Intercontinental Asia-Pacific Resorts Launch "Insider Experiences"

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. October 14, 2008

AUGUST 28, 2008. Responding to guest feedback, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world's first global luxury hotel brand, has introduced a new series of "Insider Experiences" at 35 InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in the Asia-Pacific region. The hotel brand's "Insider Experience" packages are ideal for travelers with extra time to sightsee or for business travelers extending their stays. The experiences have been inspired by InterContinental's expert concierge teams who provided expert local insight into the unique cultures and hidden gems of each destination. Each experience will let guests uncover a destination's secret locations and colorful nuances, so they can fully immerse themselves in its unique rhythm that was previously the realm of the locals.

"Our guests told us and we have listened that they want unique, authentic and enriching experiences when they travel," said Gary Rosen, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Asia Pacific for InterContinental Hotels Group. "The 'Insider Experiences' go a long way to help guests make the most of their time at any InterContinental hotel and resort across Asia Pacific and worldwide."

Dim sum making with an award-winning chef in Hong Kong, a private picnic on a deserted islet near Bora Bora, learning to tango in Buenos Aires, a personal stylist in Los Angeles, or perhaps doing a gallery tour with an artist in London are all examples of the unique elements of "Insider Experiences" that have been specially developed for guests of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts globally.

InterContinental's "Insider Experiences" fall into six categories: Insider Leisure; Insider Occasion; Insider Culture; Insider Shopping; Insider Events; and Insider City. Package components involve special and authentic characteristics about a city or region such as local food and wine, art and music and shopping.

The following are samples of "Insider Experiences" that await guests staying at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts throughout the Asia-Pacific region:

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Culture through Architecture

Relive the history of Vietnam by exploring the best of Hanoi's architectural gems with a guided tour that encompasses Chinese pagodas, ancient gates, European churches and colonial French villas.

InterContinental Hong Kong

Gateway City Experience

A tai chi lesson at dawn by the pool terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, followed by a Chinese Tui Na massage treatment will let guests experience Chinese culture first hand. At dusk, guests enjoy the signature Nine Dragon cocktail in the Lobby Lounge and a cocktail harbour cruise on an authentic Chinese junk while enjoying the Symphony of Lights show.

InterContinental Bangkok

Learn How to Cook Thai Specialty Dishes

Food lovers wake up to a Thai style gourmet breakfast served in their room, then learn how to cook Thai specialty dishes after visiting the morning meat and produce market with the chef to handpick their own authentic ingredients.

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

Yes, You Can Have Your Own Island

This resort occupies what most people say is the most beautiful site in French Polynesia. Beautifully stationed overwater bungalows, white sand beaches, a wide array of water sports and intriguing cultural activities are the ingredients for the ultimate island escape. It is the epitome of a romantic destination for couples especially when you can have a deserted island all to yourself and your loved one for a picnic.

ANA InterContinental Tokyo

See Tokyo Like a Local

Be spoilt while enjoying a personal guided tour of Tokyo's historic landmarks, bustling shopping districts and hidden laneways followed by a stop at a great local spot for fantastic, authentic Japanese cuisine. Finish the day with a traditional shiatsu massage.

InterContinental Wellington

The Perfect Pairing

Spend a full day on the Wairarapa Gourmet Wine Escape. Guests enjoy breakfast for two, a scenic train ride to and from the Martinborough wine area, wine tasting at four Martinborough wineries and a leisurely lunch in a vineyard caf'e.

In addition, InterContinental has developed a series of Olympics-themed "Insider Experiences" packages to celebrate the spirit of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games and give guests the opportunity to see Olympic venues and follow athletes' trails. These special packages range from private tours of the Beijing Olympic Village to overnight stays in a gold medalist's guestroom in Qingdao's Olympic Sailing Village and will be available beginning in September 2008 at InterContinental Hong Kong and InterContinental Beijing Financial Street, and October onwards at the newest InterContinental hotels in China, InterContinental Beijing Beichen and InterContinental Qingdao.

Details of these "Insider Experiences" can be found on the newly redesigned InterContinental Hotels & Resorts website which relaunched earlier this year. Every aspect of the site has been altered with users in mind, including user functionality and feel in order to enhance guests' online brand experience. The site also features destination-specific videos and information such as interactive maps, insider tips and suggestions on how guests can fully enjoy the city they are planning to visit.

To determine pricing and rates for the new "Insider Experiences" guests can call toll-free +1 (888) IC-HOTELS [(888)-424-6835] or visit www.intercontinental.com to make reservations.