IHG® Hotels & Resorts Marks Significant Expansion into Chhattisgarh with the First Garner™ Hotel, Strengthening Its Presence in Emerging Indian Cities and Catering to Growing Traveler Demand

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IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is making significant strides in India with its latest announcement of the franchise agreement for Garner Jagdalpur. This marks the brand’s first foray into the state of Chhattisgarh, underscoring IHG’s commitment to expanding its footprint in emerging markets across the country. The 117-key hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and will be managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM), one of IHG’s trusted third-party management companies in India.

The signing of this agreement is an important milestone for IHG® as it introduces Garner™, the company’s newest midscale conversion brand, into the Indian market. Garner™ aims to build on IHG’s existing strength in the essentials segment, focusing on providing quality stays at a more accessible price point. Designed with a focus on flexibility and comfort, Garner™ is tailor-made to meet the needs of value-conscious travellers who seek reliable, affordable options for their stay. This new brand aligns perfectly with the growing demand for midscale hotels in the Indian market, offering a unique blend of value and comfort that is backed by IHG’s robust global enterprise systems.

One of the key features of Garner™ is its relaxed and flexible guest experience. This is especially important as more travellers in India and around the world seek hotels that offer both convenience and comfort without breaking the bank. With IHG’s global systems supporting each property, guests can expect consistent, high-quality service and a dependable experience no matter where they stay.

The Garner Jagdalpur hotel, set to open in 2029, will be strategically located in Jagdalpur, a prominent city in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The hotel’s location in Jagdalpur places it in an area that is rapidly gaining attention due to its ongoing economic growth. The city, traditionally known for its rich tribal culture and natural beauty, is now undergoing a significant transformation driven by infrastructure development, mining activity, and the expansion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These factors contribute to the region’s increasingly dynamic economy, creating ample opportunities for the hospitality sector.

The government of Chhattisgarh has been actively supporting these growth initiatives, and Jagdalpur is poised to benefit from the positive impacts of these favourable government policies. The state’s infrastructure development, coupled with its strategic position, is attracting businesses, investors, and travellers alike. As a result, Jagdalpur is emerging as a key destination for both business and leisure, and the arrival of Garner Jagdalpur will provide much-needed quality accommodation options for the growing influx of visitors.

For IHG®, the Garner Jagdalpur property represents a crucial addition to its portfolio, as it expands the brand’s presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. These markets are expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increased industrial activity, urbanisation, and a rising middle class. With a strong pipeline of projects set to open over the next few years, IHG® is well-positioned to tap into this burgeoning demand for midscale hotels that offer value and comfort.

The strategic collaboration between Freedom Hospitality and United Hospitality Management highlights IHG’s approach to working with trusted local partners who understand the intricacies of the regional markets. This partnership not only strengthens IHG’s operational capabilities but also ensures that the Garner brand delivers exceptional guest experiences tailored to the needs of both business and leisure travellers in India’s emerging cities.

Looking ahead, the Garner Jagdalpur hotel is set to be a key player in the hospitality landscape of Chhattisgarh. As the city continues to grow and attract more business and tourism activity, the hotel will serve as a vital hub for travellers seeking a comfortable, affordable, and reliable place to stay. With IHG’s global expertise and local partnerships, the Garner Jagdalpur hotel will contribute significantly to the region’s tourism and economic development.

In conclusion, the launch of Garner Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh is a clear indication of IHG’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in India’s rapidly growing markets. The brand’s entry into Jagdalpur is strategically aligned with the city’s economic development, and the hotel will undoubtedly play an important role in supporting the region’s burgeoning tourism and business sectors. By offering quality accommodation at an accessible price, Garner™ is set to become a preferred choice for value-conscious travellers in one of India’s most exciting emerging markets.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “Garner’s growth trajectory in India continues to be strong as we expand into emerging markets with high potential and our partnership with United Hospitality Management further strengthens our ability to scale the brand in these markets. Jagdalpur represents an important entry point into Chhattisgarh’s developing Bastar region, where infrastructure investment and economic diversification are creating new opportunities for quality accommodation. Garner’s efficient and flexible model combined with UHM’s strong local operational expertise, enables us to partner with owners to unlock this potential while delivering long-term value.”

Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management (UHM), India commented, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the signing of Garner Jagdalpur, a project that reflects the growing maturity of demand in India’s emerging destinations. At United Hospitality Management, our focus is on unlocking the full potential of such markets through a combination of operational discipline, local market insight, and brand-aligned execution. Garner’s conversion-friendly, scalable model is particularly well suited to these environments, enabling us to deliver consistent guest experiences while optimising asset performance. As we expand our Garner portfolio, we remain committed to building high-performing hotels that create long-term value for owners and resonate with the evolving needs of today’s value-conscious traveller.”

Bakhtyaar Khan, Managing Partner, Freedom Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Garner to Jagdalpur. The region’s evolving economic landscape and growing demand for quality accommodation present a compelling opportunity. With IHG’s global expertise and the strong proposition of the Garner brand, we are confident the hotel will become a preferred choice for travellers while delivering strong returns for us.”

IHG’s ongoing expansion of the Garner brand in India highlights the company’s dedication to tapping into the growth potential of the nation’s rapidly developing cities. These cities are witnessing an increasing demand for premium, branded accommodations that surpasses the available supply.

Currently, IHG® operates 51 hotels in India across six renowned brands: Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, voco™ Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort®, and Holiday Inn Express®. Additionally, the company has an impressive pipeline of 89 hotels set to open over the next 3-5 years.