IHG Hotels & Resorts’ focus on growth in the Pacific is bearing fruit. The global hotel powerhouse is now the leading operator of hotels across the Pacific Islands with world-class properties in Fiji, Vanuatu, French Polynesia and Micronesia, as well as the soon-to-open InterContinental Lifou Wadra Bay Resort in New Caledonia.
But it’s not stopping there. IHG is significantly expanding its footprint in the region with upcoming openings across its diversity of brands, proving that it’s a serious player in the resort space. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.
Fiji
Already one of the leading operators in Fiji, IHG’s foothold will expand from four to five hotels with the opening of the stunning Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa. The addition of Crowne Plaza will complement IHG’s existing hotels on the island which include InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Suva, the exceptional Six Senses Fiji and the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel, which will rebrand to InterContinental following an upcoming refurbishment.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering a true lifestyle hotel offering to Fiji and rounding our geographical presence on the island. Fiji is undoubtedly one of world’s most coveted destinations and IHG is proud to be contributing to the impressive success of its tourism industry,” said Matt Tripolone, IHG’s Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific.
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, is equally optimistic about the opportunity, saying: “Tourism in Fiji continues to grow strongly, making a significant contribution to Fiji’s economy. The team at IHG with their suite of current hotels and those under construction are a significant part of our success and are a wonderful partner. Their commitment to sustainability, diversity and our brand is admirable, and they lead the way in so many ways. We look forward to a continued successful collaboration.”
Micronesia
IHG made a spectacular entrance into Micronesia over the past few years with the launch of two stunning Crowne Plaza properties in Guam and Saipan. Its commitment to growth shines as it welcomes Hotel Indigo to Palau in late 2024, bringing the story of one of the world’s most renowned diving destinations to life. Nestled on Malakal Island, the hotel boasts around 200 guest rooms, exquisite dining, and exceptional amenities, promising an unforgettable experience.
New Caledonia
It’s going to be a bumper end to 2023 for IHG with the opening of the much-anticipated InterContinental Lifou Wadra Bay Resort – IHG’s first foray into New Caledonia.
The new-build resort will be a 50-room luxury hotel located on the scenic Lifou, the largest island of the Loyalty Islands. Designed by both local architect, Atelier 13, and renowned interior designer, Chada, the resort will feature luxurious rooms, lagoon-front suites, all-day dining, a fine dining restaurant and bar, along with a gym, spa and an outdoor pool.
Looking ahead, two existing resorts will be converted and completely refurbished and rebranded as Holiday Inn Resort Ouvea and Holiday Inn Resort Lifou, with the former located on the scenic Mouli Beach and the latter situated in the centre of Lifou’s major township of Wé,offering guests access to the Bay of Chateaubriand.
Growth in the Pacific region and beyond continues to be a focus for IHG. Over the past decade, the global operator has grown its presence from three brands to nine and, with 24 hotels in the Australasia and Pacific pipeline, the sky is the limit.
A diverse, colourful approach
IHG’s commitment to growth is deeply intertwined with its ethos of ‘hospitality for good’. High on the agenda is Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DE&I), a driving force behind innovative initiatives aimed at driving change.
Evolution of LINK
Building on its renowned culture of firsts, last year the IHG Australasia team launched LINK – a think tank that brings together a group of leaders from various levels and disciplines within IHG to provide insights, fresh perspectives, and a forward-thinking approach to challenges being faced. We wrote about LINK last year and wanted to check in one-year later to see what impact the think tank has had on IHG.
“LINK has become a highly valued part of the business, and we’re currently recruiting for the second cohort, once again ensuring that the group reflects the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce while incorporating a broad skillset,” said Thomas Zinn, Chair of IHG’s LINK program.
The first cohort of LINK provided a strong “two-way voice to a considered, connected business” and helped to ensure that IHG colleagues feel valued, heard, and engaged – and helps IHG stay true to its DE&I objectives.
In fact, LINK’s success has prompted IHG to extend its reach to Japan in 2024, ensuring a strong connection within the company during this period of unprecedented growth.
Setting targets
IHG acknowledges the gender diversity challenge within the hotel industry and is committed to breaking barriers. With the support of their DE&I Council, they have made strides in improving gender diversity, but their journey is far from over. IHG’s bold decision to implement hotel gender goals demonstrates its commitment to fostering change and achieving gender parity within their leadership teams.
Accessibility for all
IHG has an ambition to become known as a market leader in disability accommodation to the 1.3 million Australians with a disability who take one trip per year.
To help achieve this ambition, IHG is reviewing accessibility across the business, particularly around commercial and operational elements. From the usability of IHG’s website to ensuring dining areas have proper access points. IHG is also investing in its people through training to ensure that teams are comfortable and confident when dealing with colleagues or guests with disabilities.
On the operational side, IHG is creating a Best Practice Guide and cost evaluation for providing great accessibility in hotels for Design, Build and Operation, as well as SOPs designed specifically for guests and colleagues with disabilities.