IHG signs agreement to debut voco™ in Qatar
Builds on the brand’s success in the Middle East
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, has signed a management agreement with Al Rabban Hospitality W.L.L to bring its global upscale brand voco™, to Doha, Qatar. voco® Doha West Bay Suites will feature 396 rooms & suites, and is expected to open in Q1 2021.
Strategically located in West Bay – the commercial business district of Doha, voco® Doha West Bay Suites will be a great option for guests with different profiles and needs.
Commenting on the signing, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are pleased to partner with Al Rabban Hospitality to expand our footprint in Qatar and debut our vibrant, upscale brand, voco™ in the country. voco™ was designed for emerging guest segments that appreciate the informality and charm of an individual hotel as well the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. With excellent location, the best of facilities and amenities and a bold brand experience, I am confident voco® Doha West Bay Suites will be a preferred destination for guests visiting the city.
He added: reaffirming the optimistic outlook for the industry, this marks the second signing for IHG in the Middle East in less than a month, following the signing of Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. voco™ is particularly a more viable option for owners in the current industry climate as it is a flexible, ‘conversion friendly’ brand that is also suited for new built properties. The brand can benefit an owner of an existing hotel – which is even more important and relevant in the current scenario where the support and strength of a large scale system is essential.”
Nasser Al Rabban, Chairman, Al Rabban Hospitality, added: “We are pleased to join the IHG family and become a part of one of the leading hospitality companies in the world. We are also glad to be able to join IHG’s system in a relatively short period of time – allowing us to serve our guests with a unique upscale brand experience and drive returns for the business, as well. With an excellent location, a fresh look and IHG’s management expertise, the hotel is set to be a great success.”
An equally attractive destination for leisure guests, voco® Doha West Bay Suites is located at a 10 minute walking distance from Doha City Centre Mall and will offer a number of facilities such as sauna, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, gym, indoor recreation area, outdoor swimming pool, kids’ club, beauty salon and a panoramic terrace. The hotel will also feature five dining options including a three-meal restaurant, a shisha lounge, a lobby lounge/café, a pool bar/café and a club lounge on 35th floor with panoramic views of the city.
The brand allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with a bold, distinctive identity and informal service style, with freshness of an independent hotel under a name they can trust. Since being launched globally just couple of years ago, voco™ has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings and openings across the Middle East.
IHG currently operates 95 hotels across 7 brands in the Middle East, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, voco and Six Senses with a further 42 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.
**Numbers as of September 30th, 2020
