IHG brand targeting independent hotels

Owners urged to turn to new Garner label

- KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

International chain IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to persuade independent hotel owners to convert their properties to its new brand, Garner, with the first location in Southeast Asia and second in Asia set to open in Pattaya in November 2025.

Vivek Bhalla, managing director for Southeast Asia and Korea at IHG, said the large number of mid-scale hotels operated by independent owners in Thailand presents a key opportunity for the group.

“Demand in the mid-scale hotel segment is strong, driven by the growing middle class in emerging economies,” he said. “However, it has been very challenging for independent mid-scale hotel owners to compete post-pandemic.”

He said that 68% of mid-scale hotel rooms in Thailand are operated by independent owners.