[ReNik]

One more Intercontinental Hotel in Cochin
http://www.newindpress.com/

KOCHI: Kuwait-based KGA group of companies, founded by Kerala- born KG Abraham, Thursday announced a massive investment of Rs.6 billion ($ 136 million) for setting up three luxury hotels in the state.

"In the first phase of investment, we plan to set up a Rs.2.2 billion five star hotel project in Kochi in collaboration with international hotel chain Crowne Plaza of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)," Abraham said at the project's foundation stone laying ceremony here.

"It would have 210 rooms and amenities like conference facility for 600 people, three restaurants and meeting rooms," he added.

Michael Herrmann, IHG's director of operations (Southwest Asia), said the partnership was a reflection of their commitment towards further portfolio expansion in India. He added that the project was in line with the group's focus on developing strong hotel brands.

"Crowne Plaza Cochin will showcase and support the brand's development in the country and assist in the establishment of a brand compliant Crowne Plaza in southwest Asia," Herrmann stated.

The KGA group, which takes on construction contracts, has its presence in Kuwait's oil industry as well.

"Work on the two projects would begin in two years," Abraham said.

The KGA group has also been involved in social projects in Kerala. They were reportedly the first company to complete construction of 26 houses in Ernakulam district when a tsunami struck the Kerala coast in December 2004.

The Crowne Plaza Cochin will be IHG's 23rd hotel in India and the 4th Crowne Plaza hotel in India.

Already ICH Holiday Inn is under construction at Palarivattom. That makes it the second ICH hotel