International hotel brand enters in Maldives in late 2008

Male, the capital island of Maldives, is gearing up to welcome the entry of a long-awaited international hotel brand, to meet a market need among seasoned business travellers, airline crew and stopover visitors seeking high standards of comfort and service.

The new-build Holiday Inn Male marks the entry of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) first hotel in Maldives. The property will be developed by Male Hotel Associates Sourcing Limited. Following the recent successful procurement of financing by the local partners, construction of the hotel is expected to begin by 2nd quarter of this year, and operations scheduled to commence by late 2008.

IHG which will be managing the hotel as a non-equity partner, has teamed up with partners from Male Hotel Associates Sourcing Limited, led by Abdul Sattar Ali and Lawrence Lee.

Ali, a Maldivian, is the Founding Partner and Director of one of Maldives largest and fastest growing graphic design, advertising and publishing firms. He is also Director and majority shareholder of Aribeach Resort on Ari Atoll. Lee, an industry veteran who has played key roles in a number of successful hospitality property acquisitions, is also the former owner of award-winning White Sands Resort & Spa.

Source: Travel Daily News