1. What are the recent innovations introduced by IHG, including advanced use of technology?
We are investing in new-age technology, tools and solutions that make the biggest difference to our guests, owners and teams. Our cloud-based platform, IHG Concerto, is critical to the work we’re doing in this space, serving as the foundation for much of how we’re creating digital advantage. Blending core hotel applications into one seamless, powerful platform capable of enhancing the guest, owner and colleague experience, Concerto gives us the ability to add regular releases with new functionality at pace and scale.
2. How is IHG planning to increase its footprint in India? What would be IHG’s growth strategy?
India is an important market for IHG, and we have been on a growth curve in the country for the past several years. With well-loved brands and a robust business model, our strategy for the country has been to respond to market needs and focus on our mainstream brands as our key growth drivers. Our Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands are a great fit for this segment and have done exceptionally well in India. These brands represent 75% of our operating portfolio and majority of our current pipeline
In the next 3-5 years, we plan to add another over 50 hotels to our portfolio in South-West Asia, majority of which will be added to our India portfolio. While our mainstream brands will continue to drive growth in line with market demands, we also see potential of debuting our global brands such as Regent, Kimpton, voco and the recently launched Vignette Collection, at the right time with the right partners and at the right location
-1024x900.jpg)
“In the next 3-5 years, we plan to add another over 50 hotels to our portfolio in South-West Asia, majority of which will be added to our India portfolio.”
Sudeep Jain, MD, SWA, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
3. As one of the leading hospitality chain in the world, what is IHG’s commitment to shape the future of responsible travel?
With hotels close to local communities all over the world, IHG is in a unique position to make a real difference. At the core of our culture and business is to operate responsibly and sustainably. As part of our promise to provide ‘True Hospitality for Good’, we’ve made significant progress in the recent years by addressing operational, people-led and environmental challenges that are key to us and our stakeholders.
We are helping shape the future responsible travel through our recently launched ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ commitments and making a positive difference for our people, communities, and planet.
4. Which travel trends you foresee in 2023?
Guests are increasingly becoming more mindful about travelling responsibly. Traveller are paying more attention than ever to how a hotel looks after the world around it, with an increasing number deciding whether to book a stay based on a property’s carbon footprint, sustainable practices and how it supports the communities in which it operates.
In mid to long term, I expect sustainability to become the top factor for travellers to decide how and where they travel to and which hotels they choose to stay at. As one of the world’s leading hotel companies, we have always embraced our responsibility and the opportunity to offer our guests responsible travel experiences. Building on the commitment, IHG has launched a 10-year action plan called ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ that aims to make a positive difference to our people, communities and the planet.
Also, in addition to metros and other established tourism destinations, Tier-II and Tier-III markets in India are increasingly gaining significance as more travellers will explore these cities – we expect this trend to continue in 2023 and beyond. We are well poised well to cater to demands arising from secondary markets and have a strong offering for this segment across with some of our leading brands.
Staycations and weekend leisure travel demand will continue to rise as well. With hybrid working model, people are experimenting with their work settings and we will continue to offer a seamless and comfortable ‘workcation’ experience to our guests. Additionally, business travel and events is expected to make further recovery next year.
5. How has your journey been with IHG Hotels & Resorts so far? Where do you see yourself taking the brand in the next 2-3 years?
I joined IHG in 2016 as VP Development, and since early 2020, I have been spearheading the broader leadership agenda as Managing Director for SWA to drive IHG’s business in the region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across the existing portfolio of 45 hotels representing five core brands.
During my tenure, IHG has significantly expanded the footprint of its mainstream brands and reintroduced the luxury and upscale portfolio across key markets in SWA.
In the next 2-3 years, we aim to take IHG brands to new markets, introduce new brands from global portfolio to SWA region making them preferred choices for both domestic and international guests as well as our owners and investors.
