InterContinental Hotels Group revealed plans to launch its first luxury hotel in Laos, marking the second IHG hotel in the capital city, joining Crowne Plaza Vientiane.

The hotel will be one of the city’s largest with more than 400 well-appointed rooms. It will form part of the new World Trade Centre complex, which includes a retail mall, medical centre, conference centre and an office and residential tower.

Leanne Harwood, vice president operations, IHG, said, “Laos is currently one of the region’s fastest-growing nations with close to 5 million international arrivals each year and future infrastructural and industrial developments underway to continue boosting economic growth and attract foreign investment. It is well on its way to becoming one of the region’s busiest business and tourist destinations and it’s a great time to be bringing the InterContinental brand into the country to tap on this potential.”

The new luxury hotel will feature InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ signature Club Lounge, a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as a variety of culinary options and a lobby lounge and bar. Strategically located a short drive from Wattay International Airport and adjacent to Lan Cang Avenue, Vietnam Street and French Street, InterContinental Vientiane will be in close proximity to popular landmarks, tourist attractions and major convention centres.

“Thanks to its strategic location, InterContinental Vientiane is also set to be positioned as one of the city’s most prominent hotels which will welcome distinguished guests such as visiting dignitaries and heads of states as key government meetings are planned to take place in the adjoining conference centre. We are delighted to be working with our partner Lao International Development Co. Ltd. to launch the InterContinental brand in the Laotian capital and look forward to welcoming guests into the hotel when it opens in 2021,” Harwood added.

IHG operates 184 hotels globally with 52 hotels due to open in the next few years, 14 of which are planned for Southeast Asia. The new InterContinental Hotel in Laos is set to open in 2021.