IHG takes budget brand to India

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed contracts for the management of six new hotels with Delhi-based developer Amrapali Group.

The move marks the launch of Holiday Inn Express in India.

IHG and the Amrapali Group will develop six hotels in secondary cities between the Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn brands in the next three to five years.

Jan Smits, managing director, IHG Asia Australasia, said with strong economic growth and an expanding middle class, demand for the mid-market and limited service segments would grow exponentially in India.

"Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express will address the need for branded, high-quality and value-based hotels in these segments."

IHG's India pipeline now stands at 45 hotels. Close to 70% of this pipeline is with the Holiday Inn brand.

IHG now has a total of seven hotels under development with Amrapali Group, including a Crowne Plaza in Udaipur, scheduled for completion by the end of 2014.