IHG launches EVENT Hotels in the U.S.

RNS Number : 2567Y

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

28 February 2012

 



IHG launches EVEN™ Hotels in the U.S., the first mainstream hotel brand focused on wellness

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces the launch in the US of EVEN™ Hotels, its new hotel brand. This brand meets the large and growing customer demand for healthier travel, at a mainstream price. EVEN Hotels is another industry first for IHG, as it uniquely provides solutions for all aspects of travellers' wellness needs in the areas of exercise, food, work and rest. No other brand can do this, under one roof, at this price point.

"We have a track record of delivering on hotel industry firsts, and we're doing it again by staking our claim on the wellness space within the mainstream lifestyle category," said Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer, IHG. "We are committing a capital investment of up to $150m over the next three years in order to secure early profitable growth for EVEN Hotels."

"The wellness sector continues to grow year over year and the launch of EVEN Hotels will allow IHG to take advantage of this long term trend," said Kirk Kinsell, President, the Americas, IHG. "The US represents two-thirds of IHG's rooms today, and this exciting new brand will help us to continue to grow our share in this important market. We expect to sign contracts for 100 EVEN Hotels within the next five years."

The operating model for EVEN Hotels will be similar to limited service hotels, and growth will be driven by new builds and conversions, with conversions providing the most immediate development opportunities. IHG intends to own and manage the first few EVEN Hotels in key markets, then look to strong existing owner relationships to accelerate growth through IHG's franchise model. IHG plans to announce the first EVEN location in Q2 2012 and expects the first hotel to open in the first part of 2013.

To learn more about EVEN Hotels, please either visit www.ihgplc.com or the brand website at www.EVENHotels.com.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations 
Catherine Dolton / Isabel Green
[phone]

Media Affairs

Kari Kerr
[phone]
[phone]

Notes to Editors:

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organization operating seven hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® . IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world's first and largest hotel loyalty program with over 63 million members worldwide.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,400 hotels and more than 658,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories, and has more than 1,100 hotels in its development pipeline. 

IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 new people worldwide across its estate over the next few years and is committed to gender balance throughout its business. We aspire to continue retaining a minimum of 25% female representation on the Board.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.priorityclub.com for more on Priority Club Rewards. For our latest news, visit www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihgplc or www.youtube.com/ihgplc

 

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