Holiday Inn Commemorates 50 Years in Greater China, Unveils its Next-Generation Brand Evolution

Shanghai, 16 December 2025 — IHG Hotels & Resorts’ (IHG) Holiday Inn brand unveiled its Greater China 50th-Anniversary Commemorative Brand Book, bringing its year-long celebration of five decades in the region to a meaningful conclusion. The brand also launched Holiday Inn’s next-generation evolution, ushering in a new era for the brand. Five decades of heritage honour the brand’s origin while opening a new chapter for its future.

 

Daniel Aylmer, CEO, IHG Greater China, said: “As the first international hotel brand IHG introduced to Greater China, Holiday Inn has accompanied guests with a sincere smile for fifty years. We have witnessed the profound changes in market and consumers, and continue to refreshing our products for an increasingly diverse audience. The introduction of the next-generation Holiday Inn presents a more vibrant, contemporary expression of the brand and marks the beginning of a dynamic new phase. Looking ahead, we will continue strengthening our presence in key cities, expanding into emerging markets and engaging new consumers, lighting up every journey with sincerity and innovation.”

Half a Century of Heartfelt Stories and Smiles that Last

In 1975, Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong opened as IHG’s first hotel in Greater China, laying the foundation for the brand’s long-term development in the region. To this day, Holiday Inn has accompanied countless guests through warm travel moments and grown alongside the Greater China hotel industry. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in Greater China this year, Holiday Inn marked this milestone with diverse initiatives. Highlights included the momentous announcement of renowned actress Cecilia Yip as the Brand Ambassador, the creation of short films based on real guest stories, and a nationwide themed exhibition tour, along with rich hotel interactive experiences, effectively highlighting the brand's heritage and warmth.

 

Holiday Inn also revisited its journey of genuine companionship and unveiled the Greater China 50th-Anniversary Commemorative Brand Book. Featuring real stories from guests, colleagues, and hotel owners, the book honours everyone who has shaped the brand’s history. It brings together smiling faces and personal memories from Holiday Inn properties across Greater China, weaving a rich tapestry of shared moments. The book will soon be available in Holiday Inn hotels across the region, creating new opportunities for guest connection and discovery.

A Reimagined Holiday Inn: The Brighter Side of Travel

This year, Holiday Inn also opened a new chapter, adopting “The Brighter Side of Travel” as its new brand proposition and rolling out a comprehensive transformation across product and guest experience. From refreshed staff uniforms and upgraded service rituals anchored in the signature “smile” to the launch of the Holiday Inn 3.0 product, the brand’s evolution pays tribute to its heritage while embracing a forward-looking mindset, bringing an enhanced journey to the guests, colleagues, and owners who continue to shape Holiday Inn’s story.

 

Holiday Inn’s next-generation design centres on “connection”, offering stays that feel more social, uplifting and intuitive. The lobby lounge has been reimagined as a lively, multi-purpose space that blends light dining, drinks and interactive zones to bring people together. The signature “Smile Wall”, crafted from sustainable materials and infused with local cultural elements, reinforces the brand identity while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guestrooms feature improved functional zones, smart controls, height-adjustable desks and family-friendly configurations such as double vanities and sofa beds. Through thoughtful enhancements across space, function and experience, the new-generation Holiday Inn aims to bring guests warmer, more connected and memorable stays.

 

Rooted in strong brand heritage and local expertise, Holiday Inn has served as a warm and reliable travel companion since its first hotel opened in Greater China. Today, with over 250 hotels open and in the pipeline across the region, the brand continues to offer guests journeys filled with comfort and connection.