IHG Hotels and Resorts strengthens South India Presence with signing of Holiday Inn Express and Suites Madurai

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd for the development of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai.

Partnership:
IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd.

Opening Timeline:
Scheduled for early 2029.

Capacity:
150 rooms, including 30 suites.

Location:
Near Madurai International Airport, strategically positioned to serve business, transit, and leisure travelers.

Strategic Importance
- Visitor Demand: Madurai welcomed 27 million visitors in 2024, driven by pilgrimage tourism (Meenakshi Amman Temple) and proximity to Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
- Economic Growth: Rapid expansion of IT/ITES hubs and industrial projects is boosting business travel.
- Brand Fit: Holiday Inn Express, with its Generation 5 design, emphasizes smart, flexible spaces and consistent comfort—ideal for Madurai’s mixed traveler base.

Leadership Comments
- Sudeep Jain (MD, South West Asia, IHG): Highlighted Madurai’s cultural significance and growing economic role, aligning with IHG’s strategy to expand in high-growth micro-markets.
- Chentoor Hotels Spokesperson: Emphasized confidence in IHG’s global systems and operating excellence to deliver a high-quality hospitality asset.

Broader Context
- IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India (including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express).
- Pipeline: 89 hotels expected to open in the next 3–5 years.

This signing strengthens IHG’s footprint in Tamil Nadu and underscores Madurai’s growing role as both a cultural and commercial hub.