Mumbai:  Holiday Inn Express the leading international mid-scale hotel brand comes to Mahindra World City (MWC), New Chennai, India’s first integrated business city and corporate India’s first operational Special Economic Zone. This hotel will offer convenient, comfortable and affordable accommodation for both business and leisure travelers and will be the first of its kind beyond the airport on the NH-45 corridor. The NH45 corridor has witnessed rapid industrial growth over the last few years especially in the automotive, engineering and allied sectors.

Mahindra Word City has played a significant role in contributing to the economic and social development of this corridor. The hotel is part of a joint venture between Duet India Hotels and the Inter-Continental Hotels Group (IHG), to develop Holiday Inn Express hotels in India. Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the industry. It is a part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms and has a portfolio of seven internationally recognized brands. This new Holiday Inn Express marks the debut of the Holiday Inn Express brand in Chennai.

The hotel will have 140 rooms and construction is expected to commence by December 2011 and operations by August 2013.. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Sangeeta Prasad, Chief Operating Officer, Mahindra World City said “We are delighted to welcome Duet India Hotels & Holiday Inn Express to Mahindra World City, New Chennai. The hotel is an important addition to our social infrastructure offering and to the NH – 45 corridor. The Hotel complements the self fulfilling eco-system of Mahindra World City, the companies that are based within and in the corridor. The hotel will provide the domestic traveler with world class hospitality options.”

Mr. Navneet Bali, Chief Investment Officer, Duet India Hotels said “We are delighted with the opportunity to set up our first hotel in Tamil Nadu at Mahindra World City, New Chennai which houses some of the biggest MNCs in the country and will provide a strong catchment to attract potential guests to our hotel. We are also excited to partner with IHG and bring the fast-growing Holiday Inn Express brand to Mahindra World City. Mid-market hotels are the core focus of our hotel business in India and this deal will support the expansion of our growing hospitality development portfolio to its targeted 5,000-6000 rooms from 1,250 rooms today. IHG’s 48-year track record in and continued commitment to India as well as Holiday Inn Express’ strong brand presence and proven product globally make it an ideal partner for Mahindra World City” Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, South West Asia, IHG said, ” Holiday Inn Express attracts value-oriented guests who want a quality hotel at a competitive price. Focused on providing only what the guests need, and not charging for what they don’t, Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed as the smart choice for today’s value-conscious travellers that require what matters most – comfort and convenience. We have confidence that Holiday Inn Express’s select service proposition will resonate well with the market. Chennai is a great location for us to introduce the brand and we continue to look for the right opportunities to expand the brand’s presence in India’s key business and leisure hubs.”