INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP CELEBRATES TWO YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, announced today that it recently celebrated its second anniversary as an independent hotels company.
In the Middle East, staff took the opportunity to reflect on the hard work and dedication by all to achieve inspirational results. Speaking about reaching the exciting milestone, Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa, said: “Since emerging from the separation of Six Continents PLC in April 2003, the dedicated people working in our business have positioned us as one of the leading hotel companies of the world.”
 Recognized as an industry trailblazer for developing a proven track record of successful brand and industry innovation, InterContinental Hotels Group is also held in high-esteem by industry leaders for delivering against its strategy.
 In the past two years, achievements include:
• Acquisition of Candlewood Suites in October 2003
• Introduction of new brand – Hotel Indigo – in April 2004
• Launched industry leading standards of online travel distributors in April 2004
• Priority Club Rewards – which now has more than 24 million members worldwide – became the largest hotel loyalty programme in July 2004
• Staybridge Suites was launched in the UK in April 2005-04-19
• Return of £2 billion to shareholders following successful asset disposal programme
Speaking about the future, Moloney said: “As an independent hotels company we are still very young. We have an exciting future ahead and with further innovation we will continue to drive change and lead the hotel industry.”