IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global titan in hospitality, is setting its sights on a monumental expansion of its mainstream brand portfolio in Thailand. As the country’s tourism industry rebounds, IHG is seizing the opportunity to reinforce its market dominance with strategic growth in its popular Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and the recently introduced Garner brand. This move marks a significant chapter in IHG’s ambitious plan to double its hotel portfolio in Thailand, aiming to surpass 70 hotels soon.
Pioneering Growth Amid a Tourism Surge
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach.
Thailand’s tourism landscape has been on a robust recovery path, and IHG is at the forefront of capitalizing on this momentum. The group’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia & Korea, Vivek Bhalla, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “Thailand remains one of our key markets in Southeast Asia, and we’re committed to growing our mainstream brands here. The market-leading position of Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, coupled with the potential of our new Garner brand, positions us uniquely to meet the rising demand.”
The latest data reveals a strong performance for IHG’s properties in Thailand. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) surged by 13% year-on-year in the first half of 2024, a clear indicator of the resurgent travel demand. With visa-free travel policies boosting tourism, IHG is experiencing double-digit growth from key source markets as the year progresses.
Phuket, Samui, and Bangkok are the top destinations for international tourists, while domestic travellers are increasingly opting for road trips to destinations such as Hua Hin, Rayong, Pattaya, and Khao Yai. Bhalla noted, “The travel outlook remains healthy, with international arrivals projected to grow at 14.8% through 2028. Bangkok alone is expected to see a 6.5% increase in arrivals this year, with further growth anticipated in 2025.”
Expanding the Portfolio to Meet Diverse Demands
Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang.
IHG’s commitment to growth is evident in its strategic expansion plans across Thailand. Over half of IHG’s operational hotels in the country are mainstream brands, and nearly 50% of the company’s development pipeline is concentrated in this segment. Upcoming openings include the much-anticipated Holiday Inn Express Phayathai and Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Asoke, both set to enhance IHG’s footprint in the bustling capital.
“Expanding our portfolio is not just about increasing the number of hotels,” Bhalla explained. “It’s about creating the best possible experiences for our guests, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or a blend of both. We’re thrilled to welcome guests to our new locations and are confident in the appeal of our mainstream brands.”
A key component of IHG’s growth strategy is introducing the Garner brand to Thailand. Launched in August 2023, Garner has quickly gained traction with four open hotels and a pipeline of 79 properties globally. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, Garner focuses on delivering the essentials guests value most: convenient locations, a restful night’s sleep, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Bhalla expressed confidence in Garner’s growth potential in Thailand, particularly in vibrant cities and resort destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. “Garner is a brand that resonates with today’s travellers, who are looking for quality and consistency at an accessible price point. We see significant opportunities to introduce this brand across Thailand and are excited about what the future holds.”
Innovating to Enhance Guest Experiences
Holiday Inn Express Rayong Map Ta Phut.
As IHG accelerates its expansion, the company remains committed to evolving its guest experiences across all brands. Holiday Inn has rolled out a refreshed Open Lobby design and new food and beverage offerings catering to contemporary tastes. Holiday Inn Express has introduced 24/7 dining with the Express Café & Bar and has added a ‘Suites’ category to accommodate longer stays and larger groups. Meanwhile, Holiday Inn Resorts continues to attract families with its KidSuites, engaging Kids Clubs, and impressive pools.
“At IHG, we understand the importance of consistency, quality, and reliability in delivering memorable stays,” Bhalla added. “Our guests, particularly our IHG One Rewards members, expect the best from us, and we’re committed to exceeding those expectations. Our expansion in Thailand is not just about increasing our presence; it’s about enhancing the overall guest experience, ensuring that each stay is as enriching and authentic as possible.”
Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth and Innovation
IHG’s vision for Thailand is clear: to continue its legacy of excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of modern travellers. With a strong pipeline of new hotels and innovative brand offerings, the company is well-positioned to lead the market and deliver on its promise of outstanding value and exceptional experiences.
As IHG forges ahead with its expansion strategy, its commitment to Thailand remains unwavering. “We are in Thailand for Thailand,” Bhalla concluded. “Our goal is to create the best stay experiences for our guests and to generate increased returns for our valued owners. The future is bright, and we’re excited to be part of Thailand’s growth story.”
With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, IHG Hotels & Resorts is poised to continue its leadership in Thailand’s dynamic hospitality market, offering travellers the best mainstream accommodation.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach
