IHG now operates 1,000 hotels in APAC region

Pictured is the lobby of voco Ma Belle Danang in Vietnam, which opened last year. voco Seoul Gangnam, in southern Seoul, also opened last April. [IHG HOTELS & RESORTS]

IHG Hotels & Resorts now has more than 1,000 hotels open in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), according to the company's news release on Tuesday.

“To hit 1,000 open hotels in the Asia Pacific — including more than 700 in greater China — is a fantastic achievement for IHG in one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” said Rajit Sukumaran, SVP and managing director of East Asia and the Pacific. “We’re seizing the great long-term opportunities by investing in our brands, delivering great returns for our owners and driving growth in our markets.”

Part of the company's strategy is to continue expanding its midrange lodgings like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. The two make up more than half of IHG’s existing portfolio and half of its pipeline in APAC.

IHG in APAC also plans to invest in its six luxury and lifestyle brands, which account for 22 percent of its global pipeline. Its properties in this segment include Six Senses, Regent and InterContinental.

“We have built up a strong presence in this segment in the region, with 45 percent of the global Luxury & Lifestyle pipeline in APAC,” said Sukumaran.

“It’s an exciting time for IHG in APAC. The strong performance of our hotels over the past year has strengthened owner appetite for continued investment in the hospitality industry.”

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]