IHG announces market debut for Holiday Inn Express brand with latest signing in Bulgaria

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport in partnership with Hotel Express Sofia Airport OOD, which further expands the company’s European estate, following a recent flurry of signings across a number of brands.

Located in the Bulgarian capital, and within easy reach of the country’s largest international airport, Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport will bring a reliable, familiar short-stay option for guests visiting one of Europe’s most thriving capital cities. Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport will join InterContinental Sofia and Crowne Plaza Sofia to further enhance IHG’s presence in the destination.

The Holiday Inn Express brand is synonymous with efficient, dependable hotels which meet the essential needs of travellers in transit within a destination, or those seeking an affordable option from which to explore some of the world’s most exciting destinations. Guests appreciate the Holiday Inn Express brand’s promise of simple, smart travel and thoughtful amenities including the signature ‘express start breakfast’, complimentary wifi and quality-assured beds.

Ideal for business travellers or guests seeking to maximise their time in the city, Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport will provide the brand’s ‘friendly, frictionless, five-minute arrival’ and will become a convenient gateway to Sofia, and a solutions-driven stay.

The city of Sofia has established itself as an emerging travel hotspot thanks to its laidback culture, elegant architecture, vibrant arts scene and hearty, local cuisine. Sports-minded travellers can also make the most of the city’s proximity to a number of quality ski resorts during the season, while those seeking a summer city break can delight in the warm Mediterranean-style temperatures the city enjoys for many months of the year.

Comprising 152 rooms and facilities including a restaurant and bar, Holiday Inn Express Sofia is an ideal option for airport travellers and guests seeking a stay within easy reach of the city, and its various transport links. Signed in partnership with Hotel Express Sofia Airport OOD, this is the first signing between IHG and the owner group.

Mrs Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing one of our most iconic and best loved brands to another destination in Europe. Sofia is a fantastic city with lots to offer the modern traveller, and we are pleased the Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport will provide the all-important essential elements for short-stay and business travellers. Airport locations are a vital aspect of our Holiday Inn Express brand’s growth strategy, and this latest signing further enhances our presence in tourist and connector cities across Europe.”

Mr Wodenitcharow, Representative Hotel Express Sofia Airport OOD said, “Bulgaria is a perfect destination for the Holiday Inn Express brand. We know the city of Sofia is popular with business and leisure travellers and guests are sure to appreciate the ease and convenience of one of the world’s most recognisable hotel brands, on the doorstep of Europe’s 13^th largest city, and one of its increasingly busiest airports.”