"The Brand Has Come a Long Way!"

JB Singh on ibis India’s growth story, sustainability push, and future pipeline...

- By Vinodini Rao

The buzz was palpable at the launch of ibis India’s 25th property at Mumbai’s bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). For JB Singh, President and CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, the milestone was more than just a number — it was a reflection of a brand that has not only stood the test of time but evolved with it.

With visible excitement, Singh walked us through the journey of InterGlobe Hotels and ibis India — a story of design evolution, strategic growth, and a steady eye on sustainability.

A Loyal Base and Prime Locations: The Foundation of Growth

“The brand has come a long way,” Singh opens. “Not just that, it’s got a massive customer following — almost 50-60% of our customers are repeat.”

Singh credits this loyalty to one of ibis India’s core strengths — consistently securing prime locations. “All our buildings are in AAA locations, in key districts across the country. That’s something we’ve stayed true to.”

As a development company, InterGlobe Hotels has evolved alongside the brand. “We’ve learned to build more efficiently — tighter spaces, more efficient use of capital. One of our key strengths is knowing how to build world-class hotels in tight urban spaces. Urbanization was growing, and we kept asking: How do we get deeper into city districts and still deliver quality?”

The newly launched ibis BKC stands testament — 206 rooms built on just a little over 1,400 square meters of land.

Design Evolution with Sustainability at the Core

Over the years, the ibis design ethos has evolved. “Our designs have changed while keeping the DNA intact. Room sizes, offerings are the same, but more refined now,” Singh explains. “Building quality and materials have changed, and we’ve kept up.”