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IHG Hotels & Resorts signs new Holiday Inn Express in India’s industrial heartland

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ByAndrea Thompson

June 2, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new property in India’s fast-growing industrial corridor, further strengthening its footprint in key secondary markets.

The company has partnered with Kevit Retreats Private Limited to launch Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, with the hotel slated to open in the first quarter of 2028.

The signing is part of IHG’s broader strategy to meet growing demand for branded, quality accommodation in high-potential regions beyond India’s tier-one cities. Located within the Indore Metropolitan Region, Pithampur is a well-established industrial zone known for its dense concentration of automotive and pharmaceutical companies, as well as its proximity to NATRAX—Asia’s largest automotive testing facility—and India’s first greenfield Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The upcoming hotel will feature 150 contemporary guestrooms, two dining venues, flexible meeting spaces, a fitness centre and ample parking. Positioned within a major mixed-use development that includes industrial, logistics and warehousing infrastructure, the hotel is expected to cater primarily to business travellers visiting the area’s booming industrial and automotive sectors.

“Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pithampur is a strategic addition to our India portfolio and a clear reflection of our intent to grow in high-demand locations that are rapidly expanding but under-served in terms of quality hotel infrastructure,” an IHG spokesperson said. “As part of our focus on secondary cities, Pithampur’s economic momentum and industrial base make it an ideal location for a trusted brand like Holiday Inn Express.”

With over 3,200 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand. Designed to offer a simple, smart and efficient stay, the brand is particularly suited to modern business travellers who prioritise convenience and value. The forthcoming Pithampur property will feature IHG’s next-generation ‘Generation 5’ design, combining flexible spaces with a focus on comfort, technology, and guest satisfaction.

As Madhya Pradesh emerges as a vital business destination within central India, IHG’s latest signing represents a timely investment in the region’s infrastructure. Pithampur’s growing importance as a manufacturing and automotive hub has created a pressing need for internationally branded hotels, particularly those equipped to meet the expectations of a global clientele.

The signing builds on IHG’s long-term commitment to expanding its presence in India’s high-growth corridors, reinforcing the role that global hospitality brands can play in supporting regional economic development.

Person standing in a vibrant sunflower field, holding a bouquet of sunflowers, with a clear blue sky and trees in the background.

ByAndrea Thompson

Andrea can be found either in the Travelling For Business office or around the globe enjoying a city break, visiting new locations or sampling some of the best restaurants all work related of course!