IHG has a string of ambitious hotel projects planned around the world. (Photo: IHG Hotels)
We delve exclusively into the TOPHOTELPROJECTS construction database to see what IHG’s development pipeline looks like, as the British hotel giant seeks to rebuild momentum post-coronavirus.
As countries begin easing lockdown restrictions worldwide, and some even start welcoming tourists back, we check in with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to see how its project pipeline is shaping up over the coming months and years.
IHG doubles down in APAC
IHG is one of the biggest names in the global hotel industry, so it makes sense that the company’s future plans include swathes of development in one of the world’s most popular hospitality markets at the moment, APAC.
Many hotel groups are choosing to invest heavily in the Chinese market and IHG is certainly no different. Out of the 407 projects (containing 90,469 rooms in total) in its international pipeline, 203 (47,770 rooms) will be located in APAC, with 106 (25,137 rooms total) opening in China alone.
Hotel giant eyes rapid expansion in key regions
IHG is also expanding its presence in other important markets, with 82 new projects on the horizon in North America, 69 in Europe and 40 in the Middle East. The US, in particular, will benefit from lots of investment in the coming years, with 72 projects earmarked for the world’s largest economy, including no fewer than six in its largest city New York.
However, Dubai will see the largest contingent of new IHG hotels in any one metropolitan area, with 12 projects set to open their doors here. This puts it well ahead of the Chinese cities of Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Shanghai, which will welcome seven, five and five properties respectively in the near future.
Of course, not all IHG brands are growing at an equal rate. The group’s biggest growth brands are Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts with 85 projects (23,125 rooms) on the cards globally; Hotel Indigo with 64 schemes (9,750 rooms); and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts with 56 developments (14,883 rooms).
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IHG’s most important projects from Mecca to Malaysia
Phase 2 of Holiday Inn Makkah Abraaj Al Tayseer is the largest project in IHG’s pipeline. This sprawling development is spread across five towers in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca and will bring a total of 3,512 rooms to the region. Located close to the Grand Mosque, the property is expected to welcome plenty of pilgrims when it finally launches.
Of note too is Hualuxe Beihai Silver Beach, a 5-star newbuild property in Guangxi, China, which will boast 450 luxury rooms upon its opening in the third quarter of 2021. Behai Silvery Beach is being billed as an attractive new destination in China, and this is just one of the properties currently being developed in the area. It will appeal to both business and leisure travellers and will have a full roster of facilities and amenities.
Also worth mentioning, Crowne Plaza Kota Kinabalu Waterfront will form part of the waterfront development in downtown Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Located in a complex of high-end residences and upscale eateries and entertainment venues, this 367-key hotel will boast ample meeting and events facilities for business guests, as well as access to the exciting waterfront area and the natural surroundings of Sabah for leisure tourists. The hotel is slated to open at the beginning of 2021.
Finally, InterContinental Vientiane will land in Laos in the middle of 2021. A luxury 5-star hotel, it will feature 400 well-appointed guest rooms and suites in the middle of the World Trade Centre complex, a mixed-use development that is set to become a major commercial hub in the Laotian capital. Ideal for holidaymakers visiting the city, it is conveniently located close to many local attractions and sights. The hotel will also boast an exclusive club lounge, spa and fitness centre and a number of F&B outlets.
IHG operates hotels in three different ways – as a franchisor, as a manager and on an owned and leased basis.
