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IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years since entering Greater China and celebrates over 800 open hotels in the region

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks an extraordinary milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. From opening its first property in 1975 to operating 800 hotels today, IHG has played a pivotal role in driving industry growth, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting the region's economic development. Looking to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by leveraging global expertise and local insights to...

IHG
China

Shanghai – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks an extraordinary milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. From opening its first property in 1975 to operating 800 hotels today, IHG has played a pivotal role in driving industry growth, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting the region's economic development. Looking to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by leveraging global expertise and local insights to create enriching and rewarding experiences.

I am proud to be celebrating this milestone for IHG. For 50 years, Greater China’s dynamic energy and immense potential has been instrumental in our success. Staying true to our purpose of ‘True Hospitality for Good’, we have seen incredible growth, expanding our presence and building a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from luxury and lifestyle to premium and essential stays. Partnering with regional stakeholders, we have delivered iconic hotels across the region. IHG is poised for an even brighter future in Greater China with the ongoing optimization of policies supporting foreign enterprises. We look forward to working with our guests and owners to deliver another 50 years of excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry. Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts

Pioneering the Future with Greater China

To commemorate this golden jubilee, IHG has embraced creative and diverse initiatives that highlight its rich heritage and leadership in the hospitality industry. From branding a high-speed train to showcasing it on iconic skyscraper facades in major cities with dynamic light displays, as well as strategic print placements with leading media outlets, IHG has innovatively engaged with consumers across Greater China. These campaigns not only strengthened the connection between IHG and its guests but also brought its diverse brand portfolio and service excellence closer to travelers, delivering unmatched experiences under the theme “Guest How You Guest.”

Reflecting on half a century of progress, IHG has consistently aligned its growth with Greater China’s economic evolution. From spearheading market innovations such as expanding social media and e-commerce channels, to creating iconic hotels like Regent Shanghai on the Bund, IHG’s ability to combine a global perspective with local expertise has continually advanced the hospitality industry in the region. This 50th anniversary celebrates past accomplishments and sets the stage for a new chapter of collaboration and innovation in Greater China.

Milestones of IHG in Greater China:

  • 1975: Opened its first hotel in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in Greater China.
  • 1991: Launched the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand with the opening of Crowne Plaza Shanghai, catering to business travelers and conference needs.
  • 2000: Launched the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, creating landmark luxury hotels and supporting the industry’s internationalization.
  • 2004: Opened the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Greater China, offering efficient service and becoming a growth engine in the market.
  • 2008: Played a key role in accommodating global guests during the Beijing Olympics, with its 100th hotel opening in Greater China the same year.
  • 2011: Established Greater China as an independent business unit, reflecting its strategic importance.
  • 2012: Debuted the HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts brand, showing the art of Chinese hospitality.
  • 2016: Launched the “Franchise Plus” model to drive growth in emerging markets.
  • 2018: Participated in the first CIIE and introduced a WeChat Mini Program to enhance digital guest experiences.
  • 2021: Initiated the “Journey to Tomorrow” program, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. In the same year, its combined open and pipeline hotel count in Greater China exceeded 1,000.
  • 2022: Revamped the IHG One Rewards program and accelerated growth with a record pace of hotel openings.
  • 2025: Celebrates 50 years in Greater China with 800 open hotels, a testament to its shared success with the region.

Celebrating ‘The IHG Greater China 800 Club’ Milestone

In 2025, IHG has reached a significant milestone in Greater China with 800 open hotels, underscoring its brand strength, localized strategy, and sustainable growth. By leveraging market insights and its diversified brand portfolio, IHG meets the diverse needs of guests and owners, achieving comprehensive coverage across luxury, premium, and essential segments.

To celebrate this achievement, IHG proudly unveiled the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club”, highlighting its recently opened flagship hotels in key destinations. These properties represent some of the most notable new openings in Greater China, chosen for their strategic locations, unique designs, and exceptional facilities that resonate with the preferences of local travelers.

The hotels in the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club” include:

  • Luxury & Lifestyle: InterContinental Taichung; Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection; Hotel Indigo Ningbo Riverside
  • Premium: HUALUXE Chongqing Science Hall; Crowne Plaza Jingmen; voco Zhengzhou Garden Expo
  • Essentials: Holiday Inn Chongqing Science Hall; Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming
As we celebrate 50 remarkable years in Greater China, reaching the milestone of 800 open hotels is a testament to our strong partnerships and deep understanding of this dynamic market. The launch of the 'The IHG Greater China 800 Club ' reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality—whether it's the luxury of InterContinental Taichung, the distinct character of Vignette Collection Shanghai Snow World, or the convenience of Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming. These properties showcase how our brands resonate with diverse traveller needs while reflecting local culture and innovation.

Looking ahead, we will continue to expand into emerging cities, elevate digital guest experiences, and champion sustainable growth through initiatives like 'Journey to Tomorrow.' Our strategic focus on innovation and localization ensures that we remain a trusted partner to our owners and a preferred choice for guests. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality in Greater China and building a legacy of shared success.Daniel Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China

Today, IHG boasts 13 brands and over 1,300 openings and pipelines in Greater China. This achievement reflects its five decades of dedication and innovation, resonating with the region’s aspirations. With its legacy of excellence and vision for the future, IHG is poised to embark on a new chapter alongside Greater China’s dynamic market.

Media Contact

Eric Jiang

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Operations & Strategy Operations & Strategy Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific China
IHG
Management CompanyFranchise OrganizationBrand OwnerHotel Group

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.

voco Hotels
Brand by IHG

Drawing on our years of experience in delivering True Hospitality, voco Hotels, gives people a different choice. Hotels that are reliable enough to depend on, but different enough to be fun. Our new family of hotels are connected by their individual characters, that make memorable travel dependable. Unstuffy hotels, where people feel comfortable to relax, and just get on with relaxing. Hotels that stand out from the crowd.

Vignette Collection
Brand by IHG

Whether it’s a city haven, sun-kissed resort, or beyond, IHG’s Vignette Collection will provide one-of-a-kind stays, with each hotel serving up a distinct service style and character. Owners of independent hotels and small chains are increasingly attracted to the opportunity to benefit from the scale, expertise and investment of a global hotel brand leader, such as IHG.

InterContinental
Brand by IHG

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand with over 220 hotels spanning 70 countries and representing over 73,350 bedrooms around the world. Founded by Pan American Airways Founder, Juan Trippe in 1946, InterContinental is guided by the belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect cultures.

Holiday Inn
Brand by IHG

With over 1,200 hotels worldwide, the Holiday Inn® brand is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world. In fact, the Holiday Inn brand was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. The Holiday Inn brand provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service,...

Crowne Plaza
Brand by IHG

Part of the IHG global portfolio, the Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts brand is a dynamic upscale hotel brand located in nearly 65 countries around the world in major urban centres, gateway cities and resort destinations. As the fourth largest upscale full-service hotel brand in the world and one of the fastest growing, the Crowne Plaza brand has a solid foundation for future growth.

Indigo
Brand by IHG

The Hotel Indigo® brand is a global boutique hotel brand that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience that is truly reflective of the local community. From the locally inspired murals to the renewal program where the music, scent, and menu items change throughout the year, each Hotel Indigo hotel delivers a vibrant, engaging and genuine boutique experience that gives guests the confidence to step out and explore the local...

HUALUXE
Brand by IHG

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is the first upscale international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese traveler. IHG, as the first international hotel company in China, understands the market and has built this brand on a solid understanding of local tradition and in-depth consumer research. Through the HUALUXE brand, IHG will take the best of Chinese hospitality alongside insights into what is believed Chinese want from an upscale...

Holiday Inn Express
Brand by IHG

Holiday Inn Express® hotels are a part of the IHG brand family and are the ideal choice for the smart traveler, offering them a great night’s rest while helping them be productive on the go. Fresh, clean, modern and uncomplicated, Holiday Inn Express hotels offer competitive rates for both business and leisure travelers. Guests Stay Smart® at Holiday Inn Express hotels where they enjoy a free hot Express Start® Breakfast Bar, free...