IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in India with the Opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Reinforcing its Strategic Growth in the Premium Hospitality Sector

IHG’s Growing Presence in India

In a major development for the hospitality industry, IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked an important milestone with the opening of the Crowne Plaza Lucknow, which becomes the company’s 50th hotel operating in India. This achievement underscores the increasing demand for high-quality, upscale accommodations in the country’s key urban centers. Strategically situated on Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, the hotel is easily accessible from Shahid Path, a rapidly growing IT hub, as well as the cricket stadium—making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers alike. This opening represents more than just a new hotel; it’s a symbol of IHG’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets globally.

A Prime Location for Business and Leisure Travelers

The newly launched Crowne Plaza Lucknow is specifically designed to cater to the evolving needs of today’s travelers. The hotel features 110 beautifully appointed rooms and boasts more than 40,000 sq. ft. of event space, making it a versatile venue for a wide variety of functions—from corporate conferences to weddings and upscale getaways. In addition to the event facilities, guests can enjoy several premium amenities, such as an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. This combination of business-oriented features and leisure-focused comforts makes it an attractive option for a diverse range of visitors.

The hotel’s strategic location further adds to its appeal, with easy access to central business areas and major tourist attractions. This ensures that guests can not only fulfill their professional obligations but also explore the vibrant city of Lucknow—known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and emerging tech scene.

Reinforcing IHG’s Long-Term Commitment to India

The launch of Crowne Plaza Lucknow is part of IHG’s broader strategy to solidify its position in the Indian market, a country the company views as critical to its global growth. According to IHG’s Managing Director for South West Asia, the opening of this hotel is much more than just the addition of another property to the portfolio. It’s a clear reflection of the company’s dedication to expanding in India and enhancing the prominence of the Crowne Plaza brand, one of its premium offerings. The development signifies IHG’s ambition to continuously expand in high-growth cities across India, where demand for top-tier hotels and exceptional service is on the rise. Additionally, the company is on track to open several more hotels in India in the near future, catering to a variety of market segments.

Continued Expansion: A Vision for Growth in India

India has been a central focus for IHG’s expansion strategy, as the company continues to invest in the region’s growing travel and tourism sector. The country remains one of the most important markets for IHG globally, and in 2024, IHG took significant steps in strengthening its footprint by signing 18 new hotels in India. Notably, about 30% of these new hotels are set to be in the premium and luxury segments, signaling the company’s commitment to catering to higher-end travelers.

At present, IHG has nearly 70 hotels operating across India, with several more set to open in the coming years, including five InterContinental hotels, ten Crowne Plaza properties, and five voco hotels. This growing portfolio showcases IHG’s strong focus on long-term expansion and its determination to cater to the evolving needs of both domestic and international visitors.

Strengthening the Luxury and Premium Offerings

In addition to its mainstream brands like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, IHG has made a concerted effort to enhance its premium and luxury portfolio. This strategy is anchored by globally recognized brands such as Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Six Senses, which together offer a wide range of experiences for discerning travelers. By expanding its premium and luxury offerings, IHG aims to create a diversified portfolio that appeals to a broad spectrum of customers—from business professionals in need of convenience to leisure travelers seeking high-end experiences.

The emphasis on luxury and premium services not only strengthens IHG’s position in the competitive hospitality market but also aligns with the broader global trend of travelers demanding higher quality and more exclusive accommodations.

Meeting the Demand for Blended Travel

A key feature of Crowne Plaza Lucknow is its alignment with the growing trend of blended travel, a concept explored in Crowne Plaza’s white paper titled “Leading the Charge in Blended Travel.” This trend, which involves combining business and leisure elements into a single trip, is particularly prominent in India. According to recent data, around 33% of Indian travelers now incorporate both work and vacation into their travels, the highest such percentage globally. This trend is expected to continue gaining momentum, as more professionals seek to extend their business trips and enjoy leisure activities at the same time.

The Crowne Plaza Lucknow is well-positioned to cater to this shift in traveler behavior, offering facilities and services that accommodate both business needs—such as meeting rooms and event spaces—and leisure desires, such as wellness amenities and recreational spaces. As blended travel becomes more common, hotels like this one will play an important role in shaping the way people work and vacation simultaneously.

A Focus on Sustainable Returns for Partners

While guest satisfaction is always a top priority, IHG Hotels & Resorts is also deeply committed to delivering strong returns for hotel owners. This dual focus on maintaining high standards of service while ensuring financial success for partners is a cornerstone of IHG’s approach in India. The company’s ability to deliver both guest satisfaction and owner returns ensures a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship, which helps to sustain growth and profitability for both IHG and its stakeholders.

As IHG continues to expand in the region, its confidence in the Indian market is growing. The company is set to deliver not just exceptional hospitality but also substantial financial returns for its hotel owners and partners. This solidifies IHG’s position as a key player in India’s competitive hospitality market.

Implications for the Broader Travel Industry

The expansion of IHG Hotels & Resorts in India has significant implications for the broader travel industry. As more premium hotels open across the country, both domestic and international travelers will benefit from an increasingly diverse range of accommodation options. For travelers, this means greater flexibility and enhanced services as more hotels cater to the blended travel trend, offering the ability to seamlessly combine business and leisure in one trip.

The rise of premium and luxury hotels also indicates an upward shift in expectations regarding service quality. Travelers will demand more personalized, high-end experiences, which will likely influence the hospitality sector as a whole. As competition increases, other companies will be pressured to elevate their standards and innovate in order to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

This growing focus on quality and innovation within the Indian hospitality market will undoubtedly continue to reshape the global travel industry, with lasting impacts on both travelers and the companies that serve them.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ihg-hotels-resorts-expands-presence-in-india-with-the-opening-of-crowne-plaza-lucknow-reinforcing-its-strategic-growth-in-the-premium-hospitality-sector/