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IHG's HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts Signs Eight Management
Contracts in First Five Months after Brand Launch
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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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Shanghai, 7 August, 2012
- IHG (InterContinental Hotels
Group), one of the world's largest hotel companies and the biggest
international hotel company in Greater China, today announced its first
set of
signings for the new HUALUXETM Hotels and
Resorts brand. Eight
management contracts have been signed since the brand launch earlier
this year,
including hotels in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as six emerging
business and
leisure destinations across the country. HUALUXETM Hotels and Resorts is the first international hotel brand specifically designed for Chinese consumers focusing on the unique aspects of Chinese etiquette, the importance of rejuvenation, status recognition and enabling spaces that reflect local customs and heritage. It takes the best aspects of renowned Chinese hospitality and applies IHG's international scale, powerful systems and unparalleled insights into the Chinese market and will consistently deliver what consumers expect in China today. The eight newly signed hotels bring a combined total of nearly 2,800 rooms to the HUALUXE brand pipeline, which is a significant achievement in less than five months since the brand launch. This success demonstrates owners' confidence in HUALUXETM Hotels and Resorts and recognition of the great consumer need and market potential for this hotel brand. "Since we entered this market in 1984, we've been evolving our operating standards and services to ensure all our Chinese guests feel welcome and comfortable." said Keith Barr, chief executive officer, IHG Greater China. "HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts marks an innovation in this industry. Our three decades of experience has given us deep consumer insight that we've now used to create a brand where every element has been fashioned to suit the tastes and sensibilities of our Chinese guests. This has never been done before and it's immensely rewarding to see so many owners and business partners understand, support and sign up to our vision." The first eight HUALUXE Hotels and Resort signings are all in cities where IHG already has an open hotel or a hotel in the pipeline and they will greatly complement other IHG hotels in these markets. HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is a key part of IHG's strategy to grow market share in Greater China. HUALUXE will initially launch in Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities and resort locations and IHG sees the opportunity for this brand to be in over 100 cities in China over the next 15 - 20 years. The eight newly signed hotels and resorts are expected to open between 2014 and 2016, and all of these are signed with new owners who are working with IHG for the first time:
 HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts is
the first international brand designed especially for Chinese
travellers. HUA
translates as 'majestic China' and LUXE represents luxury. The brand is
built
on IHG's solid understanding of local traditions and in-depth consumer
research. IHG already tailors its brands in China - HUALUXE Hotels and
Resorts
takes this approach one step further - it's another industry first for
IHG.HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts will offer guests a more traditional experience based on four priorities that Chinese travellers want from an upscale hotel: Tradition, Rejuvenation, Status and Familiar Spaces. Tradition - Long-celebrated traditions are reflected in every aspect of the physical hotel design and are brought to life through a refined welcoming experience, deep-rooted tea culture and signature food & beverage throughout the hotel from our Fu Lin restaurant to late night noodle bar Rejuvenation - Natural surroundings from the green arrival space, to the lobby garden and resort inspired bathroom helps our guests break away from the pressures of their busy lives and become reinvigorated Status - Recognition and respect are fundamental in Chinese society. A seamless VIP arrival, a unique Club Lounge experience and specialty food and beverage hosts throughout the hotel serve to underpin the importance of our guests and ensure the hospitality they receive and in return give to their business partners is flawless. Familiar Spaces - A range of public/private spaces are thoughtfully set out across the hotel. From multi-function suites, rejuvenation centre and tea house we've created a unique set of facilities for a wide range of social interactions and business meetings About IHG IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with nine hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, as well as our two newest brands, EVENTM Hotels and HUALUXETM Hotels & Resorts. IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world's first and largest hotel loyalty programme with over 67 million members worldwide. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,500 hotels and more than 666,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories. With more than 1,000 hotels in its development pipeline, IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 people into additional roles across its estate over the next few years. IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 new people worldwide across its estate over the next few years and is committed to gender balance throughout its business. We aspire to continue retaining a minimum of 25% female representation on the Board. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.priorityclub.com for more on Priority Club Rewards. For our latest news, visit www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihgplc or www.youtube.com/ihgplc. |
| Contact: Sharona Tao, IHG Tel +86 21 2893 3309 Fax: +86(0) 21 2893 3399 [email protected] |
| Also See: | IHG
Launches HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, an Upscale International Brand
Designed for the Chinese Traveler / March 2012 |