InterContinental Hotels Group Celebrates 50 Years of Iconic Brands

The hotel conglomerate behind Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and other familiar names continues to evolve with the times.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:39am

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InterContinental Hotels Group, the parent company behind iconic hotel brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Indigo, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company has grown from its roots as a single motel chain to a global hospitality giant with over 6,800 properties and 1 million rooms across 100 countries. While the familiar green-signed Holiday Inn remains a core part of the business, InterContinental has expanded its portfolio to cater to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious road trippers to luxury vacationers.

Why it matters

InterContinental's ability to adapt its brands and business model over the decades has allowed it to thrive as the hotel industry has undergone major shifts, from the rise of budget motels to the growth of boutique and lifestyle hotels. The company's longevity and continued expansion highlight the power of well-known hospitality brands to weather industry changes and maintain customer loyalty.

The details

Originally founded in 1975 as the Holiday Inn Company, InterContinental has grown through strategic acquisitions and brand expansions. Today, its portfolio includes nearly two dozen brands, from the classic Holiday Inn to upscale Crowne Plaza hotels and extended-stay Staybridge Suites. Almost half of InterContinental's 6,800 global properties carry the Holiday Inn Express flag, catering to business travelers. The company also has an extensive pipeline of over 2,300 hotels in development, demonstrating its continued growth ambitions.

  • InterContinental Hotels Group was founded in 1975.
  • The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The players

InterContinental Hotels Group

A global hospitality company that owns, manages, franchises, and leases a portfolio of over 6,800 hotels and 1 million rooms across nearly two dozen brands, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Indigo.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in the hotel industry, especially with the way the business has evolved over the decades.”

— Gordon Edgar, Hospitality industry analyst (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

InterContinental Hotels Group is expected to host a series of anniversary celebrations and promotions throughout 2025 to mark its 50-year milestone.

The takeaway

InterContinental's ability to adapt its brands and business model over the decades has allowed it to thrive as the hotel industry has undergone major shifts. The company's longevity and continued global expansion highlight the power of well-known hospitality brands to weather industry changes and maintain customer loyalty.