InterContinental Hotels Group has moved on the rapidly strengthening Papua New Guinea business economy, announcing it will bring the Crowne Plaza brand back to the country in the form of a premium serviced apartments offering.
Construction is nearly complete on a newbuild property in Port Moresby which will be branded as Crowne Plaza Residences. The complex will offer 54 apartments in two and three-bedroom configurations, aimed at the business traveller market. Guest facilities will include an all-day restaurant and bar, fitness centre and meeting facilities.
The new development comes under a partnership agreement between IHG and owners OPH Limited, which is on track to open in July this year.
Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby will sit within the Nambawan Plaza development in the CBD, which forms part of a new business district which has attracted international businesses including Deloitte to open offices. The growing economy has spawned significant growth in new construction including housing, office towers, shopping centres and other commercial buildings. Nearby sporting facilities and the city’s Convention Centre were constructed ahead of recent major sporting events including the 2016 FIFA Under 20’s Women’s World Cup. A major redevelopment of the city’s major airport was also completed last year.
IHG Senior Director of Development Australasia, Abhijay Sandilya, said the company was proud to bring the Crowne Plaza brand back to Papua New Guinea after “a brief hiatus”.
“The quality and location of Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby, along with the power of the IHG system, are likely to make it a market leader. In fact, we have already had strong interest in forward bookings by a number of blue-chip corporate customers.”