IHG Expands in South India with Madurai Hotel Signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai, further strengthening its presence in South India and expanding its footprint in fast-growing secondary markets. The 150-key hotel, including 30 suites, will be developed in partnership with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd and is scheduled to open in early 2029.
Located near Madurai International Airport in Madurai, the upcoming property is expected to cater to a mix of business, transit and leisure travellers. The city is one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant cultural and pilgrimage destinations and witnessed more than 27 million visitors in 2024. Its connectivity to regional tourism hubs such as Rameswaram and Kanyakumari, along with expanding IT and industrial developments, continues to drive hospitality demand.
Holiday Inn Express Brand Growth in India
Holiday Inn Express, one of IHG’s fastest-growing global brands with over 3,200 hotels worldwide, focuses on efficient, modern hospitality designed for contemporary travellers. The Madurai project will feature the brand’s Generation 5 design concept, which includes smart layouts, flexible public spaces and consistent guest experiences suited to high-demand urban and transit markets.
Industry analysts note that the signing aligns with IHG’s broader India growth strategy, particularly in emerging destinations where tourism, pilgrimage and commercial travel intersect.
IHG’s Expanding Hospitality Pipeline in India
IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a robust pipeline of 89 hotels expected to open over the next three to five years, reflecting sustained investor confidence in the Indian hospitality market.
With the signing of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai, IHG continues to strengthen its portfolio in culturally significant cities while supporting the evolving travel and infrastructure growth across South India.
