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 At Midyear, InterContinental Hotels Group has Signed
255 Franchise Agreements for New Developments
and License Renewals in the Americas

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September 21, 2004 - InterContinental Hotels Group announces its Americas franchise sales group executed a record breaking number of franchise contracts and re-licensing agreements in the second quarter of 2004 building on the fast start of the first quarter. At midyear, IHG has signed 255 agreements for new growth and license renewals. This success is further evidence of IHG's powerful brands and best-in-class franchise practices.

This record setting quarter marked a new high in the number of franchise sales agreements completed and license renewals. There were 81 new agreements for IHG branded franchises within the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Of these new developments, seven will be Crowne Plaza, six will be Candlewood Suites and 68 will be Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites brand hotels. Plus, 61 license renewals were finalized during this time period.

"Americas Franchise Sales team's record quarter and mid year results can be attributed to IHG's continued momentum and historical strength as a franchisor," said Kirk Kinsell, SVP, Americas Franchise and Business Development. "The IHG family of brands are attractive to franchisees because they are established, brand-name properties to suit every guest's service, amenity and lodging need. And, each brand is supported by the company's Enterprise Values, a multi-brand marketing platform comprised of -- technology, global reservations centers, global sales, performance support and Priority Club Rewards(R). Our success supports our efforts to drive revenues by extending its network of hotels and growing its revenue stream through franchise and management fees."

IHG's continued development momentum can be seen in its corporate and hotel operations:

  • IHG was recently named the world's largest and most global hotel company by the 2004 MKG Consulting Survey. IHG now has more rooms than any other hotel group as a result of strong growth in its managed and franchised operations and its recent acquisition of the Candlewood Suites brand (January 2004) in the Americas.
  • Having acquired the Candlewood Suites brand late last year, IHG has signed 7 agreements.
  • IHG opened its new Holiday Inn prototype in Atlanta last January and has signed 43 agreements for new hotels to be built in areas including: Charleston, S.C.; College Station, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M. and Bakersfield, Calif.
  • Staybridge Suites reached 75 hotels faster than any other extended stay competitor in the upscale extended-stay segment. This achievement further emphasizes the continued solid performance of this brand and the viability of the extended-stay segment.
  • IHG launched Hotel Indigo(TM), a new lodging alternative for the traveler seeking a hotel experience, not just a hotel room. An industry first, Hotel Indigo is a lifestyle brand that delivers a refreshing, inclusive hotel experience in response to prevailing consumer trends. To date, two company-managed Hotel Indigo brand hotels are under development and the first Hotel Indigo brand hotel will open later this year in Atlanta.
  • IHG introduced a Minority Incentive Franchise Development program designed to attract more African American, Hispanic and Native American participants to IHG's already diverse group of owners and operators. This program offers educational, training and financial incentives.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,500 hotels and 538,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.

 
Contact:
InterContinental Hotels Group
Carolyn Hergert
+1-770-604-8248
[email protected]
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
Also See: InterContinental Hotels Offering Current and Prospective Franchisees a Multi-brand Marketing Platform / January 2004
Holiday Inn Express Overhauls Breakfast Bar at 1,200 Properties; Features Proprietary Cinnamon Roll
and Arabica Coffee / March 2003


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