Monday, December 18, 2023
IHG Hotels & Resorts recently celebrated a significant milestone in Greater China, as its Holiday Inn Express brand exceeded 500 hotels in both operational and developmental phases. This landmark achievement highlights the brand’s impact in the upper midscale hotel market, renowned for its efficient guest services and lucrative investment opportunities for hotel owners. Since its entry into the Chinese market, Holiday Inn Express has gained notable traction among investors and hotel owners, establishing itself as a pivotal brand in the region, renowned for providing travelers with high-quality and enjoyable experiences across diverse destinations.
Jerome Qiu, the Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China, underscored the brand’s consistent focus on quality and dependability in the competitive midscale hotel sector. Over the past two decades in China, Holiday Inn Express has been at the forefront of innovation in the franchising model, particularly in the local business travel market. The brand’s strategic expansion along key high-speed rail corridors offers hotel owners a comprehensive package that includes collaboration, investment, brand building, product improvement, and smooth operations. Currently, Holiday Inn Express has a presence in all 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China, with more than 27 cities hosting at least five of its hotels. Having surpassed the 500-hotel mark, the brand is poised for further growth in China, demonstrating IHG’s strong commitment to this market.
Internationally, Holiday Inn Express is a leading name in the upper midscale hotel sector, with 3,131 operational hotels and 643 in the pipeline as of the third quarter of 2023. The Greater China region plays a significant role in this expansion, with 209 hotels in the pipeline, representing a third of the global expansion. This ongoing growth is in line with the brand’s vision to drive industry growth.
In China, Holiday Inn Express is known for its efficient, personalized, transparent, and cost-effective services in both major urban centers and lesser-known locales. By adhering to international standards and adapting strategies to meet local needs, the brand has effectively responded to national policies, contributing to the high-quality development of China’s hotel industry. As a trendsetter in the upper midscale hotel segment, Holiday Inn Express is guiding the industry towards new horizons.
IHG’s five-pillar strategy reaffirms its commitment to investors, focusing on collaboration, investment satisfaction, brand trust, product quality, and operational simplicity. These pillars reflect IHG’s dedication to supporting hotel owners, ensuring they maintain a competitive edge in a challenging market. With franchise support teams, the brand offers ongoing comprehensive assistance, boosting operational capabilities and hastening brand growth.
Holiday Inn Express, evolving over the years, continues to strategically expand in China’s major cities, airports, and high-speed railway stations, while also venturing into new markets. The brand’s innovative ‘Formula Blue’ approach is designed to offer smart accommodations to a broader range of discerning travelers.
Kent Sun, the Chief Development Officer of IHG Greater China, emphasizes the brand’s growth and investment potential, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development and customer satisfaction. With 80% of newly contracted hotels adopting the ‘Franchise +’ model, Holiday Inn Express provides hotel owners with flexibility, enhanced security, and increased returns, backed by IHG’s extensive support. By focusing on continuous improvement and exploring new markets, the brand’s adaptable strategies promise ongoing growth and success.
The launch of landmark hotels like Holiday Inn Express Beijing Downtown, Wenchang, Shanghai Hongqiao Linkong, Hangzhou Airport, Jiangmen East Station, and Shantou Chenghai, further strengthens the brand’s regional presence and introduces new experiences to local communities.
The success of Holiday Inn Express highlights its productive partnerships with owners and IHG’s dedication to driving continual growth in China’s hotel industry. IHG remains committed to collaborating with various partners, enhancing the legacy of Holiday Inn Express in the ever-evolving Chinese hospitality sector.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
