IHG Hotels & Resorts reported a strong first half performance into 2026, delivering an uplift in global revpar of 4.1%.
The Americas region performed strongly, up 4.8%, while hotels in Greater China were up 3.1%. A strong performance in some parts of the EMEEA region helped offset the expected weakness in key Middle Eastern markets, where conflict in the region weakened hotel demand and occupancy rates.
Accelerating System Growth
“We had record levels of development activity with almost 200 hotel openings in the first half,” noted CEO Elie Maalouf. “This drove net system growth of 5% and expanded our global estate to 7,100 hotels.” The company signed an average of close to two hotels a day, adding 352 properties to its pipeline.
The group said its four conversion-focused brands accounted for around one third of conversion signings during the first half of the year. These brands, Voco, Garner, Vignette and Noted Collection, are leading the way with swift conversions and often under multi-site agreements; smaller hotel operators often see an affiliation with IHG as a great way to broaden the visibility and appeal of their properties.
Recent openings during the reporting period include Kimpton La Mer Crete, a 76 room property on the northern coast of the Greek island. Guests have direct access to Georgioupolis beach. In London, Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush launched, adding to the group’s accommodation choices in the British capital.
The Holiday Inn brand family continues to grow, with recent European additions including Holiday Inn Istanbul Beylikduzu. On Spain’s northern coast, Holiday Inn Express San Sebastian Errenteria opened, a new build in Spain’s mountainous Basque country.
Additions in the Americas include three new openings for the Staybridge Suites extended stay brand. Staybridge Suites Toronto Airport East has 193 rooms and is on floors five to eleven of a larger mixed use property. In Houston, Staybridge Suites Houston Downtown is part of a dual hotel project also featuring a Holiday Inn Express. And in Orlando, another dual hotel development saw the opening together of Staybridge Suites Hotel Orlando Epic Universe, alongside an EVEN branded hotel. The location is an ideal place to stay for those planning a trip to the Epic Universe theme park.
Strong Momentum from Newer Brands
IHG’s upscale Voco brand is also growing fast. During recent months it has enjoyed a slew of openings around the world, including a strong showing in Asia Pacific. There, Voco Darwin Suites has opened, adding to IHG’s presence in Australia. In China, Voco Beijing Temple of Heaven launched with 324 rooms, along with the thoroughly modern Voco Xiamen SM City.
Senior management pointed out the success of recently acquired brand Ruby. The premium urban lifestyle brand was acquired in early 2025, and at that time had a combination of 30 hotels open or signed. Today, in just 18 months, that figure has now grown to 42, with recent signings of Ruby New York and Ruby Chicago taking the brand into the US market.
