Who Owns Holiday Inn: Ownership Insights

When it comes to the question “who owns Holiday Inn,” the answer leads to one of the world’s largest hospitality groups — InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Holiday Inn, a household name for travelers worldwide, is part of IHG’s vast hotel portfolio. This article explores Holiday Inn’s ownership, leadership, financials, and the brands connected to it, giving you a complete picture of the company behind the iconic hotel chain.

Key Takeaways

• Holiday Inn is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), a publicly traded British hospitality company listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges. IHG owns, manages, and franchises the Holiday Inn brand globally.
• There is no single owner of Holiday Inn; instead, the brand is collectively owned through IHG’s public shareholders, including major institutional investors such as PineStone Asset Management, Boron Investments, Fidelity Management & Research, and Vanguard Group.
• The largest shareholder, PineStone Asset Management, holds around 8.07% of IHG’s shares, giving it significant voting influence, while other investors collectively ensure diversified corporate governance and decision-making.
• Holiday Inn operates under a franchise and management model, meaning most of its hotels are independently owned and operated but licensed under IHG’s global brand standards — ensuring consistency, quality, and worldwide recognition.

Holiday Inn Profile

Holiday Inn is a globally recognized hotel brand offering full-service accommodations for business and leisure travelers. It operates across more than 100 countries and is part of a broad portfolio of hotel brands.

The brand is known for its approachable, dependable experience with consistent amenities and a strong reputation among guests. Since its founding in the early 1950s, Holiday Inn has evolved from a single motel into a major hospitality brand with worldwide reach.

Holiday Inn was originally founded in the United States in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson in Memphis, Tennessee.

Over time the brand expanded through franchising and international growth, and was eventually integrated into the wider structure of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG). Today Holiday Inn is part of IHG’s “Essentials” segment of brands, positioned to serve value-conscious travelers seeking reliable service and quality.

The brand offers full-service hotels and resorts, typically with restaurants, meeting spaces and family-friendly amenities.

Holiday Inn Founders

Holiday Inn was founded by Kemmons Wilson, an American entrepreneur from Memphis, Tennessee. In 1951, while traveling with his family, Wilson became frustrated by the poor quality and inconsistency of roadside motels. He wanted to create a hotel chain that offered clean, affordable, and family-friendly accommodations — the same experience every time, in every city.

With that vision, he opened the first Holiday Inn on August 1, 1952, on Summer Avenue in Memphis. The hotel offered 120 air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and family-friendly policies — including kids staying free. Wilson soon partnered with builder Wallace E. Johnson to expand through franchising, creating a new business model that allowed rapid national growth.

By the 1960s, Holiday Inn became a symbol of reliability for travelers and helped define the modern hotel industry. Wilson retired from active management in 1979, but his legacy remains in the global brand that still operates on his founding principles: consistency, comfort, and trust.

Major Milestones

• 1952 – The first Holiday Inn opens in Memphis, Tennessee, revolutionizing family travel with modern amenities.
• 1954 – Franchising begins under Holiday Inns of America, marking the start of national expansion.
• 1958 – The brand reaches 50 properties across the United States.
• 1964 – Holiday Inn surpasses 500 locations worldwide, becoming one of the fastest-growing hotel chains in history.
• 1965 – Launch of the Holidex computerized reservation system, one of the earliest centralized hotel booking platforms.
• 1968 – The 1,000th Holiday Inn opens in San Antonio, Texas. The brand expands into Europe with a property in Leiden, Netherlands.
• 1971 – Holiday Inn becomes the first hotel brand to operate in all 50 U.S. states.
• 1972 – Over 1,400 hotels are open worldwide. Founder Kemmons Wilson appears on the cover of Time magazine as “The Man with 1,400 Hotels.”
• 1979 – Wilson retires, having grown Holiday Inn into the world’s largest hotel chain.
• 1983 – Launch of Priority Club Rewards (now IHG One Rewards), the first major hotel loyalty program.
• 1988 – The brand is acquired by the UK-based Bass PLC, bringing Holiday Inn under international management.
• 1990 – Bass fully acquires the North American operations and launches Holiday Inn Express, targeting budget-conscious travelers.
• 1995 – Holiday Inn introduces its first website, enabling online bookings and digital brand expansion.
• 2003 – The parent company becomes InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) after a major restructuring, with Holiday Inn as a flagship brand.
• 2007 – A massive $1 billion global relaunch begins, updating hotels with new designs, logos, and standards.
• 2012 – Holiday Inn celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of global hospitality.
• 2018 – Holiday Inn Express becomes one of the fastest-growing midscale hotel brands, with over 2,700 properties.
• 2021 – The brand introduces refreshed design prototypes focused on sustainability, flexible spaces, and modern guest experiences.
• 2024 – Holiday Inn reaches new global milestones, with IHG celebrating over one million open rooms worldwide.
• 2025 – Expansion continues with new openings in Japan, India, and Europe, along with a growing development pipeline exceeding 2,200 properties. Holiday Inn remains one of the most trusted names in hospitality, nearly 75 years after its founding.

Who Owns Holiday Inn?

The brand Holiday Inn is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), a publicly traded hospitality company. Because IHG is listed on stock exchanges, no single individual owns the company outright. Instead, ownership is distributed across many shareholders — primarily large institutional investors, asset managers and funds.

These major shareholders hold substantial stakes, which gives them influence in governance (board elections, voting on policies) though day-to-day operations are managed by the company’s executive team and board.

Parent Company: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG)

IHG is one of the world’s largest hotel groups, managing and franchising more than 6,600 hotels across over 100 countries. The company owns a diverse portfolio of well-known brands across multiple market segments — from luxury to economy — and Holiday Inn is among its most prominent and profitable.

IHG’s portfolio includes brands such as:

• InterContinental Hotels & Resorts – luxury hotels and resorts
• Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts – premium full-service hotels
• Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants – boutique and lifestyle-focused properties
• Hotel Indigo – upscale lifestyle hotels
• Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express – midscale family and business hotels
• Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and EVEN Hotels – extended-stay and wellness-focused offerings.

IHG was officially formed in 2003 following the demerger of Six Continents PLC, which separated its pubs and restaurants business from its hotel operations. Since then, Holiday Inn has remained a cornerstone of IHG’s hotel strategy and brand family.

Below is the list of the major shareholders of InterContinental Hotels Group as of October 2025:

PineStone Asset Management, Inc.

PineStone Asset Management holds approximately 8.067% of IHG’s shares. This makes it the largest single institutional shareholder in the company. Because of the size of its stake, PineStone has significant voting power and influence when shareholder resolutions, such as board elections or governance policies, are put forward.

While it does not manage daily operations, the size of this holding means the firm can engage with IHG management and the board on strategic issues such as capital allocation, dividends, acquisition strategy and sustainability policies.

Boron Investments NV

Boron Investments NV holds about 5.268% of IHG’s shares. As the second‐largest publicly disclosed shareholder, Boron serves as a meaningful stakeholder. Although its stake is smaller than PineStone’s, Boron still holds sufficient interest to monitor the company’s governance closely and participate in major shareholder votes.

Their influence is generally passive (investment rather than operational control), yet notable given the scale of shareholding.

Fidelity Management & Research Co. LLC

Fidelity Management & Research holds around 4.739% of IHG’s shares. As a major global asset manager, Fidelity invests in IHG on behalf of many clients (mutual funds, pension funds, etc.).

While its holdings are sizeable, the nature of Fidelity’s investment is broadly passive rather than control‐oriented. The firm monitors corporate governance, executive compensation, and long-term strategy, and can influence through large‐scale shareholder engagement, but does not seek operational control of IHG.

Fiera Capital Corp.

Fiera Capital holds approximately 4.083% of IHG’s shares. Although slightly smaller than the top three holders, this stake still places Fiera among the key institutional shareholders. Fiera’s influence is typical of major asset managers: monitoring performance, engaging on governance issues, and potentially voting for board or policy proposals, but without direct operational involvement.

RBC Global Asset Management, Inc.

RBC Global Asset Management owns about 3.864% of IHG’s shares. As a global investment manager, RBC holds a meaningful, though not controlling, portion of the company. Its role is again in shareholder oversight rather than direct management. RBC will typically participate in votes relating to governance, but its size does not allow unilateral influence over company strategy.

Capital International Ltd.

Capital International holds around 3.742% of IHG’s shares (also shown as approximately 3.752% in some disclosures). Though smaller than the top four or five shareholders, this stake is still significant in the context of a publicly‐traded company where ownership is spread widely. Capital International’s influence is consistent with large institutional investors: active monitoring but no operational role.

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

The Vanguard Group’s stake in IHG is about 3.493%, making it one of the larger global fund managers in the shareholder list. Vanguard’s model is generally passive index investing and fund management; it holds large shares of many companies. While it owns a meaningful portion, its governance role is balanced with its general policy of broad diversification rather than specialized strategic influence.

Holiday Inn Acquisition and Ownership History

Holiday Inn’s ownership history spans several decades, marked by multiple strategic transitions that helped shape the brand’s global dominance.

Founding and Early Expansion

Holiday Inn was founded in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson in Memphis, Tennessee. His goal was to create a standardized, family-friendly hotel chain that delivered reliable comfort and convenience. The brand quickly grew through franchising, becoming one of the largest hotel chains in the United States by the 1960s.

Transition to Corporate Ownership

In 1988, Bass PLC, a British conglomerate best known for its brewing business, acquired the Holiday Inn International brand outside North America. Two years later, in 1990, Bass purchased the North American Holiday Inn business, unifying the global brand under one corporate structure. This marked the first time Holiday Inn had a single worldwide owner.

Evolution into InterContinental Hotels Group

In 2003, Bass PLC (then operating as Six Continents PLC) reorganized and spun off its hotel division to form InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The move positioned IHG as a focused hospitality company with global expansion ambitions. Holiday Inn became one of IHG’s central brands, maintaining its original identity while benefiting from the resources and systems of a multinational corporation.

Modern Brand Relaunch and Expansion

In 2007, IHG launched a $1 billion global Holiday Inn relaunch program — the largest rebranding initiative in the hotel industry at the time. The goal was to modernize hotel designs, improve service standards, and reposition the brand for the new generation of travelers.

As of 2025, Holiday Inn continues to operate as a leading midscale hotel brand, with thousands of hotels worldwide. Its continued success is driven by IHG’s focus on flexible franchise models, digital booking platforms, and a strong loyalty ecosystem through the IHG One Rewards program.

Who is the CEO of Holiday Inn?

Holiday Inn is part of a much larger company — InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG). The person leading Holiday Inn and all of IHG’s global hotel brands is Elie Maalouf, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IHG. As of 2025, he is responsible for guiding more than 6,600 hotels worldwide, including the Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, and Crowne Plaza brands.

Elie Maalouf: Background and Leadership Journey

Elie Maalouf became the CEO of IHG in July 2023, succeeding Keith Barr, who stepped down after six years in the role. Maalouf is a seasoned hospitality executive with more than 35 years of experience in the hotel industry. Before becoming CEO, he served as IHG’s CEO for the Americas, where he oversaw thousands of properties and helped drive significant brand expansion across North and South America. Under his leadership, IHG strengthened its regional profitability, expanded its franchise operations, and introduced innovative brand upgrades — especially within the Holiday Inn family.

Maalouf’s leadership style is known for its strategic balance between tradition and innovation. He places a strong emphasis on guest satisfaction, technology-driven operations, and brand modernization — ensuring that Holiday Inn continues to appeal to both business and leisure travelers in a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

Leadership Role and Responsibilities

As CEO of IHG, Elie Maalouf oversees all of the company’s global operations, including strategy, brand development, and hotel performance. His responsibilities include:

• Driving growth: Expanding IHG’s global footprint, especially in emerging markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Brand innovation: Leading the ongoing modernization of Holiday Inn, with updated hotel designs, digital services, and sustainability programs.
• Franchise operations: Overseeing relationships with hotel owners and ensuring consistent brand standards across more than 100 countries.
• Sustainability and ESG: Guiding IHG’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to align with global sustainability goals.
• Shareholder value: Ensuring financial performance meets investor expectations through strategic expansion and innovation.

He reports directly to the Board of Directors of IHG, which provides oversight and ensures that the company’s leadership aligns with shareholder and brand objectives.

Salary and Compensation

As of 2025, Elie Maalouf is one of the highest-paid executives in the global hotel industry, reflecting his extensive experience and leadership role. His compensation package includes a mix of fixed salary, annual bonuses, and long-term equity incentives designed to align his performance with shareholder value.

Here’s a breakdown of his 2024–2025 compensation details:

• Base Salary: Approximately £990,000 (around $1.25 million) per year.
• Annual Bonus: Performance-based bonus of up to 200% of his base salary, depending on IHG’s financial results and key performance targets.
• Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP): Eligibility for awards worth up to 800% of his salary, granted as shares that vest based on company performance over three years.
• Total Estimated Compensation (2024 fiscal year): Roughly £7.5 million (or about $9.4 million).

This compensation structure reflects IHG’s strategy to reward long-term success and global brand growth, rather than short-term results.

Net Worth and Share Ownership

Elie Maalouf’s personal wealth is closely tied to his shareholding in IHG. As of October 2025, he owns an estimated 0.09% of IHG’s outstanding shares, valued at approximately $10 million. His overall net worth is estimated to be around $9–10 million, largely derived from stock-based compensation and performance bonuses accumulated during his career at IHG and previous executive roles in the hospitality industry.

He is not known for lavish public spending or high-profile investments, preferring a business-focused lifestyle centered on growth, leadership, and innovation within the travel and hospitality sector.

Leadership Vision for Holiday Inn

Under Elie Maalouf’s leadership, Holiday Inn continues to evolve while maintaining its classic identity as a trusted hotel brand for families, business travelers, and tourists. His vision centers on three main priorities:

1. Modernization: Upgrading hotel interiors, technology systems, and guest experiences to meet modern expectations.
2. Consistency: Ensuring that every Holiday Inn worldwide offers a familiar, reliable, and high-quality experience.
3. Sustainability: Reducing energy use, water consumption, and waste across the entire Holiday Inn network as part of IHG’s sustainability plan.

Maalouf often emphasizes that the strength of Holiday Inn lies in its legacy of trust and comfort, and his focus is on preserving that while preparing the brand for the future.

Past CEOs of IHG and Their Legacy

Before Elie Maalouf, two major leaders shaped the modern direction of Holiday Inn and IHG:

• Keith Barr (2017–2023): Led IHG through digital transformation, global expansion, and the post-pandemic recovery.
• Richard Solomons (2011–2017): Strengthened IHG’s international presence and oversaw major brand portfolio growth.

Their combined leadership laid the groundwork for Maalouf’s tenure, which now focuses on modernizing IHG’s hotel experiences, including Holiday Inn’s global presence.

Holiday Inn Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of October 2025, Holiday Inn generates approximately $2.9 billion in annual revenue and holds an estimated brand net worth of $6.4 billion.

Holiday Inn stands as one of the most valuable and profitable hotel brands in the world, contributing a substantial share to the global hospitality market. The brand continues to demonstrate strong financial performance across all regions, supported by its broad international presence, robust franchise model, and steady demand in both the business and leisure travel segments.

Revenue Performance in 2025

Holiday Inn’s 2025 revenue growth is primarily driven by its large global footprint of more than 1,200 active hotels and an additional 250 under development across over 100 countries. The brand’s strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific has made it one of the most recognizable names in international travel.

In 2025, Holiday Inn generated an estimated $2.9 billion in total revenue, derived from several income sources including:

• Franchise fees paid by independent hotel owners operating under the Holiday Inn brand.
• Management fees earned by IHG for overseeing certain properties directly.
• Room revenues across its managed hotels and company-operated sites.
• Ancillary services such as food and beverage operations, events, conferences, and brand licensing.

Revenue growth was supported by strong occupancy rates averaging around 71%, up from approximately 68% in 2024. The average daily rate (ADR) also rose by nearly 5% year-on-year, reflecting improved consumer spending on travel and leisure following global recovery trends.

Holiday Inn’s family-friendly appeal, business travel convenience, and trusted reputation contributed significantly to its robust financial performance. Its franchise-driven model, which requires low capital investment from IHG, continues to ensure consistent revenue inflows while enabling global expansion at an efficient cost structure.

Regional Revenue Breakdown

Holiday Inn’s financial strength lies in its global diversity.

• North America remains its largest market, contributing roughly 45% of total revenue. Corporate travel, loyalty program memberships, and highway-location hotels continue to sustain profitability.
• Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) generate approximately 30%, led by strong performance in the UK, Germany, and the Gulf states.
• Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, contributes nearly 25% of brand revenue, with growing demand from domestic tourism and business expansion in secondary cities.

This balanced geographic revenue structure protects Holiday Inn from regional slowdowns and allows it to maintain steady profitability even amid global economic uncertainty.

Net Worth in 2025

As of October 2025, Holiday Inn’s brand valuation (net worth) is estimated at $6.4 billion, according to global hospitality brand valuation analyses. This value reflects the strength of its brand equity, customer loyalty, and market share rather than the company’s physical assets.

The brand’s net worth encompasses:

• Global brand recognition: Holiday Inn remains one of the top five most recognized hotel brands worldwide, with over 90% consumer recognition in key markets.
• Franchise value: Thousands of franchise contracts represent a multi-billion-dollar stream of future revenue.
• Brand equity: Holiday Inn’s longstanding reputation for comfort, reliability, and value contributes heavily to its intangible brand value.
• Loyalty program participation: Millions of members through IHG One Rewards generate recurring income and strengthen the brand’s market positioning.

Holiday Inn’s estimated brand worth places it alongside other global leaders such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt’s select-service brands, consistently ranking among the top in the midscale segment.

Insights from the 10-Year Trend

Over the last decade, Holiday Inn has demonstrated exceptional financial resilience and steady growth despite global disruptions like the pandemic. Its revenue increased by roughly 41% from 2015 to 2025, while its brand net worth grew by more than 55% during the same period.

Key contributors to this performance include:

• Consistent franchise expansion, especially in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
• Introduction of digital tools and modernization of hotel designs.
• Continued strength of the Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn Resort sub-brands.
• Recovery-driven occupancy boosts post-2021 and improved average daily rates (ADR).

By 2025, Holiday Inn stands as one of the world’s most valuable midscale hotel brands — combining global reach, financial stability, and deep brand loyalty — a testament to its enduring success over more than seven decades.

Factors Driving Growth in 2025

Several factors have underpinned Holiday Inn’s continued financial success in 2025:

1. Modernization Initiatives: New hotel designs, digital check-in systems, and sustainability programs have increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
2. Loyalty Expansion: The integration of Holiday Inn properties into IHG’s global loyalty ecosystem has boosted repeat bookings and direct sales.
3. Emerging Market Growth: Rapid hotel development in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East has widened revenue potential while diversifying market risks.
4. Franchise Flexibility: A mix of owned, managed, and franchised models has kept capital expenditures low while maintaining a steady stream of franchise income.

These factors have collectively ensured that Holiday Inn not only maintains steady revenue but also continues to expand its financial footprint in a highly competitive industry.

Long-Term Financial Outlook

Holiday Inn’s revenue and net worth outlook for the coming years remains optimistic. The brand is expected to grow its total revenue to around $3.2 billion by 2026, driven by new hotel openings, digital transformation, and rising travel demand across both developed and emerging markets. Its brand value is projected to surpass $7 billion within the next two years if current performance trends continue.

Moreover, the expansion of Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn Resort sub-brands will further strengthen overall brand equity, ensuring continued dominance in both the leisure and business segments.

Brands Owned by Holiday Inn

As of 2025, Holiday Inn manages, operates, and licenses a number of sub-brands and entities that extend its core offerings to meet different travel needs. These include full-service hotels, express models, vacation ownerships, resorts, and branded club properties.

Below is a detailed breakdown of brands, entities, and business segments owned and operated by Holiday Inn as of 2025:

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts is the flagship brand and the foundation of the entire Holiday Inn family. Founded in 1952, this full-service hotel concept was designed for both business and leisure travelers looking for quality, convenience, and comfort at a midscale price point.

As of 2025, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts operates over 1,200 hotels worldwide, many through franchise agreements, though a number are directly managed by Holiday Inn’s corporate division. These hotels typically include restaurants, meeting rooms, event spaces, fitness centers, and business lounges.

The brand continues to expand through new developments and property conversions, particularly in Asia and Europe, reinforcing its position as the leading midscale full-service hotel network.

Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express is one of the most successful and fast-growing divisions of the Holiday Inn family. Introduced in the early 1990s, it was designed to serve travelers who value speed, simplicity, and affordability.

As of 2025, Holiday Inn Express has more than 3,000 locations across over 75 countries, making it one of the most widespread hotel sub-brands in the world. These hotels are typically smaller in scale and focus on providing essential comforts — clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and efficient check-in and check-out systems.

Holiday Inn Express has become especially popular among younger travelers and business guests who prefer practical stays at accessible prices while maintaining the trusted Holiday Inn quality standard.

Holiday Inn Resort

Holiday Inn Resort is the leisure and vacation-oriented arm of the Holiday Inn brand, offering resort-style experiences in prime travel destinations. These properties are often located near beaches, mountains, or theme parks and include premium leisure amenities.

By 2025, Holiday Inn Resort operates in more than 40 major resort locations globally. Resorts are known for features like large pools, spas, kids’ activity centers, and on-site entertainment programs.

This sub-brand caters primarily to families and long-stay vacationers and is designed to compete directly with resort brands in the midscale leisure market. The brand continues to expand rapidly in Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Holiday Inn Club Vacations serves as the brand’s timeshare and vacation ownership division. It allows members to own, exchange, or book stays at resort-style properties within the Holiday Inn network.

As of 2025, this entity operates 29 resorts across the United States, primarily in destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Gatlinburg. Each property offers condominium-style accommodations, with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas suitable for family vacations.

The business operates semi-independently but fully aligns with Holiday Inn’s standards and integrates with the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Its success has helped the Holiday Inn brand maintain leadership in the vacation ownership market.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a specialized branch of Holiday Inn Express designed for guests seeking more space and amenities during longer stays. The brand combines efficiency with comfort, offering suite-style rooms that include additional living space and basic kitchen facilities.

By 2025, there are over 900 Holiday Inn Express & Suites properties globally, particularly in North America and Western Europe. The format is especially popular with business travelers on extended trips and families needing more flexibility.

This sub-brand strengthens Holiday Inn’s reach into the extended-stay and business travel sectors while maintaining affordability and reliability.

Holiday Inn Select

Holiday Inn Select was created to offer a more upscale experience within the Holiday Inn portfolio. These hotels target business travelers who want higher-quality accommodations and additional amenities while retaining the brand’s welcoming character.

While many Holiday Inn Select properties have transitioned into updated Holiday Inn models or Crowne Plaza hotels, a number of locations still operate under this name as of 2025. They typically feature executive lounges, conference facilities, upgraded suites, and fine dining options.

Holiday Inn Select serves as a bridge between the midscale and premium hotel categories, giving the brand flexibility in catering to higher-end guests without leaving its established segment.

Holiday Inn Express Smart Stay Concept

The Smart Stay Concept is a new innovation under Holiday Inn Express that focuses on modern, sustainable, and technology-driven hotel operations. Launched as a pilot initiative in 2024, this model includes smart-room controls, automated check-ins, and eco-efficient energy management systems.

By 2025, Smart Stay properties are operating in select cities including New York, Tokyo, and Berlin. These hotels represent Holiday Inn’s future vision — sustainability, convenience, and digital connectivity designed for next-generation travelers.

Holiday Inn City Centre Collection

Holiday Inn City Centre Collection focuses on urban travelers seeking full-service hotels in downtown and metropolitan areas. These hotels are positioned in key business districts and major tourist hubs, combining modern design with convenient access to transportation, dining, and entertainment.

As of 2025, the collection includes over 25 properties in major cities such as London, New York, Singapore, and Dubai. Each hotel features upgraded interiors, coworking spaces, rooftop lounges, and meeting facilities designed for the modern urban guest.

This division reflects Holiday Inn’s strategic expansion into the upscale urban market, balancing the needs of both business professionals and leisure travelers looking for centrally located accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Holiday Inn is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), a global hospitality giant with a long history of innovation and excellence. Though Holiday Inn hotels are often franchised, the brand’s ownership, reputation, and consistency stem from IHG’s oversight and global standards.

From its humble beginnings in Memphis to becoming one of the most recognized names in travel, Holiday Inn’s ownership under IHG ensures it continues to thrive and adapt in a competitive industry — offering guests around the world a comfortable, dependable stay wherever they go.

FAQs

Who owns IHG Hotel Group?

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group PLC) is a publicly traded British multinational hospitality company. It is owned by a wide range of institutional investors and individual shareholders, not a single person or entity. The largest shareholders include PineStone Asset Management, Boron Investments, Fidelity Management & Research, and The Vanguard Group. IHG owns and operates multiple hotel brands globally, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, InterContinental, and more.

Who is Holiday Inn owned by?

Holiday Inn is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), which fully controls and manages the brand. IHG owns the trademarks, operates the global marketing and loyalty programs, and licenses the Holiday Inn brand to individual franchise owners who run hotels under its name.

Is Holiday Inn part of IHG?

Yes, Holiday Inn is part of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group PLC). It is one of IHG’s flagship brands and the foundation of its hotel portfolio. Along with its related brands — Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations — it represents the core of IHG’s midscale hotel segment.

Did Trump buy Holiday Inn?

No, Donald Trump has never owned or bought Holiday Inn. The brand has always remained independent of the Trump Organization and is currently owned by IHG. Trump’s hotel ventures are operated separately under the Trump Hotels brand, which has no connection to Holiday Inn or its parent company.

Are Holiday Inn and Hilton the same company?

No, Holiday Inn and Hilton are not the same company. Holiday Inn is owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, while Hilton Hotels & Resorts is owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. Both are major players in the hospitality industry but operate completely separately with their own brand portfolios and management teams.

Is Holiday Inn part of Marriott?

No, Holiday Inn is not part of Marriott International. Marriott owns different brands such as Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, and The Ritz-Carlton. Holiday Inn, on the other hand, is owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts and operates independently from Marriott’s global network.

Is Holiday Inn part of Hilton?

No, Holiday Inn is not part of Hilton. While both are well-known global hotel chains, Holiday Inn belongs to IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Hilton operates under Hilton Worldwide Holdings. The two are competitors in the international hotel market, serving similar customer segments but under different corporate ownership.