IHG Expands into Pakistan with New Holiday Inn in Islamabad

IHG Expands into Pakistan with New Holiday Inn in Islamabad

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 18, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its presence in Pakistan with the launch of Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II, following a franchise agreement with MGC Developments. The hotel, scheduled to open in August 2028, will offer 150 rooms and suites, marking a significant milestone in IHG's growing footprint in the region.

Holiday Inn, known globally for its commitment to guest-centered innovations, will introduce its signature Open Lobby concept at the new Islamabad location. This concept transforms the traditional hotel lobby into a multifunctional space that allows guests to work, relax, and dine seamlessly in a modern setting. Designed with the contemporary traveler in mind, this hotel aims to redefine hospitality in Pakistan’s capital.

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Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa at IHG, emphasized the importance of this new venture. “The signing of Holiday Inn & Suites Islamabad DHA II is a significant milestone in our strategic expansion across the Southwest Asia region. With the capital city of Pakistan known for its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and strategic location, we are confident that our partnership with MGC Developments will further support the tourism sector, offering guests a comfortable stay and showcasing international standards of hospitality,” said Mattar.

Ch. Nouman Iftikhar, Founder & CEO of MGC Developments, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a globally acclaimed hospitality leader. This venture is part of our bigger goal to deliver hundreds of cutting-edge projects in Pakistan. We envision blending MGC’s distinctive experiences with IHG's unmatched hospitality expertise while fulfilling the city’s hospitality needs and contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth."

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The hotel will also feature a range of modern amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, bar, fitness center, outdoor pool, and spa. Guests will enjoy access to high-speed WiFi and meeting spaces, making it a convenient destination for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, the hotel will offer the well-known 'Kids Stay and Eat Free' program, further enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

Situated in DHA Phase II, the hotel will provide easy access to Islamabad’s major attractions, including the Faisal Mosque and Pakistan Monument, while being strategically located for travelers heading to other parts of the country, such as Murree and northern Pakistan.

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Pakistan’s hospitality sector is expected to grow rapidly due to increasing demand, and this project is aimed at tapping into the unbranded hotel market. With Islamabad being a popular destination for both local and international tourists, this new Holiday Inn property will cater to the city’s growing need for high-quality accommodations.

IHG currently operates 193 hotels across South West Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with a pipeline of 160 more hotels set to open in the coming years. 


Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort group, is set to welcome June with a vibrant month-long celebration of health and mindfulness across its properties in Vietnam and Thailand. Honouring Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21), Fusion's resorts will offer guests enriching wellness experiences, from beachside yoga to guided meditations and spa rituals.

The Fusionlife loyalty program enhances this celebration with exclusive perks on accommodation and dining. Guests can explore more about these wellness benefits at: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife.

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Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

This resort begins its journey on June 14 with outdoor yoga and an evening painting meditation at Maia Spa, fostering mindfulness and creativity. On June 21, International Yoga Day will feature early morning yoga and meditation, followed by a blend of yoga and painting in the afternoon—creating a thoughtful balance of movement and reflection throughout the month.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Guests can enjoy a full day of activities on June 14, including tai chi on the beach, family yoga, detox sessions, and a kids' yoga class. The afternoon brings an organic hair conditioner workshop and chi nei tsang therapy. For International Yoga Day, the schedule includes surya namaskar by the ocean, vinyasa flow, nidra yoga, and more—designed to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.

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Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Nestled in the Trường Sơn Mountains, this resort offers a nature-immersed experience. Global Wellness Day begins with a forest hike and meditation, followed by a joyful "nature dance" and a healing hot spring soak. On Yoga Day, guests are invited for sunrise yoga beneath trees and a tranquil evening sound healing session using singing bowls.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon & The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

The sister resorts are teaming up to offer a multi-day wellness retreat. Activities such as breath meditation, tai chi, qigong, and wellness workshops will take place in scenic venues, offering a deeply holistic wellness journey.

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Fusion Suites Vung Tau

The “A Touch of Peace” workshop on June 22 will feature yoga breathwork, a singing-bowl meditation, and a reflective journaling session. The experience is designed to leave guests feeling calm, aware, and renewed.

HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong

From June 9 to 15, guests can enjoy a complimentary perilla juice with any dish—a refreshing mix of perilla leaves, ginger, and orange—celebrating wellness in simple, flavourful ways.

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GLOW Mira Karon Beach (Thailand)

A sunset yoga session by the beach, just steps from the ocean, will be held at this Phuket resort. Led by a professional coach, the experience is complemented by rejuvenating spa treatments and a tranquil setting, ideal for family-friendly wellness escapes.

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This June, Fusion welcomes guests to reconnect with their inner selves, soak in natural beauty, and celebrate a mindful lifestyle, one moment at a time.


Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2025

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) at the Panthers Precinct has entered a landmark partnership with Encore, a global leader in event technology and creative production, to serve as its in-house event production partner.

This collaboration comes on the heels of WSCC’s recent expansion, bringing its total event space to over 4,000 sqm, strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for business and tourism, especially with the Western Sydney International Airport set to open next year.

Encore’s involvement further raises the bar for the precinct, bringing in advanced AV and production equipment, particularly to upgraded spaces beyond the main 1,000-seat WSCC venue.

With access to AI-powered event technologies, bespoke production services, and the largest LED inventory in APAC, clients can expect seamless, immersive, and high-quality event experiences. The Encore team will work closely with WSCC’s planning teams to ensure every event is personalised and flawlessly executed.

Charles Young, General Manager of WSCC, stated,

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Partnerships, Encore APAC, added,

“Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue. We look forward to making a significant impact together.”

As Western Sydney continues to grow as a major events destination, this partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and premium service.


Celebrate in Style with These Summer-Perfect Destinations

Celebrate in Style with These Summer-Perfect Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 24, 2025

This summer, let your celebrations unfold in unforgettable style. Whether you're planning a dreamy destination wedding, celebrating a milestone, or simply gathering your loved ones for a summer escape, these destinations bring charm, elegance, and a touch of magic to every moment.

From mountaintops to beachfronts and royal villas, your next celebration is just a booking away.

SWITZERLAND – Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina

Tucked away in the blooming valleys of Pontresina, this Swiss jewel is the perfect setting for intimate weddings and elegant gatherings. With sweeping panoramic views, timeless interiors, and refined hospitality, it’s where mountain magic meets storybook charm.

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BALI, INDONESIA – Desa Potato Head

Celebrate in soulful style at this sustainable beachfront retreat. From barefoot vows on the beach to starlit sunset dinners, Desa Potato Head blends boho luxury with tropical serenity—ideal for dreamy destination weddings and group retreats.

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NETHERLANDS – De L'Europe Amsterdam

For those seeking a regal European affair, De L’Europe offers the perfect setting. Overlooking the scenic Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, this iconic hotel turns any celebration into an elegant, once-in-a-lifetime event.

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VILLAS ACROSS INDIA – ELIVAAS

From golden anniversaries in Udaipur and beachside birthdays in Goa to serene weddings in Kasauli’s hills, ELIVAAS curates luxury villa stays across India. Each handpicked location offers a mix of elegance, privacy, and charm, making every celebration feel personal and picturesque.

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Let the Celebrations Begin, This summer, let your events turn into stories worth telling. Whether you dream of alpine elegance, coastal romance, or city sparkle, these destinations are ready to host your most memorable moments.

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Plan your celebration now and make every occasion a stylish affair.

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