Marking a significant achievement in China’s hospitality industry, Holiday Inn Express has surpassed a remarkable milestone with over 500 hotels now in operation and the pipeline in Greater China. This notable expansion by Holiday Inn Express, a prominent player in the upper midscale hotel sector, demonstrates the brand’s growing influence and commitment to the region.
Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China, expressed pride in the brand’s accomplishments. In the competitive midscale hotel market, Holiday Inn Express has upheld its principles of quality and reliability, establishing itself as a benchmark in the industry. With two decades of presence in China, the brand has been a frontrunner in advancing the franchise model and actively growing in the local business travel market. Holiday Inn Express’s expansion strategy has been remarkable, extending its footprint along high-speed rail routes and offering owners a comprehensive solution encompassing cooperation, investment, brand, product, and operations. This approach has not only optimized profitability but also ensured a wide presence across all 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China.
Globally, Holiday Inn Express maintains its leadership position with 3,131 operational hotels and 643 hotels in the pipeline as of Q3 2023. The Greater China region plays a significant role in this global expansion, contributing 209 hotels to the pipeline, which is a third of the global total. This consistent growth aligns with the brand’s vision to drive industry expansion and cements its position in China’s hospitality landscape.
Holiday Inn Express’s service model in China, which emphasizes Frictionless, Personal, Transparent, and Value-Rich experiences, has been well-received in both bustling urban centers and lesser-known destinations. By maintaining its internationally recognized standards and adapting localized strategies, the brand has successfully grown in tandem with the local market. Additionally, Holiday Inn Express has proactively responded to China’s national policies, contributing to the high-quality development of the hotel industry and becoming a disruptor and trendsetter in the upper-midscale hotel sector.
IHG’s commitment to investors is reinforced through Holiday Inn Express’s five-pillar philosophy, which focuses on heartfelt sincerity and market success. These pillars are:
- Cooperation Sincerity: IHG’s “In China, For China” commitment is embodied in its franchise and managed model, promoting steady growth and respecting owners’ autonomy while maintaining international standards.
- Investment Satisfaction: The brand leverages optimal construction costs and advanced cost-effectiveness, with IHG’s international teams providing full-cycle support to help investors optimize returns.
- Brand Confidence: As the world’s largest single-brand hotel, Holiday Inn Express offers a mature and stable business growth model, backed by the robust resources of the IHG Rewards Club loyalty program.
- Product Reassurance: Emphasizing quality, durability, and classic design, Holiday Inn Express continually innovates in design, breakfast offerings, shared spaces, and guest rooms.
- Operational Ease: The brand offers comprehensive training and support for owners and operation teams, including industry-leading owner-launch communication meetings and a full-cycle training system.
Kent Sun, Chief Development Officer of IHG Greater China, highlighted the brand’s strengths and responsible leadership. Holiday Inn Express’s nearly two-decade-long presence in Greater China showcases its development vitality and potential. From its first to the 500th hotel, the brand’s growth trajectory is a testament to IHG’s confidence in the future of the China market and its commitment to owners and customers.
Holiday Inn Express’s tailored ‘Franchise+‘ model in China is a flagship for new signings, with 80% of new contract hotels following this model. This approach not only offers management flexibility and autonomy to owners but also enhances investment security and potential returns through IHG’s comprehensive support. The brand’s dedicated team provides full-cycle system support for hotels, optimizing hotel products and services, ensuring sustained business growth and brand competitiveness.
The brand continues to evolve, responding agilely to market changes and expanding into first- and second-tier cities, core hubs like airports, and high-speed railway stations. Holiday Inn Express’s growth strategy is opening up new avenues for growth, enhancing brand accessibility, and market coverage. The brand’s “Formula Blue” concept brings smart stays to a broader audience of savvy travelers, reflecting its flexible strategies and winning through intelligence.
In conclusion, Holiday Inn Express’s milestone of reaching 500 hotels in Greater China is not just a remarkable achievement but a clear indication of the brand’s strong positioning and future potential in China’s hospitality market. With its pioneering spirit and innovative approach, Holiday Inn Express is set to continue shaping the future of the upper midscale hotel sector in China and beyond.
