IHG launches HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts in China

RNS Number : 5592Z

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

19 March 2012

 



IHG launches HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts in China, the first upscale international hotel brand designed for the Chinese consumer

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces the launch of HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts in China.  HUALUXE is the first upscale international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese consumer, tapping in to the growth of domestic travellers within China, the increase in outbound international travel by Chinese people, and growing consumer demand for an upscale international hotel brand that demonstrates pride in Chinese customs. HUALUXE translates from Hua, which means majestic China and luxe, representing luxury.

"HUALUXE is a genuine first for the industry - the brand takes the best aspects of renowned Chinese hospitality and applies IHG's international scale, powerful systems and unparalleled insights to deliver a traditional high-end consistent experience" said Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer, IHG. "HUALUXE has been developed by our Chinese team in response to in-depth research that shows the Chinese traveller wants the status of a world-class luxury hotel group combined with a feeling of pride in China and respect for Chinese tradition.  We are filling the gap and providing them with an environment to conduct business and socialise in a way that is tailored specifically for them."

"At nearly 30 years, we have been in China longer than any other international hotel group, giving us a deep understanding of the market and its consumers. We will now leverage that experience, and the strong relationships and reputation we have with customers and owners to establish and grow HUALUXE." said Keith Barr, CEO IHG Greater China. "We are already in contract negotiations on over 20 projects and expect the first hotel to be open in late 2013 or early 2014 "

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is a key part of IHG's strategy to grow market share in Greater China. HUALUXE will launch initially in Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities and resort locations in China and IHG sees opportunity for this brand to be in over 100 cities in China in the next 15-20 years. HUALUXE Hotels will follow IHG's managed operating model, similar to its other brands currently operating in China. IHG doesn't anticipate investing its own capital to build hotels but HUALUXE will be supported with brand development and marketing funds in the first few years.

To learn more about HUALUXE Hotels, please visit www.ihgplc.com.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations 
Catherine Dolton / Isabel Green
[phone]

Media Affairs

Sarah Shilling / Joanna James
[phone]
[phone]

Notes to Editors:

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with nine hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, as well as our two newest brands, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts. IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world's first and largest hotel loyalty programme 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.  In Greater China, IHG currently has 167 hotels with more than 55,000 rooms open and 149 hotels with just under 50,000 rooms in the 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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