IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the significant achievements of its upper luxury portfolio today following the announcement of three of the industry’s most coveted awards selected by leading travel editors. A collective showcase of the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry, Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, AFAR’s Best New Hotels of 2024 and the Travel + Leisure ‘It List’ have awarded nine notable titles to properties within IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world.
IHG Partners with China UnionPay, pioneering a new era of digital payments in the hotel industry
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces a strategic partnership with China UnionPay that offers a new level of digital convenience for travellers in Greater China. Through this partnership, holders of both domestically and internationally issued UnionPay credit cards can now complete pre-authorization without card presence for online reservations through IHG’s direct channels, such as the IHG APP and WeChat mini-program.
IHG continues to consolidate leading position by strategically fostering market growth
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) upholds its “in China, for China” commitment. With a leading position in the industry, IHG anticipates trends in the tourism market and guest needs. Recently, IHG concluded its “Dream Bigger, Travel Bigger” 2024 Greater China Expo Roadshow in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. This initiative further bolsters the revival of the business travel market and showcases IHG’s robust expansion across Greater China region.
IHG partners with Hainan Airlines to create unique ground-to-air travel experiences
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) proudly announces a dynamic partnership with Hainan Airlines that offers a richly integrated travel experience across both air and land. The partnership brings to life the ‘IHG Explorer’, a branded aircraft featuring bespoke business class dining options, amplified member benefits and a creative co-branded safety video.
IHG hits 1,000 open hotels milestone in Asia Pacific
IHG Hotels & Resorts has reached 1,012 open hotels in Asia Pacific (APAC) – a major milestone for the global hospitality company as it accelerates its growth across the region.
IHG re-enters Swedish market with the signing of voco Stockholm Kista
IHG Hotels & Resorts, has entered into a franchise agreement with Mogotel and development partner Revelop, to mark IHG’s re-entry into Sweden with voco Stockholm Kista. This latest signing signifies IHG’s strong owner relationships and its commitment to growth in new and emerging markets such as Sweden, drawing on its scale of more than 780 open hotels across Europe.
IHG’s expansive culinary brand portfolio achieves high-quality growth
IHG continue to retain their prestigious awards, a recognition of the outstanding performance of the Group’s food and beverage brands and the teams behind them, as well as a testament of IHG’s unchanging dedication to exceptional service. With the upcoming Chinese New Year marking a peak in food and beverage activities, IHG is strategically positioned to showcase its expertise by seamlessly integrating F&B segments within hotels.
IHG appoints Leanne Harwood to lead Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), today announced the appointment of Leanne Harwood as its new Senior Vice President (SVP), Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA). Upon assuming her role on March 1, Harwood will oversee the daily operations of the LLA organization, drive the performance and operations of IHG’s six Luxury & Lifestyle brands, and support their growth in the region.
IHG expands in Saudi Arabia with signing of Hotel Indigo Abha
IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for a new-build boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo Abha, in partnership with Firdous Abha Hotel Holding Company and under the management of Aleph Hospitality. The strategic signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expanding its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio of hotels and elevating hospitality offering for the growing tourism sector in the Kingdom.
IHG expands Saudi Arabia with the signing of voco & Suites Jeddah
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement to open voco & Suites Jeddah, in partnership with Rusd Group. With project currently in advance stages of construction, the new built hotel is set to open its doors in September 2024. The latest signing in Saudi Arabia underscores IHG’s commitment to further strengthen its presence across the Kingdom.
As a distinctive, lifestyle brand, voco offers a premium experience to guests, combining the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Loved by guests and the owners, voco has seen phenomenal success in the MENA region with multiple signings and opening in recent years across markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt
Situated in a prime location, voco & Suites Jeddah will overlook the Red Sea and is in close proximity to the new Jeddah Downtown, known as Jeddah Central Development — a mega project by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The hotel is ideally situated for both leisure and business travelers, being a mere 5-minute drive from the Corniche promenade and the renowned Red Sea Mall. voco & Suites Jeddah is also a short drive from the Royal Court, making it an ideal choice for government officials and high-end guests seeking premium stays.
Strategically located on Jeddah Beach Road, the 110-key voco & Suites Jeddah will feature a wide selection of uniquely characterized rooms, including suites with thoughtful comforts — true to the brand. Furthermore, the hotel’s R&B offering will feature three distinct dining options, including an all-day dining, a specialty restaurant, and a cozy coffee shop, offering diverse culinary experiences. voco & Suites Jeddah will also be equipped to cater to the business needs of domestic and international guests, featuring four venues for meetings and events. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a swimming pool, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable stay for guests.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Jeddah is an up-and-coming modern commercial hub that has long served as a gateway for pilgrimages to the lslamic holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The city, second largest in Saudi Arabia, is known for its sparking beaches, beautiful outdoor venues, and several other inconic landmarks. Recognising the potential of its hospitality sector, we are set to bring voco & Suites Jeddah; representing a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts as we continue to expand our presence in the vibrant and dynamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The new voco addition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing distinctive and memorable experiences for our guests. Moreover, the prime location, coupled with unique offerings of the voco brand, reinforces our dedication to delivering true hospitality that goes beyond expectations.”
Dr. Saleh Malaikah, Chairman, Rusd Group, commented: “It is an honour to partner with one of the world’s leading hotel companies in bringing voco & Suites Jeddah to this dynamic city. With IHG’s significant presence and commitment to Saudi Arabia, there is no doubt that the group is leading in offering memorable and enjoyable experience for every guest visiting the Kingdom. With IHG’s expertise in hospitality, strength of the brand, power of enterprise and a world class loyalty programme, we are truly confident in the success of voco & Suites Jeddah.”
IHG currently operates 40 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 36 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years. IHG has recently opened their new Saudi headquarters in Riyadh located at the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
