IHG Hotels & Resorts is accelerating its expansion in India, focusing on luxury offerings with the introduction of its Vignette Collection brand. Known for its mid-market brands like Holiday Inn, IHG aims to cater to the growing demand for premium hospitality. Currently operating 52 hotels in India, IHG plans to strengthen its luxury portfolio, including the upcoming InterContinental in Kodaikanal by 2028. With luxury brands like Six Senses already in its portfolio, IHG's Managing Director, Haitham Mattar, emphasises the segment's potential. This strategic move reflects IHG's adaptability to evolving consumer preferences and positions it as a key player in India's hospitality sector.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is in advanced discussions with developers to expand its footprint in India by introducing its luxury Vignette Collection brand. Known globally for its mid-market brands like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, IHG is now focusing on diversifying its portfolio to cater to the growing demand for luxury offerings in India. While mid-market properties still represent the bulk of IHG's global portfolio, the hotel giant is eager to make its mark in the luxury space, a segment that has shown robust potential in recent years.
Currently, IHG operates 52 hotels across India, with the majority being Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties. However, the group is looking to widen its luxury presence to appeal to the increasing number of affluent travellers in the country. The announcement comes as IHG continues to see success with its luxury segments in other markets. As part of its strategic expansion, IHG has recently signed a management agreement with Adyar Gate Hotels to bring its renowned InterContinental brand to Kodaikanal by 2028. This will add to the existing four InterContinental hotels in India and Bangladesh, with six more in the pipeline.
Additionally, IHG operates two luxury Six Senses resorts in India, underlining its commitment to providing high-end, immersive hospitality experiences. Haitham Mattar, IHG's Managing Director for the India, Middle East, and Africa regions, highlighted that the growing demand for luxury accommodations reflects changing consumer preferences in the country. He acknowledged that, while the mid-market brands remain essential to IHG's strategy, the luxury sector in India is becoming an increasingly important area for growth.
Mattar further noted that IHG's properties in India have been performing significantly better this year compared to 2023, bolstering the company's position as it expands its presence in the region. The positive performance in India has also been key to mitigating the impacts on IHG's properties in other regions, such as Jordan and Lebanon, where the ongoing conflicts have disrupted operations. The continued growth and success in the Indian market highlight IHG's ability to adapt and thrive, offering a diverse range of accommodation options that meet the demands of both business and leisure travellers.
This strategic push into India's luxury hotel market, alongside its continued focus on mid-market offerings, positions IHG as a key player in the country's evolving hospitality sector. With its diverse portfolio of brands, IHG aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian hospitality industry while providing world-class experiences for its guests.
In conclusion, IHG's expansion into the luxury market highlights its adaptability and commitment to meeting evolving consumer needs in India's hospitality sector.