InterContinental Hotels Group builds on Oman growth with appointment of new Director of Sales & Marketing

Turner is part of a team that will support the dynamic tourism industry that continues to increase and evolve in the Middle East, not least in Oman.

Turner's appointment is part of an ongoing growth plan in the country which has recently seen the announcement of a new Crowne Plaza hotel in the newly-developed industrial area of Sohar. Turner's new role also follows a series of appointments in Oman, including the head of IHG's financial operations in the country as well as two GMs for the group's existing Crowne Plaza properties.

An accomplished sales professional, Turner has more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and is looking forward to the challenge of managing the sales and marketing activity within such an exciting market.

"Oman is becoming highly regarded as a key destination on the world travel map," said Turner. "While new developments such as the Crowne Plaza Sohar are representative of the significant investment being made, Oman retains its appeal as a relaxing and historic destination and I am thrilled to be part of IHG's commitment to this thriving country."

Michel Augier, Acting Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa, said, "The group congratulates Janet on her recent appointment and looks forward to supporting her in driving the Oman business forward. Oman is an important market for us and one that we are focusing much of our energies on over the coming months and years."

The strengthening of IHG's expertise and infrastructure in Oman is part of the group's regional growth plan that will see over 7000 hotel rooms come online across the Middle East and Africa within the next 18 months. This ties into the group's global strategy to target net, organic growth of 50,000 - 60,000 rooms by the end of 2008.

With the addition of Crowne Plaza Sohar the Group's portfolio will rise to 1300 rooms in the Sultanate, this will allow us to offer a complementary choice of hotels in Oman, to cater for a diverse mix of business and leisure travellers.

Before being based at Crowne Plaza Muscat, Turner was Sales Manager, Conference and Banqueting at the InterContinental Citystars Cairo, where she formed part of the official opening team for the property in 2005 and had considerable success driving revenues for the high profile Egyptian hotel.