By IANSlife Features

New Delhi, Jun 18 (IANSlife): Hospitality companies IHG Hotels & Resorts and Samplast Resorts will collectively develop Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jalandhar GT Road, in a bid to further the brand's presence in the country and the state, in line with the market demand, IHG said in a statement. The Grand Trunk Road connects New Delhi and Punjab.

The new-build hotel featuring 110 keys is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2024.

The forthcoming hotel's srategic location has benefits such as excellent visibility and convenient access. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jalandhar GT Road will be a short drive from the city's central business district as well as shopping destinations. Additionally, the hotel will have an adjoining strip mall that will offer multiple dining options for hotel guests, said the statement.

It will feature well-equipped modern guest rooms and state-of-the-art facilities. For recreation, the hotel will offer 'Great Room', a bar and a lounge. Other facilities will include a fitness room, meeting rooms, 15,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, as well as signature amenities.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG said, "We are delighted to announce the signing of a new Holiday Inn & Suites hotel and solidifying our presence in the state of Punjab. Punjab is a popular destination with both domestic and international travellers, and Jalandhar, specifically is known to be a hub for the manufacturing industry and is also an important destination for medical tourism. Therefore, in the long-term, there is growing demand for quality branded accommodation in the city and Holiday Inn Express & Suites from our essentials collection fits perfectly well with market needs."

In a joint statement, Rajinder Kumar and Rajan Kumar, Directors at Samplast Resorts added, "It is our first venture in the hospitality sector and partnering with a global, well-respected brand like IHG gives us trust and confidence in the hotel's success. With IHG's credibility, global and local experience, and powerful delivery systems, we are certain that the hotel will emerge as a popular choice amongst the travellers visiting Jalandhar."

IHG currently has 42 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, and a strong pipeline of 51 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.