Group items tagged

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched "IHG LIFT," an owner growth program aimed at providing hotel development support for historically underrepresented groups in the hospitality industry and promoting diversity within IHG's hotel owner community, the company said. The new program seeks to remove shared barriers to hotel ownership within these groups, promoting diverse owner-entrepreneurs for success. IHG will invest more than $30 million over the next five years to aid the program, offering support, capital access, and guidance throughout the hotel lifecycle for eligible owners in the U.S. and Canada. The IHG LIFT program name stands for leadership, inclusivity, facilitation and transformation, reflecting the necessary change and ongoing evolution within the industry, a company statement said.

APPROXIMATELY 71 PERCENT of travelers seek a separate vacation to unwind after family time, according to a recent survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts. The survey found that many respondents prefer to avoid staying with family during their trips as well. Among respondents avoiding stays with friends and relatives, 55 percent expressed a preference for hotels. These travelers gravitate towards simple relaxation activities, with 60 percent opting for a nap, 46 percent preferring a jacuzzi and 42 percent considering a spa day. "The holidays often go hand-in-hand with traveling to see loved ones, but as much as we enjoy visiting friends and family, it can leave us feeling drained," said Connor Smith, IHG's vice president of masterbrand strategy. "When that happens, people want to relax and be taken care of, enjoy a free breakfast from Holiday Inn Express, or have a glass of wine at Kimpton's social hour without worrying about cleaning their room in the morning."