World-leading hotel company IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed a Franchise Agreement with Ram Geci, Owner and President of Geci Group, one of Albania's top infrastructure companies, which also specialises in hospitality and tourism. The agreement furthers IHG's expansion of its luxury and lifestyle growth in Europe with InterContinental Tirana, a brand debut for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the heart of Albania's capital city, Tirana.
Slated to open in 2025, the new-build InterContinental Tirana will feature approximately 300 rooms and suites, a large conference centre with a ballroom and a capacity of up to 1,000 people for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) events and weddings. The property will also include a luxury spa, and rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the cityscape.
Located within Tirana's central Skanderbeg Square, InterContinental Tirana will provide easy access to key attractions, including the National Historical Museum, Castle of Tirana, Opera House, and Art Gallery. The property will also be close to significant institutions like the Albanian Parliament, Ministries, the National Bank of Albania and Tirana Municipality. The hotel will be only a 15-minute drive from Tirana International Airport.
"As the world's first luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is delighted to be partnering with Geci Group on its first property in Tirana, Albania's capital city, the cultural and economic hub," said Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "This is a great opportunity for IHG to expand within Albania, a key entry market for us, as well as grow our presence across The Balkans. It builds on momentum following the recently announced signing of Crowne Plaza Durrës - in Albania's second-largest city."
Bordering Greece, Serbia and Macedonia, Albania boasts a population of 2.9 million. In 2021, the total number of international travellers who visited Albania rocketed up 114 percent to 5.7 million people. Recognising the importance of the tourism industry to Albania's economy, the government has recently approved a set of tax breaks to help promote investment.
