The properties include new-build Holiday Inn Express hotels in Belem, Cuiaba, Maceio and Manaus, all expected to open by end of 2011. The Holiday Inn Sao Luis, a conversion of an independent hotel will be open later this year. These agreements prove IHG’s commitment to expanding its brand portfolio throughout the country of Brazil, Latin America’s single largest destination.

The Holiday Inn Sao Luis will open in the Fall of 2009 as a newly renovated hotel that will meet Holiday Inn hotel brand standards. The hotel is owned by Sands Administradora de Hoteis, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. The property is located on São Luís Island in São Marcos Bay, in a region rich in history, culture, and beautiful architecture.

The new 156-room Holiday Inn Express Belem will be located in the bustling industrial district of the 390-year-old city long-renowned as the gateway to the Amazon River basin, in the country’s northeastern corridor. The Holiday Inn Express Belem, slated to open in early 2011, will be owned and developed by Hotel e Restaurante Via Norte Ltda. under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

The 160-room, Holiday Inn Express Maceio will be located in Maceio, which serves as a major resort area for the center of the country’s Northeastern corridor. Slated for opening in late 2011, the new Holiday Inn Express will be owned and developed by MC3 Hotelaria, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

The 128-room Holiday Inn Express Cuiabá will boast a location in the exact center of South America, a point of pride for the residents of Cuiabá. The property, slated for completion in second quarter 2011 will be developed and owned by Diamante Azul Hotelaria, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

In Manaus, Brazil, the heart of the Amazon rainforest, IHG will be adding the Holiday Inn Express Manaus. The property will be developed and owned by Platinum Hotéis Ltda., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. This new 180-room Holiday Inn Express will be located adjacent to the city’s thriving convention center. The Holiday Inn Express Manaus is expected to open in the summer of 2011.