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In an era of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry, IHG Hotels & Resorts has etched a monumental chapter in its storied legacy, surpassing the 1,000 open hotels milestone in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. This achievement underscores IHG’s unwavering commitment to setting new benchmarks in the hospitality landscape. It signals a bright horizon for travel and leisure in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich regions.

At the heart of this remarkable journey is IHG’s strategic vision, led by Rajit Sukumaran, SVP & Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific. Under his stewardship, IHG has expanded its footprint and redefined what it means to be a leader in the global hospitality industry. “Reaching 1,012 open hotels in Asia Pacific, including a significant presence in Greater China, is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to seize long-term opportunities,” Sukumaran reflects with pride. His words encapsulate a vision beyond numbers, focusing on investing in brand diversity, delivering unparalleled returns for owners, and driving sustained growth across the region.

The past year has been particularly noteworthy for IHG, marked by the debut of exceptional properties across its diverse brand portfolio. From the luxury and sophistication of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Regent Hotels & Resorts to the innovative and vibrant offerings of Hotel Indigo and Vignette Collection, IHG has catered to travellers’ evolving preferences. The expansion also includes the ever-popular Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, ensuring a wide range of guest experiences, whether travelling for leisure or business.

The timing of this milestone is fortuitous, aligning with a resurgence in hotel stays and a robust projection for long-term growth in the travel sector. With the Asia Pacific region poised for the most rapid increase in passenger traffic globally, newly relaxed travel arrangements and a surge in demand for immersive travel experiences are opening new frontiers for IHG. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its hotel portfolio and enhancing its IHG One Rewards loyalty program, which boasts over 130 million members, is a testament to its forward-thinking approach.

IHG’s commitment to growth is matched by its dedication to diversification, particularly in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment, which now accounts for a significant portion of its global pipeline. The Asia Pacific region, with its rich cultural tapestry and burgeoning travel market, serves as the perfect backdrop for IHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands, including Six Senses and Regent. This strategic emphasis caters to the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and reinforces IHG’s position as a pioneer in the hospitality sector.

The company’s innovative approach extends to its expansion strategy, leveraging conversions to introduce new brands like Garner in strategic locations such as Osaka, Japan. This flexible and adaptive strategy highlights IHG’s commitment to growth and its ability to respond effectively to market dynamics.

As the Asia Pacific region stands on the brink of unprecedented growth in travel and hospitality, IHG’s achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and innovation. Sukumaran’s vision for the future is clear: “We are poised for an exciting decade in APAC, expanding our presence in established and emerging markets and delivering experiences cherished by today’s and tomorrow’s travelers.” With a robust construction pipeline and a burgeoning demand for travel experiences, IHG is not just witnessing history but is actively shaping the future of hospitality in the Asia Pacific.