
InterContinental Hotels Group is strengthening its presence in Russia and the CIS countries via the development of three new establishments under franchise: the Holiday Inn Express Naberezhnye, the Holiday Inn Express Samara, and the Staybridge Suites Baku. The 154-room Holiday Inn Express Naberezhnye should be opening its doors in 2015, part of a past partnership between IHG and Regional Hotel Chain for the joint development of 15 establishments under franchise by 2019. The new-build Staybridge Suites Baku, in Azerbaijan, will offer 115 rooms and will be operated under franchise with Asnaf Alkon Group. The 145-room Holiday Inn Express Samara should open its doors in 2015 and will be developed with Rosa Mira Group. IHG thus confirms its development goals in the region, on track to reach a portfolio of 100 establishments by 2020, particularly under its Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands.