IHG Hotels & Resorts has achieved a significant milestone in its growth journey within the Asia Pacific region, with the opening of its 1000th hotel. With a total of 1012 hotels now operating across the region, this achievement highlights IHG's commitment to expanding its footprint and providing diverse hospitality experiences.
The milestone includes an impressive count of over 700 hotels in greater China, underscoring the brand's strong presence and popularity in one of the world's largest markets.
Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director of IHG Asia Pacific, emphasized the long-term opportunities present in investing in the company's brands and driving growth across its markets. He emphasized IHG's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of travelers, whether for leisure or business, by offering a diverse portfolio of hotel brands and experiences.
Sukumaran highlighted IHG's leading position in the Mainstream segment, particularly through its beloved Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands, which constitute over half of IHG's existing portfolio and pipeline in the Asia Pacific region.
Moreover, IHG is strategically investing in its six Luxury & Lifestyle brands, which now account for 22 per cent of its global pipeline, reflecting a significant increase over the past five years. Notably, Asia Pacific serves as a crucial hub for the InterContinental brand, with approximately 60 per cent of its global pipeline located in the region, alongside renowned properties under Six Senses and Regent.
With Asia Pacific poised for rapid growth in passenger traffic, IHG anticipates a surge in demand, facilitated by relaxed travel arrangements such as visa-waiver agreements and the introduction of new flight routes.
Sukumaran noted that the strong performance of IHG's hotels in the past year has bolstered owner confidence, leading to increased investment in the hospitality sector. Industry data reveals a robust construction pipeline, with over 5700 projects underway across the region, with more than 1200 slated to open this year alone, demonstrating sustained momentum and growth prospects in the hospitality industry.