25 September 2013

IHG Spearheads Hotel Industry to Launch Co-branded Credit Card with China CITIC Bank

The first credit card in China with ratings in line with grades of hotel membership cards

Shanghai, September 25, 2013 - IHG and China CITIC Bank announced the official launch of the IHG® Rewards Club CITIC Co-branded Credit Card today in Shanghai. The co-branded credit card is at the forefront of China’s hotel and finance industries as the first of its kind to offer ratings in line with grades of hotel membership cards.

Drawing on the rich experience and comparative advantages of the two leading companies’ worldwide resources in hospitality and finance, the IHG® Rewards Club CITIC Co-branded Credit Card will provide frequent travellers the easiest and fastest way to earn free hotel stays as well as access to a wide range of service options that complement their lifestyle. The dual currency UnionPay and MasterCard will offer three ratings – Gold card, Platinum card and World card that directly correspond with IHG’s Rewards Club’s Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Platinum Elite with InterContinental Ambassador memberships.

Kenneth Macpherson, chief executive officer, IHG Greater China said, “We are pleased to continue IHG’s history of innovative industry leadership in the China market by partnering with CITIC Bank, China’s pioneering financial brand. IHG owns the world’s largest and most popular hotel loyalty programme, and we are committed to providing preferred hotel services and the best value proposition to our over 74 million members around the world. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver a more outstanding overall travel experience to our rewards members.” The new co-branded card is the world’s first credit card featuring IHG’s brand portfolio and its recently refreshed IHG Rewards Club.

The co-branded credit card not only offers cardholders double points on their spending at IHG hotels worldwide, but also a 15% off best flexible rates at all 200 IHG hotels in Greater China including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express Hotels.   ,.

“Partnering with IHG, the world’s and China’s largest international hotel company, to launch the co-branded credit card is a strategic move for China CITIC Bank to better provide value-added services to our most discerning customers, and embark on our process of internationalisation. We believe this strategic partnership will create an unparalleled experience to our customers with diverse travel demands who expect a smooth and efficient card experience,” said Jeffery Chen, President of Credit Card Centre, China CITIC Bank.

IHG® Rewards Club is the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme. Recently refreshed, IHG® Rewards Club provides members with all of the existing benefits, in addition to some exciting new ones including free internet for all elite members from 1 July 2013 and all members as of 1 January 2014 across IHG’s worldwide network of over 4,600 hotels, being the only hotel group to offer members additional recognition for exploring the breadth of its portfolio. Visitors and guests can sign up free of charge and find out more about the changes and benefits online or at any IHG hotel.

 

About IHG

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of nine hotel brands, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo® Hotels, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express® Hotels, Staybridge Suites® Hotels, Candlewood Suites® Hotels, EVEN™ Hotels and HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts.

IHG manages IHG® Rewards Club, the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme with over 74 million members worldwide. The programme was relaunched in July 2013, offering enhanced benefits for members including free internet across all hotels, globally.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,600 hotels and 678,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories. With more than 1,000 hotels in its development pipeline, IHG expects to recruit around 90,000 people into additional roles across its estate over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg or www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

 

About China CITIC Bank International Limited

China CITIC Bank International Limited (the “Bank” or “CNCBI”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC International Financial Holdings Limited (“CIFH”), which in turn is 70.32%-owned by China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited and 29.68%-owned by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“BBVA”) of Spain. By providing value-creating financial solutions to define and exceed both the wealth management and international business objectives of our Greater China and overseas customers, the Bank aspires to be the “China Bank of Choice”, with the best international standards and capabilities. The Bank’s footprint in Greater China includes 35 branches in Hong Kong, as well as branches and presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Macau. The Bank also has overseas branches in New York, Los Angeles and Singapore. More information about the Bank can be found on its website at www.cncbinternational.com.

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