IHG brings global Holiday Inn brand strength to regional Australia with two new hotel signings

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of two new Holiday Inn hotels in Tamworth, New South Wales, and Rockhampton, Queensland, bringing one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands to two important regional destinations.

The signings will deliver a combined 190 rooms through the refurbishment and expansion of an existing hotel in Tamworth and a new-build development in Rockhampton. Both properties will be operated by La Vie Hotels & Resorts.

The projects highlight the opportunity to revitalise regional accommodation infrastructure, attract new visitors and support local economies by combining investment in quality hotels with the strength of the Holiday Inn brand and IHG’s global distribution, sales and loyalty network.

Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "Regional Australia has so much to offer, and quality accommodation plays an important role in helping these destinations realise economic potential.

"Holiday Inn is one of the world’s most recognised and trusted hotel brands, with a reputation built on warm, welcoming hospitality, comfort and genuine value. It’s a brand that feels equally at home welcoming families on holiday, business travellers and guests attending regional events, making it an ideal fit for both Tamworth and Rockhampton.

“Once open, both hotels will benefit from IHG’s global distribution channels, sales network and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, creating opportunities to attract more visitors, build strong hotel businesses and contribute to the long-term success of these regional communities.”

Holiday Inn Tamworth will transform the existing 60-room Best Western Sanctuary Inn through a comprehensive refurbishment of its guestrooms, reception and restaurant to be completed in 2027, with an additional 30 rooms to be constructed by 2029.

Once complete, the 90-room hotel will bring a refreshed accommodation experience to one of regional New South Wales’ most important commercial and events centres. Home to the renowned Tamworth Country Music Festival, the city also benefits from strong corporate, government and leisure travel, supported by its agriculture, logistics, health and education sectors.

Holiday Inn & Suites Rockhampton will introduce 100 contemporary guestrooms, including 40 one and two-bedroom suites, to one of Central Queensland’s key regional centres.

The new-build hotel will form part of a mixed-use precinct and feature 350sqm of conference and events space, a 100-seat function room and outdoor swimming pool. The hotel will cater to business, leisure and extended-stay guests, supporting Rockhampton’s role as a regional hub for resources, agriculture, commerce and tourism.

Jerry Xu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, La Vie Hotels & Resorts, said: "Tamworth and Rockhampton are two very different markets, but both reward a hotel that gets the basics right and knows its town. Holiday Inn gives travellers a name they already trust, and we’ll bring the local know-how to make each hotel work for business, events and family guests.

“These signings reflect La Vie’s continued growth across Australia, from Townsville to Tamworth, and the strength of our partnership with IHG. We look forward to working closely with IHG and our owners to deliver two hotels built to perform and become valued parts of their local communities.”

First established in 1952, Holiday Inn is one of the world’s largest and most recognisable hotel brands, with more than 1,260 hotels globally. Known for its warm, welcoming service, contemporary accommodation, full-service hospitality and spaces that bring people together, the brand continues to evolve while remaining true to the comfort and reliability that generations of travellers have come to expect.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE: IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 21 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 160 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms across 7,100 hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of a further 2,400 properties.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo
• Premium: Noted Collection, voco, Ruby, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, EVEN
• Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner, avid
• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

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