IHG Hotels and Resorts signs Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking entry into Chhattisgarh’s growing Bastar region

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking the brand’s entry into the state of Chhattisgarh.

The Project
- 117-key Garner Hotel in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
- Developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM).
- Scheduled to open in 2029.

Strategic Significance
- Marks IHG’s entry into Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, a market with growing tourism and business potential.
- Region’s growth driven by infrastructure development, mining activity, and SME expansion, supported by government initiatives.

About Garner
- Garner™ is IHG’s new midscale conversion brand, designed for value-conscious travelers.
- Focuses on relaxed, flexible stays with dependable comfort at accessible price points.
- Conversion-friendly model makes it easier for owners to join IHG’s global system.

Leadership Perspectives
- Sudeep Jain (IHG MD, South West Asia): Jagdalpur is an important entry point into Bastar; Garner’s efficient model plus UHM’s expertise unlocks long-term value.
- Deepika Arora (UHM MD): Garner’s scalable model suits emerging destinations, ensuring consistent guest experiences and strong asset performance.
- Bakhtyaar Khan (Freedom Hospitality): Confident the hotel will become a preferred choice for travelers while delivering strong returns.

Bigger Picture
- Garner’s expansion reflects IHG’s commitment to India’s emerging cities, where demand for branded midscale hotels is rising.
- IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, with a pipeline of 89 hotels set to open in the next 3–5 years.

This signing shows how IHG is strategically diversifying into secondary markets to capture India’s fast-growing demand for reliable, branded hospitality.