IHG launches the Holiday Inn Express brand in Russia (RU)

InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies announced the launch of its Holiday Inn Express® brand in Russia, the CIS and Georgia. In cooperation with Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), Russia’s rapidly growing hotel property developer, IHG is pleased to introduce Holiday Inn Express® Voronezh – Kirova which marks the debut of the brand in the region and will open its doors in just a few weeks’ time.
The opening comes only months after IHG brought its Hotel Indigo® brand to Russia for the first time, with the opening of Hotel Indigo St Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo.
Regional Hotel Chain (RHC), a portfolio company of VIY Management (VIYM) and IHG signed a franchise multiple development agreement (MDA) in 2013 to develop a number of Holiday Inn Express hotels by 2019. The MDA agreement is a significant step towards IHG’s ambition to be market leaders in Russia, the CIS and Georgia with 100 hotels open or in the development pipeline by 2020.
Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe, IHG said: “Russia, the CIS and Georgia is a priority market for us and we want to be number one there. In line with our strategy we are expanding our portfolio of brands in the region and in March this year we brought our upscale boutique brand Hotel Indigo to Russia.  We have also identified a gap in the market for quality, affordable mid-market accommodation and our Holiday Inn Express brand meets the needs of our owners and our guests perfectly.  We’re delighted to be partnering with VIY Management and its hotel business RHC – a proven and highly respected hotel developer and operator in Russia.”
Michael Johnston, CEO of Regional Hotel Chain LLC, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first Holiday Inn Express hotel under our MDA with IHG and also our first modular constructed hotel.  Our agreement with IHG is of strategic importance to us, providing us with an excellent platform for further growth as we continue to develop hotels throughout Russia.”
Source: IHG