Intercontinental takes action to cope up with the impact of Covid-19 (Photo: IHG)

IHG is taking proactive steps to keep its hotels and staff afloat during this uncertain time.

Hotels the world over have seen their revenues plummet in light of COVID-19, and the InterContinental Hotels Group is no exception.

However, even though the current situation is gloomy, the hotel group is doing what it can to support its staff, as well as continuing to open and sign new properties despite the ongoing challenges. We find out how IHG is demonstrating leadership in this crisis.

IHG launches employment website to support staff

The impact of the coronavirus on employees of the hospitality sector has been disastrous.

With many workers being laid off or furloughed, IHG is offering support to its staff with the launch of the IHG Hotel Colleague Job Centre. The new website aims to connect staff from IHG properties in the US with prospective employers from leading US companies who are looking for employees with the skillset used in the service industry.

Amazon, Walmart, CVS, Albertsons, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Lowe’s and The Home Depot are just some of the companies that IHG is working with in an effort to redirect employees looking for work during this crisis.

IHG Hotel Construction Report

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Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport sale goes through

IHG’s asset-light strategy ensures that the group can focus on managing and franchising hotels, and this is proving to be a solid business model in these uncertain times.

Evidence of this can be found in the recent sale of the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport to the Pelligra Group, which will own the bricks and mortar of this Australian property. Pelligra Group plans on extensively refurbishing the hotel.

Ross Pelligra, Chairman of Pelligra Group, said: “We are very excited to welcome a high-performing hotel like Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport to the Pelligra Group, it’s a fantastic asset that fits perfectly into our portfolio. This is a long-term investment for us.

“We have a strong balance sheet and we are committed to keep the hotel trading through the current challenging period and into Melbourne Airport’s new era of expansion, which will include an extensive refurbishment for this great hotel. IHG is a great partner and we are so pleased to work together on so many great projects.”

IHG signs first Regent property since buying the brand

IHG continues to sign new properties amidst this crisis, and one of its most recent signings is the Regent Shanghai Pudong, located in Lujiazui, Shanghai, which is due to open following a rebranding in May of this year. This will be the first Regent property to open under IHG since it bought the brand in 2018.

Justin Channe, Managing Director, Regent Hotels & Resorts, IHG, said: “Welcoming Regent Shanghai Pudong to the Regent family represents a significant milestone for the brand not only in Greater China but also in the world. Since acquisition we have been committed to making the brand a real leader within luxury hospitality and taking it to the world’s best destinations.

“We are excited to team up with Shanghai 21st Century Hotel Co., Ltd., our long-term strategic partner, to bring Regent to Shanghai in such a prime location. We look forward to working closely with the owner to proudly bring Regent hallmarks to life in the hotel.”