IHG® Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with DIA SARL to debut IHG’s premium brand, voco, in Beirut, Lebanon. The signing took place in the presence of HE Walid Nassar, the minister of tourism for Lebanon. Voco Beirut Central District is scheduled to be rebranded by the end of 2023, adding 123 rooms to IHG’s portfolio in the country.
Located in one of the most prominent areas in the Lebanese capital, voco Beirut Central District will benefit from its enviable position close to some of the capital’s most popular attractions, such as the high-end F&B strip of Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Waterfront and Beirut Souks. In addition to best-in-class guest rooms, the hotel will feature an outdoor pool, a rejuvenating spa and a well-equipped gym for guests looking to unwind. Voco Beirut Central District will also house a business center and a dedicated theater area, as well as four meeting rooms, including a banquet-style room. For guests looking to indulge in exceptional culinary experiences, the new hotel will offer three dining options and a destination rooftop bar, catering to diverse preferences.
Commenting on the signing, Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to announce our partnership with DIA SARL to open voco Beirut Central District and bring a distinct premium hospitality experience to guests visiting Lebanon. Having opened our first hotel in the Middle East – InterContinental Phoenicia in Lebanon decades ago, we are proud to continue to strengthen our footprint in the country and bring new brands to the market, which continues to attract travelers with its blend of cultural, historic and cosmopolitan. We look forward to delivering exceptional hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests in Beirut. This signing aligns with our ambition to strengthen our offering across key markets in the Middle East and cater to various guest segments with world class hospitality options.”
Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, including markets such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The signing of voco Beirut Central District marks the brand’s debut in the Levant region. IHG currently operates four hotels (close to 900 keys) across three brands in Lebanon, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites.