InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened the first hotel for its new upscale hotel brand, voco.
The debut property, voco Gold Coast, has opened in Australia just five months after the voco brand was first announced back in June.
Owned by Australian property investment firm SB&G Group and located on the shores of the Gold Coast, the 389-room hotel has been developed with a “strong sustainability focus”.
Onsite beehives produce honey for the hotel and the brand has joined forced with the Gold Coast City Council to ensure all kitchen waste is recycled.
The hotel also boasts two swimming pools, gym facilities, a day spa and ocean views.
Paul Salter, SB&G Group managing director, said: “We are proud to be the first owner of a voco branded hotel in the world and to have worked closely with IHG to bring this new brand and service culture to the Gold Coast, making the high-quality refurbishment a reality in only five months.”
Kenneth Macpherson, IHG CEO for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, added: “voco delivers a guest experience that stands out, with touches of charm and memorable, distinctive and dependable hallmarks.”
IHG bosses predict there will be more than fifteen signings in total for the brand by the end of 2018, in addition to four properties that will rebrand as part of the UK portfolio deal.
Recent signings include three in Australia, with one in Victoria’s wine region, Yarra Valley and another in Melbourne’s central business district.
Hotels in Solihull and Cardiff are expected to open within the next two months.