IHG Accelerates European Expansion with Strong Growth Across Key Markets

IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across Europe, adding more than 32,800 rooms to its portfolio over the past three years—representing growth of 27% and reinforcing the region as a key driver of the company’s global strategy.

The expansion comes amid a supportive macroeconomic environment, with European hotel investment reaching €27 billion across more than 1,050 properties in 2025, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Europe also maintained its position as the world’s most visited region, welcoming approximately 793 million international arrivals, as reported by UN Tourism.

Record growth and strategic acquisitions

In 2025, IHG achieved a record year in Europe, opening 102 hotels and signing 117 new properties. The company also expanded its lifestyle offering through the acquisition of Ruby Hotels, strengthening its presence in the premium urban segment.

IHG’s European portfolio now includes more than 1,230 open and pipeline hotels across over 40 countries, reflecting sustained growth driven by long-standing owner relationships and continued brand evolution.

Germany leads regional momentum

Germany has emerged as a central market in IHG’s European growth story, accounting for more than 20% of the company’s open rooms (32,700) and nearly 20% of its development pipeline (8,340 rooms). As both a strong domestic and outbound travel market, Germany continues to play a key role in driving demand and brand visibility across the region.

Growth across all segments

IHG’s expansion spans its full portfolio, including Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites segments:

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Continued growth with projects such as Six Senses London and InterContinental Prague, alongside expansion of Kimpton and Vignette Collection.
• Premium: Strengthened by the launch of the Noted Collection and signings such as Crowne Plaza Marne-la-Vallée, as well as the integration of Ruby Hotels and continued growth of voco.
• Essentials: The Holiday Inn brand family remains a cornerstone, representing over 60% of IHG’s European portfolio, while Garner has expanded into markets including the UK, Germany, Italy and Türkiye.
• Suites: New market entries include Candlewood Suites Reykjavik and Staybridge Suites Milan NoLo.

Conversions driving expansion

Conversions are playing an increasingly important role in IHG’s European growth strategy, accounting for 84% of room openings and 61% of signings in 2025. This trend highlights growing owner preference for faster, lower-risk entry into the market by leveraging IHG’s established brands, distribution systems and loyalty platform.

Key markets and outlook

IHG’s largest European markets include the UK & Ireland, Germany, France and Spain, collectively representing a significant portion of its regional portfolio. With continued investment, strong demand fundamentals and a diversified brand offering, the company is well positioned to sustain its growth trajectory across Europe.

Karin Sheppard, SVP & Managing Director, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Across Europe, IHG continues to build strong momentum as we purposefully scale our portfolio, surpassing 150,000 open rooms in the region – a significant milestone for our business. We are growing both new and established brands in priority markets to strengthen our presence across all four segments, underpinned by sustained investment in our enterprise to ensure every IHG brand and hotel remains competitive.

“It is also a moment to recognise our hotel teams across Europe, who consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences in some of the world’s most desirable cities and resort destinations. This achievement reflects the collective strength of our colleagues in more than 40 countries and their unwavering commitment to bringing IHG’s True Hospitality for Good to life.”

The strong growth across our brand portfolio reflects the rising confidence and trust we are seeing from both new and existing owners in Europe. That confidence is underpinned by the consistent performance of our brands, the strength of our commercial platforms and our ability to support owners with scale, expertise and long-term value creation in a highly competitive market.
“Conversions are playing an increasingly significant role in our growth, accounting for 84% of room openings and 61% of room signings in Europe in 2025. This highlights owners’ appetite for a faster, lower risk route to market, allowing them to quickly tap into the strength of IHG’s brands, distribution, loyalty and commercial engine.”