IHG opens Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre in Tanzania

The 124 room, Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre is located at the heart of the financial district in downtown Dar Es Salaam. A 20-minute drive from Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport and the port of Dar Es Salaam, the property is ideally located, as it offers guests easy access via ferry to Zanzibar; a popular high traffic tourist destination.

"Tanzania has rapidly progressed into one of the major contributors of Africa's tourism and is determined to reach its target of a million tourists by 2010. We are focused on continuing our expansion plans within the continent and the Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre is the first of 13 hotels in the pipeline,"

commented John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa.

"This year our primary focus is on our mid-scale portfolio, which we believe has unrivalled potential at a time when travellers are looking for more affordable options without compromising on quality. In October 2007, we invested $1bn into the global relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family. Following extensive research, it was clear our guests were looking for a more contemporary brand image, increased quality and consistency. The relaunch will be completed by the end of 2010 across 3,200 hotels around the world. Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre marks our first property in East Africa under the new standards." added Bamsey.

Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre offers quality and contemporary design that appeals to the modern traveler. Dining options include Gaucho, renowned for its abundant buffet breakfast and Al Dar Shisha bar and restaurant, ideally located on the rooftop of the hotel, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the city. The hotels bar, Bar@1 and the Zanzibar coffee shop, serve food and a variety of drinks throughout the day. For business facilities, the hotel includes an Academy Meeting venue with four meeting rooms.

Commenting on the opening, Sameer Damji, director, Eclipse Hotels Group, said, "Partnering with IHG, one of the most reputable international hotel groups, is a tactical investment for Eclipse. The strong positioning of the Holiday Inn brand combined with its geographical presence of 3,200 properties worldwide makes it the ideal choice. Our presence will contribute to the development of Tanzania's economy; in turn increasing its global appeal as a holiday destination."

In the first quarter of 2009, IHG relaunched one new hotel every day and by May 12th 2009, there were 729 hotels operating under the new standards. Relaunched hotels have seen uplift in RevPAR by 5% and more importantly improved guest satisfaction.