BY THE END OF 2018 , 143 FRANCHISE PROJECTS [ IN CHINA ] HAD BEEN SIGNED IN 31 MONTHS UNDER THE NEW MODEL , WITH AN AVERAGE OF ONE PER WEEK , WHICH SHOWS THAT THE FRANCHISE MODEL IS HIGHLY RECOGNIZED IN THE MARKET AND FAVORED BY THE OWNERS .
– STEPHANIE ATIASE the new model , with an average of one per week , which shows that the franchise model is highly recognized in the market and favored by the owners .”
In conversation with HOTELS , Atiase spoke about replicating China ’ s success model , the brand ’ s emerging markets and incorporating
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown in Sydney , Australia ranking of the world ’ s biggest hotel companies .
The first Holiday Inn Express opened in 1991 and targeted the upper economy market , focusing on creating a “ simple , smart ” travel experience for its guests . The brand ’ s popularity is evident as it celebrates its 30-year milestone with more than 3,000 open hotels across 50 countries , accounting for more than one-third of IHG ’ s global pipeline .
While the brand enjoys a good presence across the world , it has great success in China . Atiase attributes this success to the franchise model in the China market . “ In May 2016 , IHG Hotels & Resorts opened the franchise model of Holiday Inn Express in the China market , providing Chinese owners with another choice beyond the management model , and a more flexible cooperation model for both parties ,” she says . “ By the end of 2018 , 143 franchise projects had been signed in 31 months under new wants and needs in a postpandemic world .
HOTELS : Can you update us on data : number of rooms open ; number of rooms and hotels in the pipeline that are signed deals ? Stephanie Atiase : As of September 30 , 2021 , there are 3,022 Holiday inn Express hotels open globally ( 317,018 rooms ) and 655 more hotels in the pipeline . Holiday Inn Express accounts for more than a third of
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