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10 INTERVIEW HOSPITALITY BIZ OCTOBER, 2024
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‘We see significant potential in emerging

markets in India, driven by a growing

demand for mid-scale hotel options’

Vaibhav Jain, Regional General Manager at Holiday Inn Express
(an IHG Hotel) for South West Asia, explains what sets the brand apart
in the competitive hospitality industry. In a conversation with Asmita
Mukherjee, he emphasizes Holiday Inn Express’s exceptional value, modern
room designs, and business-oriented amenities specifically designed for
solo travellers and professionals. Featuring premium bedding, free high-
speed internet, and well-designed workspaces, the brand continues to stay
competitive by offering guests a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Q What are the key factors that set Holiday Inn Express apart Q What are the biggest challenges you currently face in the
from its competitors?
hospitality industry, and how is Holiday Inn Express addressing
We believe that Holiday Inn Express stands out from its competitors them?
due to its excellent value-for-money proposition, efficient room design, The hospitality industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating
and smart amenities tailored to the needs of solo travelers and business demand patterns, rising operating costs, and shifting consumer
professionals. Our brand is renowned for providing high-quality preferences. To address these challenges, we are focusing on
bedding, high-speed internet access, and comfortable workspaces, implementing data-driven decision-making strategies, optimizing our
making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize functionality and operations to reduce costs, and investing in technology to enhance
convenience. Our service is all about delivering great service to Smart the guest experience. Another key focus for us is talent retention and
Travelers. By consistently offering a comfortable and efficient experience attracting new talent. We understand that hospitality is not always seen
for guests, Holiday Inn Express hotels make guests’ missions easy no as a preferred career path, and we are working to change this by offering
matter where they are in the world. For travelers on the go, Holiday a supportive work environment. By promoting a healthy work-life
Inn Express provides more where it matters most – a great night’s sleep balance and ensuring our staff receive eight days off each month, we aim
with our Express Recharge program, focused service from genuine to make hospitality a more appealing and sustainable career choice.
people, and the Express Start Breakfast included in the rate, all designed
to help guests feel more than ready for their day. As the world’s largest Q What opportunities do you see for growth and expansion,
hotel brand, Holiday Inn Express continues to evolve and has blazed especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery and the
a trail for the simple, smart travel experience for over 35 years. The evolving needs of business travelers?
loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, allows guests to earn and redeem There are significant opportunities for Holiday Inn Express to expand
points across a vast network of hotels worldwide. Our commitment by addressing the changing needs of business travelers who increasingly
to accessibility and inclusivity further distinguishes us, ensuring a value flexibility and convenience. We plan to enhance our presence
welcoming and comfortable stay for all our guests. Additionally, our in key markets such as Kolkata & Greater Noida, while also exploring
participation in IHG Business Edge provides small and medium-sized additional conversion opportunities in various locations across India. By
enterprises access to exclusive discounts and tools, enabling businesses to aligning our expansion strategy with these evolving preferences, we can
manage travel more effectively while benefiting from the IHG network. better meet the demands of today’s business travelers and strengthen our
market position.
Q Holiday Inn Express has established itself in several key Are there any new employee engagement or training programs
business hubs. How did the brand choose these locations, and
what factors do you consider to ensure they align with the needs of Q you have recently implemented or plan to introduce?
business travelers? Are there any specific regions or cities where you Holiday Inn Express, being a part of IHG Hotel & Resorts, has access
see significant growth potential for Holiday Inn Express? to a diverse universe of employee engagement & training literature &
Holiday Inn Express selects locations that are strategically positioned near programs. A few of them are IHG Skills Academy (a virtual learning
business districts, airports, and major transport hubs, taking into account platform, which is a global resource for hospitality for early career
the proximity to corporate offices, conference centers, and popular tourist professionals), IHG Rise program (Designed to promote career
attractions to cater to the needs of business travelers. We also prioritise areas progression, a 12-month program that also includes an opportunity
with high demand for accommodation and easy access to local amenities, to run a “Lean In Circle” in the hotel), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ensuring convenience and comfort for our guests. In terms of growth, we Initiatives (DE&I) to drive gender balance and doubling under-
see significant potential in emerging markets in India, where there is a represented groups across leadership roles. These programs aim to
growing demand for mid-scale hotel options. As the fastest-growing brand enhance employee engagement, foster a diverse and inclusive culture,
for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express aims to enable real, human and support career development. n
connections for our guests by providing a simple, smart travel experience. asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in

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