IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality industry, has reached a significant milestone in India with the inauguration of Crowne Plaza Lucknow, marking its 50th operational hotel in the country. This achievement underscores IHG’s long-standing commitment to the Indian market, driven by robust domestic demand and a growing preference for world-class hospitality.
The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow strengthens IHG’s premium offerings in India and signals continued momentum for the Crowne Plaza brand, which caters to modern business and leisure travelers seeking a harmonious blend of productivity and comfort. Since its inception as the first business-class hotel in 1983, Crowne Plaza has consistently pioneered innovation in hospitality. The brand continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of global travelers, with innovations ranging from enhanced guest room zoning to reimagined Meetings & Events spaces, all reflecting a modern design and guest experience.
Strategically located along the Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, with convenient access to Shahid Path, the new IT hub, and the local cricket stadium, Crowne Plaza Lucknow promises an elevated stay for both business and leisure guests. The hotel features 110 well-appointed rooms and an expansive 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event spaces, making it an exceptional venue for social events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Additional amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a club lounge, a gymnasium, and an outdoor pool, positioning it as an ideal destination for conferences, weddings, and upscale city getaways.
With a diverse brand portfolio and a strong development pipeline, IHG continues to expand its presence across key business and leisure destinations in India, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing hospitality brands.
Mr. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, MEA & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled 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. India remains one of our most strategic markets globally, and we are excited about the opportunities it presents as we continue to introduce our diverse portfolio of brands to more locations. While mainstream brands such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner remain our primary growth drivers in the country, we are also strengthening our premium and luxury portfolio with iconic and well-established brands like Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Six Senses.”
Mattar added, “IHG has a proven track record of delivering strong returns for our owners – in addition to guest satisfaction, owner returns continue to remain a top priority for us in India.”
Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, echoed these sentiments: “Achieving the 50-hotel milestone in India is a proud moment for us. The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow further reinforces the relevance and strength of the Crowne Plaza brand in this market. This opening represents more than just a number; it signifies IHG’s deep-rooted ambitions and robust pipeline in the country. We are committed to accelerating our expansion across brand segments, with several more hotels in the pipeline this year. Our goal is to deepen our presence in high-growth cities and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences across all segments, from mainstream, premium to luxury for both domestic and international guests.”
Future Growth and “Blended Travel” Focus
IHG continues to demonstrate strong development momentum in India, having signed 18 new hotels across its brand portfolio in 2024. Nearly 30% of these new signings were in the premium and luxury segments within India. With almost 70 hotels currently in the pipeline, IHG aims to more than double its portfolio in India over the next five years, capitalizing on the country’s rapidly growing travel demand and rising domestic tourism. The current pipeline includes a significant mix of luxury and premium hotels, with five InterContinental properties, ten Crowne Plaza hotels, and five voco hotels slated to open in the next 2-5 years.
Earlier this year, Crowne Plaza released its second white paper, “Leading the Charge in Blended Travel,” which highlighted a significant shift in traveler preferences towards integrating work and leisure. The study identified four emerging trends: Improve and Grow, Mind-Body Equity, The New Personal Travel Economy, and Intentional Togetherness. Notably, the research revealed that 33% of Indian travelers have already experienced blended travel, the highest percentage among surveyed countries, indicating India’s leadership in this evolving travel landscape.
The launch of Crowne Plaza Lucknow directly aligns with these insights, offering facilities and services designed to cater to the modern traveler seeking comfort, world-class service, and the benefits of the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.
