IHG Hotels & Resorts Achieves Landmark with 700 Open Hotels in Greater China

By Author

Published on January 14, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), a global leader in the hospitality industry, is proudly celebrating the accomplishment of opening 700 hotels in Greater China, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing market development. This achievement is coupled with the introduction of the "IHG Greater China 700 Club," showcasing a selection of new hotels across various brands. It symbolizes the initiation of a new era in high-quality growth in Greater China, offering diverse and enriching travel experiences for guests.

IHG's journey in Greater China began in 1975 with the inauguration of its first hotel, the Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong. This move solidified IHG's position as a market leader, and over the past 49 years, the commitment to promise has only strengthened. After reaching the 100-hotel milestone in 2008, IHG embarked on an ambitious expansion. In 2022, the celebration of the 600-hotel milestone marked a remarkable achievement. Within a year and a half, an additional 100 hotels were introduced, reflecting IHG’s dedicated cultivation and long-term commitment to the Greater China market.

"The IHG Greater China 700 Club" features a collection of recently opened iconic hotels in Greater China, highlighting the influential brand matrix and development potential. IHG has established a robust market presence by leveraging the compelling strengths of its brands and partners, fostering industry growth. Aligned with the ‘True Hospitality for Good’ purpose, IHG collaborates with owners to provide high-quality hotel experiences, ensuring guests feel at home.

Daniel Aylmer, Managing Director, IHG Greater China, expressed, "Today, we celebrate the 700 open hotels in Greater China, a significant milestone shared with our owners and guests. This marks a pivotal moment in our joint development within the Greater China market. Over 49 years, IHG has steadfastly upheld its commitment to this market, employing localized strategies and operational models. These 700 hotels signify not only our business growth but also our dedicated approach to meeting property owners' needs and exceeding local customer expectations. This commitment energizes the high-quality development of culture and tourism, as IHG shines brightly across 700 establishments in Greater China, heralding a new era for hospitality."

At present, IHG operates 19 global brands, with 12 distinct brands already making their mark in Greater China. Covering Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, and Essentials brands, IHG's diverse portfolio continually expands, with over 1,200 openings and pipelines in Greater China.

In 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism aims to optimize policies to address bottlenecks and challenges, focusing on both supply and demand aspects to instill confidence in the tourism industry. IHG strategically leverages its 700 open hotels milestone to contribute to a more extensive and comprehensive market presence in Greater China. The emphasis is on elevating hotel quality and refining services to ensure exceptional IHG experiences at every stage of expansion.

IHG leads trends and aligns with the local market's long-term vision, strategically expanding in key regions such as the Greater Bay Area, Western Development, Yangtze River Delta Integration, Jing-Jin-Ji Collaborative Development, Hainan Free Trade Port, and Northeast Revitalization. Leveraging its global experience and local insights, IHG tailors its growth strategy for comprehensive development in Greater China, emphasizing emerging markets, third- and fourth-tier cities, and niche destinations.

Salt Lake Winter Roundup Returns with Sports and Cultural Festivities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 14, 2025

Visit Salt Lake is thrilled to bring back the Salt Lake Winter Roundup, scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025. In partnership with the Days of '47 Rodeo, this all-day event will transform downtown Salt Lake’s West Temple, between City Creek Center and Abravanel Hall, into a bustling western hub. Celebrating Salt Lake’s legacy in sports, arts, and culture, the Winter Roundup promises an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Exciting Activities for All Ages

The Salt Lake Winter Roundup boasts a lineup of thrilling activities and performances. Highlights include:

Skijoring (1–4 p.m.): A high-energy fusion of rodeo and ski racing.
Live Music & Performances: Local talent and cultural showcases.
Interactive Fun: Mechanical bull rides and family-friendly attractions.
Food & Brand Activations: Delicious offerings from food vendors and interactive brand experiences.

Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO of Visit Salt Lake, shared her enthusiasm for the event:
“This year’s Salt Lake Winter Roundup is a celebration of Salt Lake’s welcoming spirit and rich history. Events like this connect visitors and locals to our vibrant culture while supporting our visitor economy, from hotels to local businesses. We’re proud to showcase what makes Salt Lake such a unique and thriving destination.”

A Partnership to Celebrate Heritage

The collaboration with the Days of '47 Rodeo brings an authentic touch of Utah’s western culture. Tommy Joe Lucia, Executive Director of the Days of '47 Rodeo, expressed his excitement:
“The Utah Days of '47 Rodeo is proud to partner with Visit Salt Lake to showcase our state’s western culture and heritage with this spectacular festival. It’s a winter wild west ride like no other.”

More to Explore in Salt Lake

The Winter Roundup is just the start. Visitors can extend their stay and enjoy a variety of events, including:

Professional Bull Riding at the Delta Center.
Stunning performances from Ballet West and the Utah Symphony.
Dining and nightlife options across the city.

For full event details, hotel packages, and a complete schedule of activities, visit Visit Salt Lake Winter Roundup.

About Visit Salt Lake

Visit Salt Lake is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. By enhancing the local economy and fostering sustainable tourism, Visit Salt Lake contributes significantly to the area’s $5.8 billion visitor economy.

Hyatt Centric Makes Its Nepal Debut in the Heart of Kathmandu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in collaboration with City Hotel, has officially launched Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, marking the debut of the Hyatt Centric brand in Nepal. The property, formerly known as Hyatt Place Kathmandu, has been extensively renovated to reflect the vibrant culture of Kathmandu while offering world-class amenities.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is designed to be the perfect base for explorers and savvy travelers seeking an authentic connection with the city’s cultural pulse. The hotel features 153 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, blending functionality, contemporary aesthetics, and locally inspired art. All guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless stay.

Highlighting the significance of this transformation, Akshay Golyan, Executive Director of City Hotel, remarked:

“After an extensive renovation, we are excited to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Nepal, offering our guests a gateway to Kathmandu’s cultural and contemporary pulse. Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is designed to inspire exploration while providing a modern local home base for savvy travelers, so they never miss a moment of adventure.”

The hotel offers over 8,600 square feet of versatile event spaces, accommodating groups ranging from 10 to 600 people. These spaces are ideal for business meetings, social gatherings, and weddings, making the property a hub for events in Kathmandu.

Varun Talwar, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, shared his enthusiasm:

“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome guests and World of Hyatt members to the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. From meticulous design to innovative culinary offerings, we aim to become the starting point for every traveler’s adventure.”

Dining at the property is a sensory delight. The Centric Lounge serves as a vibrant social space offering artisanal coffees, signature cocktails, and locally inspired bites. Guests can indulge in global flavors with a local twist at NOON, the all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy stunning views of Kathmandu at ZING Sky Pool Bar & Deck, the poolside bar and lounge.

Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu perfectly combines modern comfort with cultural immersion, making it a unique destination for travelers looking to explore the charm of Kathmandu. With its strategic location, luxurious offerings, and a strong emphasis on local culture, the property sets a new benchmark for hospitality in Nepal.

Free Airbnbs and Hotel Discounts for LA Wildfire Victims

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have forced over 180,000 people to evacuate, leaving many with no homes to return to as entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes. In the wake of this devastation, the hospitality and tourism industry has stepped up, providing crucial support to displaced residents and travelers in need.

Free Accommodation Through Airbnb

Holiday rental platform Airbnb, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing to wildfire victims. Funded by Airbnb.org, a nonprofit established to provide emergency housing during crises, and supported by Airbnb hosts, these accommodations focus on the hardest-hit areas, including Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar.

Vrbo has also extended support by offering refunds to guests who had to cancel reservations due to fire damage in affected areas.

Discounted Hotel Stays

Hotels in Los Angeles and Anaheim have joined the relief efforts, offering discounted rates to evacuees. Guests staying at these properties are advised to keep their receipts and photos for insurance reimbursement. Among the pet-friendly options are Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, Alisal Ranch, and Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which are welcoming evacuees with animals.

Free Transportation Options
Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft are providing free transport for evacuees. Uber is offering trips valued up to $40, while Lyft allows two rides of up to $25 each to shelters in fire-affected areas, ensuring evacuees can travel safely.

Tourism Industry Unites

The Los Angeles Tourism Board has compiled a comprehensive list of resources, including discounted hotel stays, to assist those impacted by the fires. These efforts reflect the industry's commitment to helping communities in times of crisis.

Amid this challenging time, businesses are rallying to offer support, demonstrating the power of community and solidarity. Whether through free accommodation, discounted stays, or transportation, the travel industry is playing a critical role in aiding those affected by the wildfires.

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