IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 30, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first Garner-branded hotel in Türkiye. The project comes under a franchise agreement with FRT Turizm, with support from AB Consulting led by Ahmet Bilgin. Set to open in 2025, the hotel will feature 126 guest rooms spread across four separate buildings and will be located near the International Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

This franchise agreement comes just a month after IHG introduced the Garner brand to the Turkish market during its Turkish Investor Day. Garner, a midscale conversion brand, focuses on offering comfortable, relaxed stays at affordable prices while providing guests with essential amenities in convenient locations.

Garner has quickly gained popularity with hotel owners worldwide due to its flexible design standards, which accommodate different footprints, and its ability to minimize pre-opening costs. The brand allows investors to move swiftly from conversion to operational status, making it a highly attractive option in the midscale space. To date, Garner has seen 79 signings and four hotel openings globally.

Each Garner property benefits from IHG’s extensive support, including digital services, a global sales organization, award-winning distribution systems, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, which has over 130 million members. These resources help investors maximize returns and ensure operational efficiency throughout the hotel’s lifecycle.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed optimism about the brand’s expansion, stating, “With the first Garner hotel being signed just a month after we introduced the brand to our Turkish investors, it is promising to see the continued confidence our owners have in IHG’s brands. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without our trusting relationship with FRT Turizm and the support of Ahmet Bilgin and his company AB Consulting.”

The new Garner hotel will be an ideal location for transient travelers, thanks to its proximity to the new Istanbul International Airport, which welcomes over 64 million passengers annually. The brand’s promise of “easy-going stays that get you on your way” aligns perfectly with the needs of travelers in such a busy area.

FRT Turizm board members Fırat Çelebi and Vedat Çelebi added, “Hearing about the Garner brand during IHG’s Investor Day, we knew it would seamlessly fit into our location in Arnavutkoy. We look forward to welcoming travelers to the first Garner in Türkiye once we open our doors next year and becoming the first choice for all transit guests looking for a quick, convenient stay before heading to the airport.”

Türkiye continues to be an important market for IHG, where it currently operates 31 hotels across five brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and the Holiday Inn brand family. The company also has a robust development pipeline, with 12 more properties expected to open in the coming years.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.


IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced a strategic partnership between its loyalty platform Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, expanding global benefits for travellers.

The collaboration brings together two established loyalty ecosystems, enabling members to access enhanced travel and stay privileges across participating hotels worldwide. As part of the alliance, Etihad Guest members can enjoy exclusive savings at IHCL properties and earn miles on hotel stays.

The benefits extend across IHCL’s diverse portfolio, including brands such as Taj Hotels, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, amã Stays & Trails, and Claridges Collection.

Commenting on the partnership, Praveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, noted that as travel becomes increasingly seamless, guests are seeking familiarity and added value across destinations. He highlighted that the collaboration will allow IHCL to engage with a broader global member base while enhancing the overall loyalty experience.

From the aviation side, Etihad Airways strengthens its ecosystem by extending benefits beyond flights. Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, stated that the partnership enhances value for members by offering more opportunities to earn and redeem miles across a wider travel network.

The alliance reflects a growing trend in the travel and hospitality industry, where integrated loyalty ecosystems are becoming key to delivering seamless, personalised experiences. By combining hospitality and aviation rewards, the partnership aims to create a more connected journey for global travellers.

With this collaboration, IHCL and Etihad Guest are set to broaden their global reach, offering members a more rewarding and cohesive travel experience across destinations


TSG Hotels Brings Smiles with CSR Dinner

TSG Hotels Brings Smiles with CSR Dinner

By Hariharan U

Published on April 23, 2026

In a thoughtful CSR initiative, TSG Hotels & Resorts organized a special dinner for children at Pranab Kanya Sangha on April 20, creating an evening filled with warmth and happiness.

Guided by the vision of Managing Director Mr. G. Bhasker, the team spent quality time with the children, turning the gathering into more than just a meal. Conversations, shared laughter, and genuine interaction made the evening memorable for everyone involved.

Corporate General Manager Mr. Chiranjit Das, present at the event, reaffirmed the brand’s continued commitment to meaningful social initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the team at Pranab Kanya Sangha for the opportunity to contribute and engage with the children in such a positive setting.

The joy on the children’s faces reflected the impact of the gesture, as they enjoyed the dinner and the attention that came with it.

Through initiatives like this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to highlight its dedication to community care and social responsibility, going beyond hospitality to create real human connections

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