IHG Hotels & Resorts reported strong first quarter results for 2026, with global RevPAR increasing 4.4% year-on-year, supported by continued growth across business and group travel segments.
According to the company’s Q1 trading update for the period ending 31 March 2026, group revenue grew 7% globally on a comparable basis, while business travel revenue increased 6%. Leisure demand also remained positive, rising 1% during the quarter.
Regionally, RevPAR growth reached 5.6% across Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA), alongside 5.7% growth in Greater China and 3.6% growth across the Americas. Average daily rate increased 2.0%, while occupancy rose 1.5 percentage points globally.
IHG also continued to expand its global footprint during the quarter, opening 82 hotels and nearly 14,900 rooms — 2% more openings than the same period last year. The company signed 163 hotels representing 21,400 rooms in Q1, with conversion brands continuing to drive significant momentum. Conversions accounted for 35% of openings and 53% of signings during the quarter.
Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the results reflected strong global demand and the resilience of IHG’s diversified business model.
“Global RevPAR grew +4.4%, with notable strength in the US and further acceleration in Greater China. Our diverse EMEAA region also performed well despite challenges from the conflict in the Middle East.”
Elie Maalouf
Chief Executive Officer
IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG highlighted continued momentum across its development pipeline, which now stands at 343,000 rooms across 2,347 hotels globally. The company also confirmed confidence in achieving full-year consensus growth forecasts and profit expectations, supported by continued demand across business, leisure, and group travel segments.
The update further reflects ongoing strength within the global hospitality sector, particularly in corporate and group travel demand, as hotel companies continue focusing on conversions, regional diversification, and long-term development growth.
