InterContinental Hotels Group Plc reports news across a global hotel-brand system spanning luxury, lifestyle, premium, essentials and midscale lodging. Recurring updates cover brand openings, owner-development opportunities, loyalty initiatives through IHG One Rewards, and guest-experience programs tied to InterContinental, Kimpton, Ruby and other IHG Hotels & Resorts brands.
Company news also highlights the expansion of urban and conversion hotel formats, food-and-beverage programming, cultural and seasonal packages, and regional growth across major hospitality markets. IHG’s operating model is centered on a broad brand portfolio and a hotel system that is primarily managed and franchised rather than owned.
IHG Hotels & Resorts reports on the rise of 'staycations' during the summer of 2020 due to pandemic travel restrictions. According to new data, more than half of travelers stayed within 300km of home, with 85% traveling by car. IHG noted a shift towards rural destinations, with the Florida Panhandle and West Texas becoming popular. Despite pandemic challenges, the proportion of business and leisure bookings remained stable from June to August 2020. Additionally, booking lead times shortened significantly, with 63% booked within two days of arrival, emphasizing the need for flexibility.
IHG has launched its upscale voco brand in the Americas, with the first properties in New York City, St. Augustine, Florida, and Columbia, Missouri. The voco brand, which combines the charm of independent hotels with the reliability of a global brand, has seen strong demand since its introduction earlier this year. The brand currently has 12 hotels open in the EMEAA region and a development pipeline of 28 new projects across 19 countries in the next five years. This strategic expansion aims to capture urban and leisure markets, enhancing IHG's presence and opportunities in the upscale hotel segment.
On September 1, 2020, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced enhancements to its Meet with Confidence program, aimed at providing safe and flexible solutions for meetings amid evolving expectations. The program focuses on cleanliness, featuring measures like socially-distanced spaces, disinfected seating, and enhanced food handling. Key benefits for planners include no cancellation or attrition fees, a possible 5% rebate, and IHG Business Rewards points. This initiative is applicable at participating hotels globally through June 2021, reflecting IHG's commitment to guest safety and satisfaction.