IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open a new Crowne Plaza in the historic city of Lumbini, Nepal, following the signing of a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited. Scheduled to open in 2026, the development marks the second Crowne Plaza hotel in the country and underscores IHG’s strategy to expand its premium portfolio across South Asia.
The property, named Crowne Plaza Lumbini, will be located about four kilometres from the main pilgrimage site and 18 kilometres from Gautam Buddha Airport. Positioned near one of the world’s most revered religious destinations, the hotel is expected to attract both spiritual travellers and business guests, especially from neighbouring Indian states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Once operational, Crowne Plaza Lumbini will feature 137 premium rooms and 10 suites. The property will also include flexible meeting and event spaces, including a banquet hall designed to accommodate conferences, weddings, and corporate gatherings. IHG said the hotel’s facilities are intended to support the region’s growing demand for high-quality accommodation among both international tourists and domestic visitors.
According to IHG, the signing demonstrates continued confidence in Nepal’s tourism potential and aligns with the company’s efforts to strengthen its South Asian footprint. The brand’s expansion reflects a broader post-pandemic recovery trend in South Asia, where destinations such as Kathmandu and Pokhara are seeing renewed investment in upper-upscale hospitality.
“We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Nepal with the signing of Crowne Plaza Lumbini,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Lumbini holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, and bringing the Crowne Plaza brand here reaffirms our commitment to expanding world-class hospitality across high-potential destinations. With modern design, versatile spaces, and premium facilities, we are confident Crowne Plaza Lumbini will become a preferred choice for domestic and international travellers alike.”
Lumbini, recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, attracts pilgrims and cultural tourists from across Asia and beyond. The addition of an international hotel brand is expected to enhance the city’s capacity to accommodate long-haul visitors and group tours, as well as provide infrastructure for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). The property’s proximity to new air links, including the international terminal at Gautam Buddha Airport, positions it to benefit from improved regional connectivity.
“We are proud to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to Lumbini,” said Subhash Amatya, Chairman of Lumbini Heritage Limited. “The city holds immense cultural and spiritual value, attracting travellers from around the world. With IHG’s global expertise and the strength of the Crowne Plaza brand, we are confident that the hotel will redefine hospitality standards in the region while creating a premium welcoming space for both business and leisure guests.”
The Crowne Plaza brand is known for its focus on work-life balance and flexible space design. Its refreshed identity, featuring open lobbies and the Plaza Workspace concept, allows guests to work, meet, and unwind in multifunctional areas. The WorkLife Room model, meanwhile, integrates comfort and productivity for travellers seeking both relaxation and connectivity.
IHG’s Expanding South Asia Portfolio
IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India and South West Asia, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. The company has a pipeline of 72 hotels due to open within the next three to five years, with a focus on premium and upper-midscale segments to meet rising regional demand.
The Crowne Plaza Lumbini project reinforces IHG’s intent to invest in destinations that blend cultural heritage with modern tourism. The brand’s growing South Asian footprint follows other recent developments in cities such as Ahmedabad, Colombo, and Dhaka, as part of its effort to serve evolving traveller preferences in both leisure and business travel sectors.
Set against the backdrop of Lumbini’s temples, monasteries, and heritage parks, the upcoming Crowne Plaza will position the sacred city for a new phase of growth. By combining spiritual tourism with modern hospitality infrastructure, the project is expected to contribute to Nepal’s goal of becoming a year-round destination for international travellers.
