Holiday Inn, one of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands, turned 60 years old in August with the company celebrating by opening of its 60th hotel in China – Holiday Inn Resort Changbaishan, the first Holiday Inn ski resort in this populous Asian nation.
Offering a brand new holiday experience for travellers, the 603-room Holiday Inn Resort Changbaishan and Holiday Inn Changbaishan Suites are nestled in the picturesque Changbai Mountains. With a variety of activities on offer, including hiking, climbing, swimming and skiing, Holiday Inn promises the resort will provide “an unforgettable experience for both thrill seekers and those looking for a relaxing getaway”.
This undated photo shows company founder Kemmons Wilson standing outside the first Holiday Inn in Memphis, Tess.
The company now has a presence in 96 countries, having grown to 3,375 hotels globally across the Holiday Inn brand family, which comprises Holiday Inn hotels, Holiday Inn Resorts, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn Club Vacations
What began as a roadside inn with the first hotel in Memphis, Tennessee in 1952 – when vacations were beyond the means of the average American family – is now one of the most recognised brands around the world with over 100 million guest nights a year spent at a Holiday Inn.
Holiday Inn has a rich history of ‘firsts’ for being innovative and improving guest experiences. When launched it was the first hotel to introduce many things we take for granted today like TVs, in–room telephones, air conditioning, free ice, free parking, a full service restaurant and a pool, all at affordable prices. The spirit of innovation has continued with the launch of Holiday Inn Express – the fastest growing brand in the world, offering a convenient and comfortable experience for guests and at great value.
Holiday Inn first established its presence in South East Asia with the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre in 1985, one of two Holiday Inns in the city. The brand’s presence in the region has since grown to 19 hotels with over 6,500 rooms across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Thailand is the biggest market for Holiday Inn, with 8 hotels spread across the country in Bangkok, Chiangmai, Pattaya and resort locations like Phuket, Phi Phi and Hua Hin. The first Holiday Inn Resort to open in Asia was the Holiday Inn Phuket Patong Beach in 1987.
In June, the brand family introduced the first Holiday Inn Express to South East Asia, with launch of Holiday Inn Bangkok Siam.
And rapid growth is expected to continue in South East Asia in next few years, with 22 new hotels in the pipeline for the region, including 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels across 4 countries expected in the next two years.
An artist’s impression shows the 603-room Holiday Inn Resort Changbaishan and Holiday Inn Changbaishan Suites.
Holiday Inn’s first rooms introduced conveniences we now take for granted.
