Almost 70 pc of IHG’s Europe footprint is made up of Essentials brands
IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality brand based in the United Kingdom, has announced that it has debuted nine of its individual hotel brand across 13 European destinations since 2024, with the opening and signings spanning brands across its four segments: Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites.
In a statement, IHG says that the growth comes as IHG’s Europe business, which includes the UK and Ireland, surpasses 1,100 open and pipeline hotels. Presently, six brands in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment represent 12 pc of current Europe open hotels with 103 properties, and 27 pc of its development pipeline, with 71 hotels, demonstrating promising runway for future growth.
Karin Sheppard
“Our focus on developing in high-growth markets is reflected in the number of country entries made by our brands in recent months. Every new hotel contributes to a dynamic portfolio that has grown to more than 1,100 hotels open or in development across 39 countries testament to the exciting future that lies ahead for our business in Europe,” says Karin Sheppard, SVP and Managing Director, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“Successful brand development and growth would not happen without the work our teams do to drive the performance of our existing hotels – all of which is supported by the IHG enterprise. From driving loyalty contribution and rolling out new technology, to investment in marketing, meaningful partnerships, and programmes to support sustainability and procurement, our holistic approach to growth is demonstrating value to our hotel owners who see long-term confidence in IHG and our brands,” she adds.
The statement adds that in 2024, conversions to IHG brands represented more than 80 pc of new openings in Europe led by brands like Voco and Crown Plaza.
According to the statement, almost 70 pc of IHG’s Europe footprint is made up of Essentials brands, from the world’s largest hotel brand Holiday Inn Express, to new midscale conversion brand, Garner Hotels. In 2024, Garner made its European debut with 56 initial signings taking place in April, and the first opening in November.
The increasing demand for extended stays is reflected in IHG’s Europe pipeline for its Suites portfolio of brands, which stands at 15 hotels larger than the current system size of 11 properties, says the statement.
As of December 2024, IHG has 878 open hotels across 39 countries in Europe, with a further 260 in development. Its largest markets include the UK with 355 open hotels, Germany with 147 hotels, France with 71 hotels and Spain with 57 hotels.
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