Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts celebrate 50th anniversary celebrations

The first Holiday Inn hotel opened its doors in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1952, and today there are more than 1,500 Holiday Inn properties around the world, all of which are taking steps to acclaim next month's milestone.

"The Holiday Inn name has become synonymous with the highest standards in contemporary hotel accommodation and value for money," said David Atkinson, Area Sales and Marketing Director, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Middle East and Africa, where the brand currently has 62 properties.

The Middle East's first Holiday Inn hotel opened in the Sultanate of Oman's tropical oasis resort of Salalah in 1977. Since then the Holiday Inn portfolio has continued to expand throughout the Middle East and Africa, with the latest properties being opened in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia and the new Holiday Inn Bur Dubai, in the UAE.

In celebration of the brand's 50th birthday, Holiday Inn Al Khobar has announced that it will offer 50% discounts for lunch and dinner during the first weekend in August.

From August 1-3 diners may enjoy international delicacies in Al Ghouroub Restaurant or at CIAO Italian Restaurant.

"Holiday Inn means a great deal to people across the region, and we want to say 'thank you' to all our valued guests by continuing to provide quality service at great value," said Nabil Hijazi, General Manager, Holiday Inn Al Khobar.

Holiday Inn has secured its reputation as the largest hotel brand in the world, and continues to initiate many new hospitality 'firsts'. In 1965, Holiday Inn was the first hotel to run a computer reservations system via satellite, while 1985 saw the first-ever launch of a frequent guest loyalty programme. In the mid 1990s, Holiday Inn was the first hotel to accept internet bookings.

Today, 50 years after Holiday Inn welcomed its first guest, Holiday Inn hotels and resorts worldwide provide 85 million guests each year with a great night's sleep and the famous Holiday Inn breakfast.

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