IHG signs deal for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai.

Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigans Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021.

After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the 10th voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline across key cities such as Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg. The voco brand is strongly suited for conversion as well as new-build opportunities and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Properties that have made the transition to voco continue to perform strongly and have recorded higher guest satisfaction following conversion.

The newly signed voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai is strategically located in the heart of the thriving Jumeirah Lake Towers business district. Situated near Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is minutes away from key areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeriah Beach Residence, Emirates Hills and is a short journey to the Dubai Expo 2020 site. The hotel is also a perfect destination for travellers who want to explore the nearby capital city of Abu Dhabi, due to its close proximity to the arterial road linking the two Emirates.

voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai will feature tastefully-designed guest rooms, vibrant dining venues and a host of facilities including meeting rooms, gym and a pool and lounge area. The hotel is best-placed to offer a range of facilities for business and leisure travellers alike.

Commenting on the signing, Matthew Tripolone, Vice President Development, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: We are excited to be adding voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai to our UAE portfolio, in partnership with Bonnington Hospitality JLT. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Middle East, and we are proud to introduce our second voco to Dubai, which is a priority market for us in the region.

He added: "The brand offers a simplified conversion process, making it quick and easy for owners of high-quality independent hotels to become part of IHGs system and drive higher returns thereafter. The brand also allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a brand name they can trust.

Dennis McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer, Bonnington Hospitality and McGettigan Group, added: We are delighted to announce our partnership with IHG and the voco brand. As a unique family-owned and operated hotel in Dubai, Bonnington Hotel meticulously provides each guest with the highest levels of personalised service and care. With the support of IHGs global reach and world-class loyalty programme, we look forward to welcoming new customers seeking tailored travel experiences."

"The collaboration between both established brands comes at an opportune time for the industry, as we remain confidently optimistic of Dubais strongest ever travel season in the coming months. With high vaccination rates, clear decisive leadership, and strong protection measures in place, Dubai is not only a must visit destination but now also one of the safest, globally. With the bold, distinctive identity of voco, we look forward to embracing both new and loyal guests, providing them with a unique and refreshed stay experience.

IHG currently operates over 100 hotels across 8 brands in the Middle East, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, voco and Six Senses with a further 43 hotels in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years. - TradeArabia News Service