Above: the new Holiday Inn Express Panama Distrito Financiero hotel

By the Caribbean Journal staff

InterContinental Hotels Group continued its expansion in the Latin American and Caribbean region this week with the debut of the new Holiday Inn Express Panama Distrito Financiero in Panama City.

The new-build hotel is the first Holiday Inn Express in the city.

“Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest-growing hotel brands in the world, and we are thrilled to now have a location in Panama City,” said Alvaro Diago, chief operating officer, Latin America and the Caribbean for IHG. “This is one of Central America’s most prominent economies and is also a key tourist destination.”

The 196-room hotel is a franchise agreement owned by Latin American Hospitality Group. The hotel includes complimentary high-speed Internet, an outdoor pool and sundeck, a business centre, a fitness centre and 2,500 square feet of meeting space.

“Panama City is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama,” said Gerardo Murray, vice president, Marketing Strategic Services for Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean, IHG. “It is a very strategic fit as we continue to grow the Holiday Inn Express brand in Central America. The hotel’s location within the city’s financial district and near the airport also makes it conveniently accessible to travelers.”

IHG has 44 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean.