IHG Expands South India Presence with Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Madurai

IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered into a management agreement with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd to develop Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai. Scheduled to open in early 2029, the new property will further strengthen IHG’s footprint in South India and support its strategic expansion into high-potential secondary markets.

The 150-key hotel, featuring 30 suites, will be strategically positioned near Madurai International Airport. In 2024, Madurai welcomed over 27 million visitors, largely driven by religious tourism and its proximity to prominent destinations such as Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. Additionally, the city’s expanding IT and industrial landscape is fuelling a steady rise in business travel demand.

Holiday Inn Express, one of IHG’s largest brands with over 3,200 hotels globally, will bring its Generation 5 design to the project, offering functional spaces and consistent service standards suited to both business and leisure travellers.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our footprint in Tamil Nadu with the signing of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai. Madurai is not only one of India’s most culturally iconic cities but also a rapidly expanding economic centre with strong year-round business, transit and leisure demand. With its proximity to the international airport and emerging commercial clusters, the hotel is well-positioned to serve a diverse guest base. This signing aligns with our strategy to expand in high-growth micro-markets across India, and we are pleased to partner with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd to bring this project to life.”

A spokesperson from Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd, added: “We are proud to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Holiday Inn Express & Suites to Madurai. The city is experiencing strong infrastructural and economic momentum, and this project reflects our commitment to developing high-quality hospitality assets in high-potential markets. Backed by IHG’s global reputation, strong brand systems and proven operating excellence, we are confident that the hotel will deliver an elevated guest experience and become a preferred choice for travellers visiting Madurai.”

IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India and has a pipeline of 89 hotels expected to open over the next three to five years.