Holiday Inn Celebrates 50 Years in Greater China with a New Brand Chapter

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has marked a major milestone for its Holiday Inn brand with the unveiling of the Greater China 50th-Anniversary Commemorative Brand Book, bringing a year-long celebration of five decades in the region to a meaningful close. Alongside this, the brand introduced Holiday Inn’s next-generation evolution, signalling a dynamic new phase rooted in heritage while embracing the future of travel.

As the first international hotel brand introduced by IHG in Greater China, Holiday Inn’s journey reflects the transformation of the region’s hospitality landscape over the last 50 years.

Five Decades of Growth, Warmth and Sincere Smiles

The Holiday Inn story in Greater China began in 1975 with the opening of Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong, IHG’s first property in the region. Since then, the brand has accompanied generations of travellers, becoming a trusted presence for both domestic and international guests.

Reflecting on this milestone, Daniel Aylmer, CEO, IHG Greater China, said: “As the first international hotel brand IHG introduced to Greater China, Holiday Inn has accompanied guests with a sincere smile for fifty years. We have witnessed the profound changes in market and consumers, and continue to refreshing our products for an increasingly diverse audience. The introduction of the next-generation Holiday Inn presents a more vibrant, contemporary expression of the brand and marks the beginning of a dynamic new phase. Looking ahead, we will continue strengthening our presence in key cities, expanding into emerging markets and engaging new consumers, lighting up every journey with sincerity and innovation.”

A Year-Long Celebration of Heritage and Connection

To commemorate its 50th anniversary in Greater China, Holiday Inn rolled out a series of thoughtfully curated initiatives. These included the appointment of renowned actress Cecilia Yip as Brand Ambassador, the creation of short films inspired by real guest stories, and a nationwide themed exhibition tour.

Interactive hotel experiences across the region further highlighted the brand’s warmth, sincerity and long-standing connection with travellers, colleagues and hotel owners alike.

The Greater China 50th-Anniversary Commemorative Brand Book

At the heart of the celebration is the newly launched Greater China 50th-Anniversary Commemorative Brand Book. The publication brings together real stories from guests, employees and owners, capturing shared moments and smiling faces from Holiday Inn hotels across the region.

Serving as both a tribute and a living archive, the book honours everyone who has shaped the brand’s journey. It will soon be available at Holiday Inn properties across Greater China, offering guests a deeper connection to the brand’s history and values.

A Reimagined Holiday Inn: The Brighter Side of Travel

Looking ahead, Holiday Inn has introduced “The Brighter Side of Travel” as its new brand proposition, alongside a comprehensive transformation across products and guest experiences. This evolution includes refreshed staff uniforms, upgraded service rituals anchored in the brand’s signature “smile,” and the rollout of the Holiday Inn 3.0 product.

The transformation pays homage to the brand’s heritage while adopting a forward-looking approach designed to meet the expectations of modern travellers.

Next-Generation Design Built Around Connection

Holiday Inn’s next-generation design philosophy centres on connection, creating stays that feel more social, uplifting and intuitive. The reimagined lobby lounge now functions as a lively, multi-purpose space blending light dining, beverages and interactive zones that encourage social interaction.

A standout feature is the “Smile Wall”, crafted from sustainable materials and infused with local cultural elements, reinforcing the brand’s identity while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Guestrooms have also been enhanced with improved functional layouts, smart controls, height-adjustable desks and family-friendly features such as double vanities and sofa beds designed to deliver comfort, flexibility and warmth.

A Strong Future Anchored in Legacy

Today, Holiday Inn operates over 250 hotels open and in the pipeline across Greater China, continuing its role as a reliable and welcoming travel companion. Rooted in strong brand heritage and deep local expertise, the brand remains focused on delivering journeys defined by comfort, connection and genuine hospitality.

As Holiday Inn enters its next chapter, it carries forward five decades of trust while reimagining the future lighting up every journey with sincerity, innovation and a brighter side of travel.