IHG accelerates growth of its premium brand, voco in India with signing of voco Amritsar Airport

The signing marks India’s fifth voco hotel as the brand sees rapid expansion in the country

December, 2023, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd to develop a new hotel in the city of Amritsar - voco Amritsar Airport. The 139-keys hotel is set to open its doors to travellers in December 2024.

voco offers a premium experience to guests and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Marking the fifth voco hotel in India and the first in state of Punjab, voco Amritsar Airport signifies the brand's remarkable growth trajectory since its debut in India earlier this year and expansion across markets such as Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Goa. The rapid expansion aligns with IHG's ambitious regional growth strategy for the premium brand.

Amritsar, a vibrant city in the north Indian state of Punjab, is one of India's fastest growing and busiest urban centers. The city’s rich cultural heritage and the presence of the Golden Temple, one of Sikhism's holiest shrines which attract over 100,000 visitors daily, make it a significant destination for religious and leisure travelers alike.

Strategically located within close proximity to the airport, voco Amritsar Airport will offer seamless connectivity to major cities across India. Additionally, the hotel will be easily accessible from commercial and residential areas of Amritsar, making it an ideal choice for business travelers seeking accommodation near corporate hubs, SMEs, and MICE venues.

Once opened, voco Amritsar Airport will aptly cater to the demands for social gatherings and MICE with the 805-meter square of meeting space spread across five venues including a ballroom. In addition to best-in-class guest rooms, the hotel will feature three F&B outlets, an outdoor pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a well-equipped gym for guests looking to unwind.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are thrilled to expand our premium offering in India and partner with A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd to debut the brand in Punjab. Amritsar is one of the prime tourist destinations in the Punjab belt and there is a constant demand for quality branded accommodations. We are confident that once opened, voco Amritsar airport will cater to the needs of discerning travellers seeking a modern and comfortable hospitality experience.

He added, “We recognize the growing potential of secondary markets in India and are committed to strategically expand the presence of our global brands in partnership with the right partners in the country”.

Gulsahil Singh, Managing Director, A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd added, “We are delighted to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut the voco brand in Punjab, and offer upscale experiences to guests. We are confident that the hotel’s prime location combined with premium facilities, voco Amritsar Airport is set to become an ideal choice for a diverse set of travellers visiting the city from across the globe.”

IHG® currently has 45 hotels operating across five brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 45 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.