IHG Likes Third-Party Bookings When Other Hotels Prefer Direct Reservations
Skift Take
InterContinental Hotels Group has frequently been contrarian over the years when it comes to travel distribution. The chain recognizes that not all guests are brand loyal, and that it is wise to maintain healthy relationships with online travel agencies and metasearch engines.
InterContinental Hotels Group, which counts brands ranging from Holiday Inn to InterContinental Hotels and Kimpton in its portfolio, will announce the creation of a 17th brand next week, an official said.
Speaking at the HotelBeds MarketHub Americas conference in Cancun on Wednesday, IHG's Philippe Garnier, the chain's vice president of third-party distribution, didn't reveal many details about the new brand, but said it would be in the suite space.
At Skift Forum Europe in London April 30, CEO Keith Barr talked about the imminent brand launch, adding that it's vital to be strategic about brand additions to avoid brand bloat.
While many of IH
