InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has outlined plans to strengthen its position as a leading lifestyle hotel operator in its Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA) region. Capitalising on the industry’s growing segment, IHG will introduce its EVEN Hotels brand to Australia and New Zealand, while expanding its existing Hotel Indigo brand portfolio, and has set out its ambition to introduce Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to the market over time.
Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA), IHG said: “We identified a key opportunity to accelerate our growth in the lifestyle segment with the introduction of these brands to the region. We know that there is a growing segment of travellers – whether they are on a business or leisure trip – who are looking for an experience beyond bed and board. This is why we are confident of the potential of our lifestyle brands, which can provide that unique experience but at the same time, also a sense of reliability and familiarity, as they are part of one of the world’s largest hotel companies. I believe there is fantastic potential for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in the region, EVEN Hotels in Australia and New Zealand as well as building on the already successful introduction of the Hotel Indigo brand in early 2015 in the region.”
In a move set to expand the hotel group’s lifestyle business in the region and support its ambitions in the segment, IHG will take the EVEN Hotels brand outside the United States for the first time. The deal, signed at this week’s HICAP conference in Hong Kong, involves IHG working with long-term partner Pro-invest to establish a portfolio of EVEN Hotels across Australia and New Zealand in response to growing demand for wellness travel.
Hotel Indigo, the world’s first global boutique hotel brand, has gone from strength to strength since its launch in the region last year with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. With no two properties alike, Hotel Indigo caters to the rise in demand for those guests looking for the individuality and style of a boutique hotel with the security and consistency of one of the world’s largest hotel groups. This year Hotel Indigo launched in Singapore with Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, and in the coming months, will see the opening of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak, the first Hotel Indigo property to open in a resort location shortly.
The Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand is credited for introducing the boutique hotel concept to the United States over 35 years ago and was acquired by IHG in 2015. Each property is individually designed, blending with local culture to deliver guests a boutique experience that is both authentic and reflective of its location.
Commenting on the potential of the brand in the region, Mr Smits said: “We recognise that there is strong potential, with like-minded partners, to develop the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in the region across city and resort locations. The AMEA region is a perfect for the brand.”
IHG currently operates over 270 hotels across five brands in Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA), including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Hotel Indigo with a further 140 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.
