Tourexpi
Looking
to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by
leveraging global expertise and local insights to create enriching and
rewarding experiences.
Elie
Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated: “I am proud to be
celebrating this milestone for IHG. For 50 years, Greater China’s dynamic
energy and immense potential has been instrumental in our success. Staying true
to our purpose of ‘True Hospitality for Good’, we have seen incredible growth,
expanding our presence and building a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from
luxury and lifestyle to premium and essential stays. Partnering with regional
stakeholders, we have delivered iconic hotels across the region. IHG is poised
for an even brighter future in Greater China with the ongoing optimization of
policies supporting foreign enterprises. We look forward to working with our
guests and owners to deliver another 50 years of excellence and innovation in
the hospitality industry.”
Pioneering
the Future with Greater China
To
commemorate this golden jubilee, IHG has embraced creative and diverse
initiatives that highlight its rich heritage and leadership in the hospitality
industry. From branding a high-speed train to showcasing it on iconic
skyscraper facades in major cities with dynamic light displays, as well as
strategic print placements with leading media outlets, IHG has innovatively
engaged with consumers across Greater China. These campaigns not only
strengthened the connection between IHG and its guests but also brought its
diverse brand portfolio and service excellence closer to travelers, delivering
unmatched experiences under the theme “Guest How You Guest.”
Reflecting
on half a century of progress, IHG has consistently aligned its growth with
Greater China’s economic evolution. From spearheading market innovations such
as expanding social media and e-commerce channels, to creating iconic hotels
like Regent Shanghai on the Bund, IHG’s ability to combine a global perspective
with local expertise has continually advanced the hospitality industry in the
region. This 50th anniversary celebrates past accomplishments and sets the
stage for a new chapter of collaboration and innovation in Greater China.
Milestones
of IHG in Greater China:
·
1975: Opened its first hotel in
Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in Greater China.
·
1991: Launched the Crowne Plaza
Hotels & Resorts brand with the opening of Crowne Plaza Shanghai, catering
to business travelers and conference needs.
·
2000: Launched the
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, creating landmark luxury hotels
and supporting the industry’s internationalization.
·
2004: Opened the first Holiday
Inn Express hotel in Greater China, offering efficient service and becoming a
growth engine in the market.
·
2008: Played a key role in
accommodating global guests during the Beijing Olympics, with its 100th hotel
opening in Greater China the same year.
·
2011: Established Greater China
as an independent business unit, reflecting its strategic importance.
·
2012: Debuted the HUALUXE Hotels
& Resorts brand, showing the art of Chinese hospitality.
·
2016: Launched the “Franchise
Plus” model to drive growth in emerging markets.
·
2018: Participated in the first
CIIE and introduced a WeChat Mini Program to enhance digital guest experiences.
·
2021: Initiated the “Journey to
Tomorrow” program, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. In the same
year, its combined open and pipeline hotel count in Greater China exceeded
1,000.
·
2022: Revamped the IHG One
Rewards program and accelerated growth with a record pace of hotel openings.
·
2025: Celebrates 50 years in
Greater China with 800 open hotels, a testament to its shared success with the
region.
Celebrating
‘The IHG Greater China 800 Club’ Milestone
In
2025, IHG has reached a significant milestone in Greater China with 800 open
hotels, underscoring its brand strength, localized strategy, and sustainable
growth. By leveraging market insights and its diversified brand portfolio, IHG
meets the diverse needs of guests and owners, achieving comprehensive coverage
across luxury, premium, and essential segments.
To
celebrate this achievement, IHG proudly unveiled the “The IHG Greater China 800
Club”, highlighting its recently opened flagship hotels in key destinations.
These properties represent some of the most notable new openings in Greater
China, chosen for their strategic locations, unique designs, and exceptional
facilities that resonate with the preferences of local travelers.
The
hotels in the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club” include:
·
Luxury & Lifestyle: InterContinental
Taichung; Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection; Hotel Indigo Ningbo
Riverside
·
Premium: HUALUXE Chongqing
Science Hall; Crowne Plaza Jingmen; voco Zhengzhou Garden Expo
·
Essentials: Holiday Inn Chongqing
Science Hall; Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming
Daniel
Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China, said: “As we celebrate 50 remarkable
years in Greater China, reaching the milestone of 800 open hotels is a
testament to our strong partnerships and deep understanding of this dynamic
market. The launch of the 'The IHG Greater China 800 Club ' reflects our
commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality—whether it's the luxury of
InterContinental Taichung, the distinct character of Vignette Collection
Shanghai Snow World, or the convenience of Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen
Guangming. These properties showcase how our brands resonate with diverse
traveller needs while reflecting local culture and innovation.
Looking
ahead, we will continue to expand into emerging cities, elevate digital guest
experiences, and champion sustainable growth through initiatives like 'Journey
to Tomorrow.' Our strategic focus on innovation and localization ensures that
we remain a trusted partner to our owners and a preferred choice for guests.
Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality in Greater China and
building a legacy of shared success.”
Today,
IHG boasts 13 brands and over 1,300 openings and pipelines in Greater China.
This achievement reflects its five decades of dedication and innovation,
resonating with the region’s aspirations. With its legacy of excellence and
vision for the future, IHG is poised to embark on a new chapter alongside
Greater China’s dynamic market.
Image
Credit: © IHG Hotels
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