International Hotels Group (IHG), one of world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to the historic city of Lucknow, in northern India.

The 110-room property, which is expected to open in late 2024, will have an array of food and beverage options with an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and a club lounge as well as large meeting and banqueting space of approx. 19,000 sq ft, making it an ideal choice for weddings as well as meetings, conferences and exhibitions. It will also have a gymnasium and an outdoor pool to offer guests more opportunities to enjoy their downtime.

Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG added: “We are pleased to be bringing our international brand, Crowne Plaza to Lucknow. The tourism landscape in the city has grown over the years, and we are confident that it will continue to evolve in the mid-long term as Lucknow becomes an attractive destination for travellers looking to experience the city's rich culture and history as well as new modern developments. We are encouraged by success of our brands in India and are confident that upon opening, our hotel will be a top choice amongst the travellers visiting the city or locals looking venues for various celebrations.

The signing underscores confidence in the industry despite challenging times. In India, the sector is primarily driven by the domestic travel, which is expected to recover first once the crisis is behind us and it is safe to travel again. Domestic travel has remained a key growth driver for our business in India and we will continue to expand our presence meaningfully to cater to the needs of our guests in the country.”