Celebrating 50 Years of IHG Success in China

As it looks ahead, IHG reinforces its dedication to Greater China by blending its global expertise with local knowledge to craft enriching experiences.

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IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years since entering Greater China and celebrates over 800 open hotels in the region

The IHG executive committee unveil the milestone of IHG's 50th anniversary in Greater China.

IHG's 50th Anniversary in China: 800+ Hotels Strong

IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating a milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. Since opening its first hotel in 1975 and overseeing 800 properties, IHG has been instrumental in driving industry growth, improving guest satisfaction, and supporting economic development in the area. As it looks ahead, IHG reinforces its dedication to Greater China by blending its global expertise with local knowledge to craft enriching experiences.

Elie Maalouf - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated: “I am proud to be celebrating this milestone for IHG. For 50 years, Greater China’s dynamic energy and immense potential has been instrumental in our success. Staying true to our purpose of ‘True Hospitality for Good’, we have seen incredible growth, expanding our presence and building a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from luxury and lifestyle to premium and essential stays. Partnering with regional stakeholders, we have delivered iconic hotels across the region. IHG is poised for an even brighter future in Greater China with the ongoing optimization of policies supporting foreign enterprises. We look forward to working with our guests and owners to deliver another 50 years of excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.”

Pioneering the Future with Greater China

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, IHG has launched a range of creative initiatives that spotlight its rich heritage and leadership in the hospitality industry. These initiatives include branding a high-speed train and featuring its identity on the facades of iconic skyscrapers in major cities with vibrant light displays and targeted print ads in leading media outlets. Through these innovative campaigns, IHG has effectively engaged consumers throughout Greater China, strengthening its relationship with guests. This effort has brought its diverse brand portfolio and commitment to service excellence closer to travellers, providing exceptional experiences under the theme “Guest How You Guest.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks an extraordinary milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. From opening its first property in 1975 to operating 800 hotels today, IHG has played a pivotal role in driving industry growth, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting the region's economic development. Looking to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by leveraging global expertise and local insights to create enriching and rewarding experiences.
IHG celebrate its 50th anniversary milestone in Greater China 

Over its fifty years of development, IHG has continually matched its growth to the economic progression of Greater China. By leading market innovations like expanding social media and e-commerce and establishing landmark hotels such as Regent Shanghai on the Bund, IHG has effectively merged a global viewpoint with local knowledge. This approach has consistently propelled the hospitality sector forward in the region. The 50th anniversary honours previous achievements and paves the way for a new era of cooperation and innovation in Greater China.

Milestones of IHG in Greater China:

  • 1975: Opened its first hotel in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in Greater China.
  • 1991: Launched the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand by opening Crowne Plaza Shanghai, catering to business travellers and conference needs.
  • 2000: Launched the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, creating landmark luxury hotels and supporting the industry’s internationalization.
  • 2004: Opened the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Greater China, offering efficient service and becoming a growth engine in the market.
  • 2008: It played a key role in accommodating global guests during the Beijing Olympics, and its 100th hotel opened in Greater China the same year.
  • 2011: Established Greater China as an independent business unit, reflecting its strategic importance.
  • 2012: Debuted the HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts brand, showing the art of Chinese hospitality.
  • 2016: Launched the “Franchise Plus” model to drive growth in emerging markets.
  • 2018: Participated in the first CIIE and introduced a WeChat Mini Program to enhance digital guest experiences.
  • 2021: Initiated the “Journey to Tomorrow” program, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. In the same year, its combined open and pipeline hotel count in Greater China exceeded 1,000.
  • 2022: Revamped the IHG One Rewards program and accelerated growth with record hotel openings.
  • 2025: The company celebrates 50 years in Greater China with 800 open hotels, a testament to its shared success with the region.

Celebrating ‘The IHG Greater China 800 Club’ Milestone

By 2025, IHG will have accomplished an important milestone in Greater China, with 800 hotels now operating. This accomplishment highlights the company’s brand strength, localized approach, and commitment to sustainable growth. IHG uses market insights along with its varied brand portfolio to cater to the differing needs of both guests and owners, ensuring extensive representation across luxury, premium, and essential segments.

To commemorate this success, IHG introduced “The IHG Greater China 800 Club," showcasing its newly opened flagship hotels in major destinations. These properties are among the most significant new openings in Greater China, selected for their strategic locations, distinctive designs, and outstanding facilities that appeal to local travellers.

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts
The IHG Greater China 800 Club 

The hotels in the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club” include:

  • Luxury & Lifestyle: InterContinental Taichung; Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection; Hotel Indigo Ningbo Riverside
  • Premium: HUALUXE Chongqing Science Hall; Crowne Plaza Jingmen; voco Zhengzhou Garden Expo
  • Essentials: Holiday Inn Chongqing Science Hall; Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming
Daniel Aylmer - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
Daniel Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China

Daniel Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China, said: “As we celebrate 50 remarkable years in Greater China, reaching the milestone of 800 open hotels is a testament to our strong partnerships and deep understanding of this dynamic market. The launch of the 'The IHG Greater China 800 Club ' reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality—whether it's the luxury of InterContinental Taichung, the distinct character of Vignette Collection Shanghai Snow World, or the convenience of Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming. These properties showcase how our brands resonate with diverse traveller needs while reflecting local culture and innovation.

Looking ahead, we will continue to expand into emerging cities, elevate digital guest experiences, and champion sustainable growth through initiatives like 'Journey to Tomorrow.' Our strategic focus on innovation and localization ensures that we remain a trusted partner to our owners and a preferred choice for guests. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality in Greater China and building a legacy of shared success.”

IHG features 13 brands today and has over 1,300 openings and projects in Greater China. This accomplishment highlights its 50 years of commitment and innovation, aligning with the region’s ambitions. With a legacy of excellence and a forward-looking vision, IHG is ready to begin a new chapter in tandem with Greater China’s vibrant market.

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