growth since it debuted in Thailand three years ago, and now has six open or pipeline properties in market, including two operating and much-loved hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samui.”
“Globally we continue to grow across our six brands in the luxury and lifestyle space and this segment represents 14% of our system and 22% of our pipeline, which is around twice the size from five years ago.”
Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) said: “Chiang Rai is a unique destination in Thailand that showcases the beauty in nature and the arts as well as many beautiful temples, hilltribes and local villages, offering different organic and cultural sustainable experiences for travellers. This partnership with IHG will put this most northern province of Thailand top of mind for many local and global tourists. It aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Chiang Rai into a luxury ecotourism destination, with both hotels ideal for the cultural and natural explorer and for couples and families who seek wellness and a luxury lifestyle resort experience.”
“With the special riverfront location, these two hotels will offer restaurant and bars by the river as well as lifestyle cruise experiences linking Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. These hotels will not only elevate the hospitality landscape in Northern Thailand but also contribute to sustainable tourism, showcasing the rich Lanna nature and heritage. The two destination resorts are adjacent while having individual guest journeys and wellness stay experiences that showcase the brand attributes, providing travellers choices based on the occasion. They elevate Chiang Rai as a global travel destination, while helping to create long-term value, and enriching the surrounding communities and society.”
An hour away from Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport and 90 minutes’ drive from Chiang Rai city, the resorts are located amidst mountain ranges and an unspoiled jungle setting with a wonderful vantage point overlooking the Mekong River and its calm waterways, as well as expansive views of Laos and Myanmar in the distance.
Established as a wellness destination, guests will be able to enjoy sustainably sourced and organic culinary experiences to nourish and energise as well as try a plethora of Lanna wellness experiences. There’s so much to discover including coffee plantations, hill tribe visits and scenic dining cruises in additional to learning the art of batik and traditional craftmanship.
With 34 hotels across nine brands and 39 hotels in the pipeline, Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG and the business is on track to double the size of its estate within the next three to five years.
As of 30 September 2023
Ends
About IHG®
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,200 open hotels in over 100 countries, and nearly 2,000 in the development pipeline.
- Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
- Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
- Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Garner hotels, avid hotels
- Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
- Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.
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About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalised and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, the San Francisco-born brand now operates more than 75 hotels and over 100 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up-and-coming markets globally. From inspiring design to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul, Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.
About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.assetworldcorp-th.com/en/home.
