IHG Hotels & Resorts Opens 50th Property in India: Crowne Plaza Lucknow

IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked a significant milestone in its journey within the Indian hospitality landscape with the grand opening of the Crowne Plaza Lucknow, its 50th operational property in the country. This achievement not only highlights the group’s ambitious growth plans but also reflects the evolving dynamics of the travel sector in India.

Strategic Location and Facility Overview

Nestled on the Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, the new Crowne Plaza offers convenient access to major city hotspots, including Shahid Path, known as Lucknow’s IT hub, and the nearby cricket stadium. This strategic positioning is designed to cater to a diverse clientele, offering a blend of business and leisure options.

The hotel boasts 110 elegantly designed rooms and an impressive 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space. With multiple dining options and leisure amenities, Crowne Plaza Lucknow aims to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, creating a versatile environment suitable for various occasions.

Commitment to the Indian Market

Haitham Mattar, the Managing Director for MEA & Southwest Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “We are delighted to open our 50th hotel in India. This is a significant milestone that reflects our deep commitment to the country and our confidence in its vibrant travel and hospitality landscape.” His words underscore the organization’s strategy and belief in the growth potential of the Indian market.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South West Asia, added, “Achieving the 50-hotel milestone in India is a proud moment for us. The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow reinforces the relevance and strength of the brand in this market.” This sentiment echoes the company’s broader objectives in the region.

Growth Strategy: Expanding the Portfolio

IHG’s development pipeline in India is robust, featuring nearly 70 hotels aimed at meeting the rising demand for domestic tourism. According to reports, 2024 alone will see the signing of 18 new properties, with a significant focus on premium and luxury segments. This proactive approach hints at IHG’s strategy to not only maintain but elevate its presence in India.

The expansion is aligned with the changing expectations of Indian travelers. A recent white paper from Crowne Plaza identified India as a leading market in the trend toward blended travel experiences, where 33% of travelers are already combining work and leisure during their trips.

Meeting Evolving Guest Expectations

The recognition of passengers’ evolving needs drives IHG’s strategy. As domestic travel rebounds and guest expectations shift toward blended experiences, IHG is keen to adapt its offerings. The opening of the Crowne Plaza Lucknow comes as a response to these changing dynamics, ensuring that the property is equipped to cater to new-age travelers who seek balance in both work and leisure.

With mainstream brands such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express continuing to dominate growth, IHG is also placing emphasis on its premium portfolio that includes legacy names like Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Six Senses. This model ensures that IHG can offer tailored experiences to different segments of travelers.

Future Outlook: Doubling the Indian Portfolio

Looking ahead, IHG has laid out ambitious plans to more than double its Indian portfolio over the next five years. This expansion is particularly aimed at satisfying the increasing demand for domestic tourism, signalling the company’s commitment to investing in markets that demonstrate substantial growth potential.

As travel patterns evolve and more guests look for ways to blend work with leisure, IHG’s initiatives stand to position it favorably in a rapidly changing landscape. Their strategies not only aim to meet current demand but to anticipate future trends in hospitality and travel.

With this continued commitment to innovation and growth in India, IHG Hotels & Resorts is poised to remain a key player in the country’s hospitality scene, adapting to the needs of modern travelers while enhancing their overall guest experience.