Is France a growth market for IHG?
Yes, particularly for our luxury division. After Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux, we expect to open an InterContinental in Lyon in 2019, a magnificent project in the former Hôtel-Dieu building. As for Kimpton, luxury brand which we acquired two years ago, is coming to Paris, next to the Place de l'Opéra and opposite the Grand Hotel. But above all, I see enormous potential for our mid-range Holiday Inn Express brand. We now have fifteen in France, with a recent opening in Paris CDG and we hope to see more in the major cities.
Does the new generation of Holiday Inn Express make the brand more attractive?
It certainly has. The room has been redesigned with three zones, one where you can put your things, another dedicated to work with a table and ergonomic chair, and finally the rest area with the bed. Above all, we have worked hard on our open lobby concept, with areas dedicated to work, relaxation and meetings. We are in a phase of renewing our brands. We also have a pilot project for Crowne Plaza, in Paris République and London Heathrow, with tips to make business travel easier. Here too, the room has been redesigned, as have the lobbies, which incorporate the Plaza areas, hubs for working with super connectivity, and Forum, flexible venues for meetings of all sizes.
IHG has launched the Voco brand. Can you tell us about it?
This upmarket brand is positioned between Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza. It will be very flexible in terms of design and decoration, with non-standardised establishments as long as the quality of service is respected. This brand is interesting because it will help us to complete our networks in countries where we already have a strong presence, notably the United Kingdom.
