Holiday Inn Marks 50 Years in Greater China with Cecilia Yip as Brand Ambassador
Shanghai, June 12, 2025 — Holiday Inn, a flagship brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts, proudly marks its 50th anniversary in Greater China. Since introducing the first Holiday Inn in the region with the opening of Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong in 1975, the brand has remained a trusted travel companion. Over the past five decades, Holiday Inn has stayed true to its promise of heartfelt hospitality delivered with a sincere smile. In 2025, the brand ushers in a refreshed experience with its new proposition, “The Brighter Side of Travel,” continuing to bring joy and comfort to generations of guests.
To commemorate this milestone, Holiday Inn is delighted to welcome acclaimed actress Cecilia Yip as its brand ambassador. Through a series of celebratory initiatives, the 50th anniversary campaign invites guests to relive joyful memories with the brand, celebrating the shared stories of both guests and employees from the past 50 years. A short film series inspired by real-life experiences will showcase the brand’s thoughtful service through the eyes of business travelers, families, young friends, and senior guests—highlighting Holiday Inn’s enduring care for every kind of journey. Additionally, a nationwide hotel exhibition tour featuring interactive installations and curated displays will invite guests to revisit treasured memories and deepen their connection with the brand.
Cecilia Yip shared: “Holiday Inn has always had a special place in my heart. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s where smiles come from the heart, and where guests’ needs are truly understood. Whether during filming or while traveling, I’ve had many memorable stays at Holiday Inns across different cities. I particularly remember my time at Holiday Inn Changsha Malanshan Hotel, where the thoughtful service of every staff member made me feel cared for at every moment. I’m delighted to celebrate this 50th anniversary with Holiday Inn, and I hope every guest can find their own sense of peace and happiness on their journey.”
Actress Cecilia Yip Joins Holiday Inn in Celebrating the Warmth of Travel
Famed for her memorable performances, emotional depth, and warm screen presence, Cecilia Yip has become a beloved figure among audiences. Her genuine and heartfelt image perfectly aligns with Holiday Inn’s brand values of warmth, authenticity, and care—echoing the brand’s mission to connect across generations. She stars in the 50th Anniversary short film series, offering audiences a glimpse of Holiday Inn’s signature heartfelt moments through her lens, embodying the spirit of “The Brighter Side of Travel.”
Brightening Up Smiles: Celebrating a New Chapter for Holiday Inn
On June 10, Holiday Inn held a grand celebration at the Shanghai Film Art Center, with brand ambassador Cecilia Yip attending the event to mark the occasion with guests. A dedicated exhibition at the venue showcased authentic moments of connection between guests and the brand. The premiere of the 50th Anniversary short film series was also unveiled, featuring four touching stories based on the real-life experiences of business travelers, families, friends, and older guests. These stories brought to life genuine encounters with Holiday Inn, and many of the guests and staff featured in the films attended the event to share their personal journeys.
Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China, delivered a keynote speech reflecting on the brand’s 50-year legacy in the region. He emphasized Holiday Inn’s founding purpose—bringing people together—and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of today’s diverse travelers. Staying true to its people-first approach, Holiday Inn is poised to continue brightening journeys filled with more smiles in the years to come.
Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said: “As the first IHG brand to enter Greater China, Holiday Inn has been a trusted companion for generations of travelers since the opening of Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong in 1975. Today, Holiday Inn and IHG proudly mark 50 years in the region, and the brand has more than 230 hotels open or in the pipeline across Greater China. This not only reflects the brand’s steady growth but also reinforces our confidence in the market and our long-term commitment to evolving with the times. We are delighted to partner with Ms. Cecilia Yip at this milestone moment to share the brand’s enduring warmth and sincerity. Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen insights, drive innovation, and enrich the Holiday Inn experience, brightening up more new journeys for our guests with every smile.”
