InterContinental Hotels Group appoints GM for first branded hotel in innovative Omani development

Corvest has been with InterContinental Hotels Group for over 17 years, beginning his career as assistant F&B Manager at the Europa InterContinental in Brussels, Belgium. Following F&B managerial roles in France, Lebanon and at the Semiramis InterContinental Hotel in Egypt, Corvest's most recent position was Executive Assistant Manager of InterContinental Muscat.

Corvest's role at the new Crowne Plaza Sohar will present unique opportunities to develop a wide customer base across a variety of market segments. The Sohar Industrial Port project launched in 2002, other current developments under construction and the increasing interest from the tourism industry will all be key demand drivers for the Crowne Plaza Sohar.

John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa, said,

"The strengthening of the Crowne Plaza brand in the region is part of InterContinental Hotel Group's global strategy to target net, organic growth of 50,000 - 60,000 rooms by the end of 2008. Herve will play a central role in making our objectives a reality by capitalising on the dynamic business community that continues to evolve in the Middle East, not least in Oman."

Tony Zamora, Director of Operations, InterContinental Hotels Group Oman said, "We're confident Hervé will make this unique property a business success and, at the same time, a central part of the community from which it has evolved. Crowne Plaza Sohar will compliment Crowne Plaza Muscat and Crowne Plaza Salalah to become the most represented hotel brand in the Sultanate of Oman.

As the first branded hotel in Sohar, the Crowne Plaza will have a 126 hotel room capacity including six suites, a diverse mix of food and beverage options including a Mediterranean restaurant, a lobby-level patisserie and a banquet hall catering for up to 350 guests. Furthermore, guests will enjoy a wide range of sporting activities thanks to the extensive leisure facilities at the hotel. These facilities include four 10-pin bowling alleys, a health club with outdoor swimming pool, steam, sauna and massage facilities and a fully equipped gym.

A joint venture between the Omani Government and the Port of Rotterdam, current investments in Sohar exceed $13bn, make Sohar already one of the world's largest port development projects.