IHG expansion to create 24,000 new jobs in region

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) expects to create 24,000 new jobs across 110 hotels opening in India, the Middle East and Africa over the next three to five years.

“The Middle East is and has been an important market for us ever since we opened our first hotel in the region more than 50 years ago. While that may seem like a long time, the Middle East still has the characteristics of an emerging market. It is dynamic, rapidly evolving, and has a great deal of potential,” commented IHG CEO – Asia, Middle East and Africa Jan Smits.

“That’s why we recently took a strategic decision to shift the management of our Middle East business from its original grouping with the established markets in Europe to the dynamic emerging economies in Asia,” he added.

The group said changing demographics, a strong and growing aviation sector, and religious tourism were key demand drivers across the Middle East and India.

The group’s current development pipeline comprises 110 hotels in India, Middle East and Africa due to open in the next three to five y ears and expected to create 24,000 jobs.

Key signings this year include InterContinental Dubai Marina, Crowne Plaza Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdullah Financial District and InterContinental Riyadh King Abdullah Financial District.

“We can draw some parallels between Saudi Arabia and India. Both have large populations and both are seeing a boom in domestic tourism driven by an ever widening middle class. And both are very high on our agenda, but of course there are distinct differences.

“In the UAE, the continued development of the aviation sector and the country’s stable political climate and growing economy is driving both business and leisure tourism. UAE airports welcomed more than 70 million passengers last year and of course these people all need somewhere to stay,” sad Smits.

IHG currently has 18 open hotels and another six in the pipeline in the UAE. Meanwhile, with 22 hotels open comprising 5100 rooms, IHG is the largest international hotel company in Saudi Arabia. In India, IHG has 12 hotels open and 37 in the pipeline.