10 February 2011
Media release – global announcement
Holiday Inn Express walks away with global honors in the budget travel market
The annual 2010 World Travel Awards took place in London recently and Holiday Inn Express walked
away with the prestigious accolade for the “World’s Leading Budget Hotel Brand.”
“This is a great recognition of an incredibly powerful and trusted global brand and we are proud that
our local properties are regarded as some of the best in the world. We continue to seek opportunities
for expansion of the brand in South Africa." said Gavin Watson, Managing Director of ISO Leisure Hotels
(Pty) Ltd, the management company for Holiday Inn Express South Africa. Holiday Inn Express is a fresh,
clean, uncomplicated hotel choice, offering comfortable and affordable hotel accommodation for both
business and leisure travelers. This is the fastest growing global brand in the industry and there are
currently 5 properties in major South African business hubs.
“Our South African hotels were some of the first to take part in a $1 billion global re-launch of the
Holiday Inn brand family, announced by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2007. The aim of the relaunch was to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency across
over 3,300 hotels around the world. It is clear, from this award that this has been successful. Gone is
the brand South Africans remember from the 80’s – this is a new era of modern, affordable hotels.” says
Sandra Boome, National Marketing Manager.
The re-launch included features such as new bedding (guests can select their pillows from a choice of
firm or soft), upgraded showers and amenities and a redesigned, modern logo.
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About Holiday Inn Express: - www.hiexhotels.co.za
Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotels in the industry. It’s a fresh, clean, uncomplicated
hotel choice offering comfortable and affordable hotel accommodations throughout the world for both
business and leisure travelers. High-speed Internet access in all hotel rooms’ helps you stay connected
to work and family while you’re on the go. You’ll also find hotel accommodations with stylish
furnishings, large showers and cozy bedding that will leave you feeling relaxed and recharged. In
addition, you get a complimentary breakfast to start your day off right. At Holiday Inn Express, we
understand the needs of frequent travelers. Our hotels offer convenience, friendly service, stylish hotel
rooms and a comfortable, uncomplicated stay – everything you need, to help get you where you’re
going.
Hotels:
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Holiday Inn Express Durban-Umhlanga
Holiday Inn Express Cape Town-City Centre
Holiday Inn Express Pretoria-Sunnypark
Holiday Inn Express Sandton-Woodmead
Holiday Inn Express Johannesburg-Roodepoort
About ISO Leisure Hotels (Pty) Ltd - www.isoleisure.co.za
ISO Leisure Hotels (Pty) Ltd is a leading leisure industry developer and operator established in 2007.
Having signed an exclusive franchise agreement with the world's largest hotel group, InterContinental
Hotels Group (IHG), the company also has development rights to both the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn
brands for Sub-Saharan Africa. The newly renovated Bongani Mountain Lodge, the first game lodge
within the ISO Leisure portfolio, is situated only 34kms outside Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and borders on
the world renowned Kruger National Park.
As a hotel management and marketing company, ISO Leisure Hotels offers the benefits of strong brands,
a holistic, yet targeted, marketing approach and a dynamic management team, ensuring desired results
via a competitive business model.