IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed the 50th property under its Voco brand, with the Voco Brisbane City Centre set to open later this year.
IHG said that the growth of the brand represented the group’s “fastest ever global expansion”, with 50 properties now open or having been signed across 20 countries, and a goal of 200 Voco hotels within ten years.
The Voco brand launched in 2018, and has around 15 properties open worldwide so far, with five of these in the UK in locations including Oxford, Reading, Cardiff and Solihull.
Last month IHG also confirmed plans to open two Voco hotels in Scotland in the coming months – a new-build Edinburgh property, and a conversion of the existing Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.
The Voco Brisbane City Centre will see the existing Mercure Brisbane refurbished and reflagged. It is one of two Accor properties in Brisbane set to join IHG’s portfolio in the next year or so.
IHG also plans to open Voco properties in locations including The Hague, Milan, Johannesburg, Danang, Wuhan, Nanjing and Columbia (Missouri) this year.
Commenting on the news Jane Mackie, senior vice president, Global Marketing, Luxury and Upscale Brands, IHG, said:
“With the ability to hold onto the informality and charm of an independent hotel, paired with the quality and reassurance of a respected global brand, our Voco Hotels brand has seen extraordinary growth since launching in Australia only two and a half years ago.
“With its entry into the US and China last year, we anticipate significant growth potential for the voco brand and its unique offer for owners and guests. By focusing on and celebrating each hotel’s individual spirit and character, we make it easier and faster for owners to move from signing to opening, providing a real advantage in today’s market.”
