Port Moresby’s economic growth has given a much-needed boost to the construction and hospitality sector. Two hotels have opened in the past two years and the Crowne Plaza has plans to make its return in July, with a twist.

Crowne Plaza Residencies plan to open in Port Moresby in July 2019. Credit: IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts will make its return to Port Moresby from July 2019 after an agreement between owners OPH Limited and the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG). The move is designed to capitalise on the city’s growing corporate and leisure demand.

Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby will feature 54 two-and three-bedroom units, as well as an all-day dining restaurant, bar, gym, and meeting facilities.

‘We have already had strong interest in forward bookings by a number of blue-chip corporate customers.’

The residences will be located in the K414 million Nambawan Plaza Precinct in the CBD adjacent to Deloitte building in downtown Port Moresby, with views across the harbour.

Growth in construction and housing

The new Crowne Plaza will feature 54 bedroom units. Credit: IHG

‘Port Moresby has been home to an economic boom, with substantial growth in the construction of housing, office towers, shopping malls and commercial establishments, including the second LNG plant and the Wafi-Golpu mine,’ says Robert Coates, IHG PNG area General Manager, to Business Advantage PNG.

‘PNG has an exciting economic future, demonstrated by the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2018 which brought many world leaders to the city,’ says Anthony Smare, Chairman of Nambawan Super Limited, the majority shareholder of OPH Limited.

‘It demonstrates the need for a contemporary, upscale hotel that embraces both business and leisure travel.

‘We already have a fantastic relationship with IHG and are confident that Crowne Plaza Residences Port Moresby will capitalise on the city’s growing corporate and leisure demand.’

Business travellers

Coates says the residences will provide a ‘home away from home’ for business and leisure travellers to PNG.

‘We expect to see primarily longer stays for business travellers within Port Moresby.’

A home away from home for business travellers. Credit: IHG

The two- and three-bedroom apartments will be sold at daily, weekly and monthly rates.

Abhijay Sandilya, Senior Director of Development, Australasia, at IHG said in a statement: ‘We have already had strong interest in forward bookings by a number of blue-chip corporate customers.’

The Crowne Plaza brand was in PNG until October 2018 when it had an amicable parting from the owner. The former Crowne Plaza has now rebranded as the Crown Hotel.

Competition is growing in the business accommodation sector, with the Hilton Hotel opening in October 2018 and planning to open Hilton Residences as part of stage two of Star Mountain Plaza, the Sanctuary Resort and Spa opening in 2017 and the Stanley Hotel opening in late 2016.