IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality sector, has unveiled its groundbreaking IHG LIFT program aimed at bolstering diversity within hotel ownership.
This ambitious initiative seeks to empower under-represented groups in the hospitality sector, breaking down barriers and enabling a new era of diverse hotel ownership.
Underpinning the IHG LIFT initiative is a $30 million investment spread over the next five years. This fund will foster growth by providing support, facilitating access to essential capital, and assisting eligible hotel owners throughout the hotel lifecycle in the U.S. and Canada. The program’s moniker, LIFT, encapsulates the core tenets of Leadership, Inclusivity, Facilitation, and Transformation – representing IHG’s vision for industry-wide change.
Julienne Smith, the Chief Development Officer for the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared her insights on the importance of this move: “In our expanding industry, it’s imperative to diversify our ownership base. The barriers experienced by these groups, especially in accessing crucial resources like capital and professional networks, need addressing. IHG LIFT has been conceived to dismantle these obstacles and elevate the entire hospitality sector.”
Endorsing the initiative, Jyoti Sarolia, CEO of Ellis Hospitality and an IHG hotel owner in California, emphasized the program’s significance, noting its potential to diversify the hotelier community, reflecting the diversity of its daily clientele.
The IHG LIFT program is a testament to IHG’s enduring commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their legacy of advocacy for owner diversity, particularly within the Asian-American hotel franchise community, stands out. In addition, IHG has actively collaborated with organizations like NABHOOD and the Latino Hotel Association and backed initiatives targeting female hotel ownership like She Has a Deal and AHLA’s ForWard.
IHG’s drive for change extends beyond hotel ownership. Collaborations with notable Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College, spotlight their dedication to fostering the next generation of diverse leaders in hospitality.
This new endeavor seamlessly integrates with IHG’s overarching mission of delivering True Hospitality for Good and their forward-looking Journey to Tomorrow 2030 responsible business blueprint. Their strategic roadmap envisages a holistic change, benefiting people, communities, and our planet.
For more information on IHG LIFT and to contact IHG’s Development team, please visit: development.ihg.com/hotel-development/ihg-lift.
