Intercontinental Hotels Group

realismwide Hotels radical (IHG), formerly bass voice PLC, was founded in 1777 by William abstruse, when he launch a brewery in the English town of Burton-on-Trent. The year 1876 was a water parting year for bass voice, when it was recognized as the largest brewery in England. Even more nonably, it was the likewise this year that mystifyings red triangle trademark became the starting line trademark to be registered in England. During the 1960s, Bass do dickens strategic and signifi tummyt mergers.In 1961, Bass merged with Mitchells & butler, becoming Bass, Mitchells & Butler. In 1967, Bass, Mitchells & Butler merged with Charrington United Breweries to become Bass Charrington Ltd 30. The year 1970 marked Basss entrance into the world of hospitality, as it bribed or so 50 hotels from the crude giant Esso 31. These hotel holdings became k directlyn as Crest Hotels. Renamed Bass PLC in the early on 1980s, the companys leisure subsidiaries, including its hotel division, c ontributed substanti ally to Basss event and profits 32.In 1988, Bass made the offset printing signifi sternt multinational move into the hotel constancy by acquiring the international assets of Holiday friendship outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico for $ 475 million 33. The year 1989 saw the advent of command on the brewing industry through Beer Orders. Through Beer Orders legislation, the government want to limit the vertical integration within the brewing industry by limiting the number of pubs a brewer could own 34. Basss response was to continue to tension on and rear its international hotel subscriber line.Therefore, on August 25, 1989, Bass made a monumental decision to purchase Holiday Corporations flagship Holiday hunting lodge chain for $ 2. 23 billion. Included in this purchase were 1,410 licensed Holiday Inns and 177 company-owned and managed Holiday Inns 35. Founded by Kemmons Wilson in 1952, Holiday Inn quickly grew into the largest housing co rporation in the world. A 1951 road trip to Washington, D. C. , with his wife and five children had convinced Wilson of a smashing need for a stigmatize name hotel/motel that families could trust anyplace they traveled.Importantly, Wilson was certified of the coming construction of a $ 76 billion federal interstate highway system and planned to take full advantage by farming Holiday Inns alongside it. His foresight paid off as the interstate highway system popularized travel from coast to coast. It has been said that what behind D. Rockefeller did for gasoline and Henry Ford did for automobiles, Kemmons did for lodging standardizing a product and fashioning it available to the masses at a reasonable price anywhere they went 36.When Bass purchased Holiday Inn, the chain was in the midst of a crepuscule due to aged properties and poor processs. Additionally, the hotel industry was seeing great reaping in budget hotel chains such as Hampton Inn. To counter these issues, Bass began a $ 1 billion renovation project for the Holiday Inn brand, launched its own budget hotel chain inflicted Holiday Inn Express in 1991 to add a complementary brand in the limited service segment, and launched its high end Crowne Plaza Hotels in 1994 to move the group into the up eggshell grocery store 37.It entered the profitable U. S. upscale extended hitch segment with the understructure and victimisation of Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn in 1997 38. With the m aney embossed through the sell-off of various sell byplayes, Bass outbid Marriott International, Patriot Ameri target hospitality, and Ladbroke Group to acquire the intercontinental hotel chain from Japans Saison Group for $ 2. 9 billion in 1998. Included in the acquisition were intercontinentals 211 hotels in 77 countries 39.Thomas Oliver, then chairperson and chief operating officer of Basss hotel division (Holiday Hospitality), summed up the acquisition well when he said that intercontinental set asid es an splendid geographic complement to Holiday Hospitalitys current structure and gives us a broader portfolio of brands spanning the midscale and upscale markets round the globe. The purchase . . . is consistent with our strategy of growing Basss line of business in markets which support long term growth opportunities 40.On June 14, 2000, Bass severed its 223 year old tie to the brewing industry when it entered into an harmony to sell its beer brewing division to Interbrew for $3 billion 41. Along with Basss sale came the cessation of its name and, on June 28, 2001, Bass formally became known as Six Continents PLC 42. On October 1, 2002, Six Continents announced that it would be demerging the groups hotels and soft drinks business, Britvic (to be called Intercontinental Hotels Group PLC) from the retail business (to be called Mitchells & Butlers PLC) 43.This separation process was completed on April 15, 2003, and Intercontinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) became a distinct, d iscrete company. In December 2003, the midscale extended stay brand Candlewood Suites was added to IHGs portfolio. The fresh brand complemented the existing Staybridge brand and change magnitude IHGs U. S. system size by an additional 109 hotels and 12,500 get ons. In April 2004, IHG introduced Hotel Indigo, a hotel brand developed primarily for conversions, to fit a variety of markets in preferred locations.The new brand was designed as a lodging alternative for the traveler seeking a refreshing hotel devour, not scarcely a hotel room. IHG announced the governing of 100 percent of its holding in soft drink company Britvic in December 2005. The total proceeds received from the disposal of IHGs entire interest in Britvic were ? 371 million. The disposal of soft drink assets accepted IHG to focus on being purely a hotel company 44. Intercontinental is the worlds first rattling global brand that has rank the familiarity and understanding of all(prenominal) destination at the core of its business.The brand is deeply rooted in a mosaic of cultures and landscapes that define our world. thank to its unique heritage, Intercontinental is able to go out of its way to amend guest stays with authentic experiences that make their world feel bigger. To reach this expect, the brand launched a architectural plan to encourage the sharing of local knowledge so guests get more out of their stay. The Intercontinental brand is currently enjoying unprecedented growth, with 63 projects in the pipeline.There is still significant fortune to expand, especially in high-demand city centres and under-penetrated resort locations. Each Intercontinental Hotel development is unique and indigenous to its location, and attains landmark status in the locale that it touches. The Intercontinental Boston won Development Project of the Year at the Americas live Investment Conference in 2007, owing to elegant design and insightful use of the historic waterline.The Intercontinental N anjing, currently under construction, will currently stand as one of the tallest hotels in the world. Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts unique market commiting provides many performance advantages. Resting between upper-upscale and luxury, the Intercontinental brand has greater rate elasticity within both market segments without the typical expenses. So guests experience a luxurious atmosphere while the hotel operates with upper-upscale service the double-dyed(a) balance for guests and owners alike.IHGs success is built upon its commitment to matching owners with the just brands in the correct markets. Intercontinental was among the earliest international hotel chains to enter the Kazakhstani market. IHG operates hotels in three contrastive ways as a franchisor, a manager and on an owned and leased basis. The business mannikin focuses on managing and franchising hotels. Franchising is the largest part of the business over 3,800 hotels operate under franchise agreements. IHG manages 624 hotels and owns 16 hotels worldwide (less than 1% of the portfolio).The strategy of Intercontinental Hotels Group is to build the hotel industrys conceptiveest operating system focused on the biggest markets and segments where scale really counts. IHGs operating system is made up of all the things it does to drive demand for its brands. This includes advertising and marketing campaigns, 10 global call centres, 13 local language websites, an 8,000-strong sales force, Priority Club Rewards the worlds largest hotel loyalty scheme which has 48 million members and all the advantages that IHGs global hotel distribution and scale brings to brand aw atomic number 18ness.One of the points highlighted in the distinguish of strategic priorities of IHG along with such aspects as improving the performance of the brands and generating excellent returns from the hotels is strengthening the organisation through investing in batch. The activities IHG supports are line up with its corporate values and Winning ship canal. IHGs Winning Ways are how the staff members behave each day a set of behaviours establish on values that are serve uping the hotel chain to become one of the very best companies in the world.They reflect the values that were developed through research with the employees across the world into how they behave at work every day and how they want the populate they work with to behave. The Winning Ways provide a strong sense of shared purpose, and are critical to driving the business performance forward, as well as making each hotel of the chain a great, enjoyable place to work. IHGs Winning Ways include the following points Doing the right thing.Everyone engaged in providing services for guests and fulfilling managerial functions essential keep promises and must not let commonwealth down. They to a fault ought to take responsibility and take decisions even when theyre difficult. Showing care. It implies treating people as psyches, looki ng and listening for the little things that make a contravention and using the own experience to find new ways to deport great service. Aiming higher means putting hearts into learning new things, challenging and encouraging each other and always looking for ways to improve. Celebrating difference.Every member of IHG should welcome different perspectives and listen to everyones ideas, be respectful of all cultures, look to learn from others and play an active intent in the communities in which IHG operate Working together. Everyone in the team must work hard to develop excellent working relationships with colleagues, think about what they do and how it might affect others and trust and support each other. get off the ground of the IHGs commitment to responsible tourism is creating opportunities for local people, preserving local springer and traditions and introducing guests to local cultures.With operations in more than 100 countries across cardinal continents, ensuring that each hotel operates responsibly in local communities is a key precedence for the companys management. Given the economic downturn, focus this year has been on maximising the benefits the hotels bring to local economies via direct and indirect employment, taxes paid, local get and donations to community projects 45. In addition to their corporate stews, IHG hotels are alike touch on in their own right with their communities through in-kind donations, grants and volunteering programmes.Hotels grassroots level activity is now surveyed as part of Green Engage. The company trains potential employees in their communities and work with local and regional Chambers of Commerce and trade and industry associations to support workforce development. In China, for example, it has launched an innovative public/private fusion, the IHG Academy, with noteworthy fosteringal institutes in the region. With the first launched in Shanghai in June 2006.These Academies now operate in 11 locations, are supported by 25 partners in the region and in December 2009 had 5,000 students enrolled on one of these programmes. IHG also works with other companies and government bodies to identify and address workforce issues in the countries where it has a substantial presence. Owing to such issues as working conditions, skills shortages, pedestal development particularly in developing countries on which the hotels need to focus in order to provide local economic opportunities.This is why two key policies for Human Rights and Supporting Communities have been put in place. IHG has detailed Group-wide policies on key Corporate Responsibility (CR) issues, including code of ethics and business conduct, environment, gentleman rights and community. Environment. IHG understands its responsibility to respect the environment and manage its impacts for the benefit of the communities in which it operates. IHG commits to measure, manage and innovate. Human rights. IHG supports and protects human rights within its sphere of influence.As a responsible company with operations in nearly 100 countries, it believes that strong ethics and good business go together and is committed to complying with the laws and regulations of the countries and jurisdictions in which it operates. To demonstrate its commitment in this area the company Supports the protection of human rights, particularly those of the employees, the parties with whom it does business and the communities within which it operates Respects its employees rights to voluntary freedom of association, under the law Provides a safe and healthy working environment Does not support forced and compulsory labour or the exploitation of children Supports the excretion of employment discrimination and promotes diversity in the workplace Provides remuneration, wellbeing devotion and bastards for growing charges for the employees Promotes fair competition and does not support corruption Conducts its business with honesty and inte grity in compliance with applicable laws Will develop and implement company procedures and processes. Supporting the communities policy.IHG has a corporate commitment to be actively involved in local community issues. The chain has a clear mission that guides all its charitable endeavours to support global efforts that deliver the business goals of IHG and to give back and thank the communities in which it operates. IHG provides great opportunities and experience which helps staff progress. The hospitality industry does not just employ receptionists and room attendants. To keep any large hotel operating round the clock takes a diverse team of highly skilled specialists with backgrounds ranging from accountancy to IT.Therefore maintaining its position as the worlds largest hotel group means IHG can offer more opportunities to develop a career in many different directions. IHG is the biggest hotel group in the industry, providing staff with lots of career opportunities. Already I thi nk that the skills that I have gained through working with IHG have granted me a better platform from which to launch a successful career says Mike Li, IHG Academy graduate. A Holiday Inn hotels employee asserts, IHG offers opportunities to people who aspire to gain experience and develop their profile in an ndustry that is truly international 45. To make sure that all of its members share a third estate purpose of creating great hotels that guests love and are engaged in achieving it, IHG has made a commitment that will create an environment and culture where they can give their best and make a difference. It is called room to be yourself. heap may all work for different brands, speak different languages and like different things, but all of them are passionate about something.Whether an employees passion is karaoke or canoeing, IHG promises to provide an environment so that he/she can bring the same amount of energy and the unique personality to work. IHG admits that it is thei r people who drive the success of the business, so the company invests in their skill to allow them to improve and progress to a more challenging and responsible position. To help the staff to do this IHG offers a put of training programmes designed to develop their potential from the moment they become a part of the IHG team.A range of functional training and leadership development initiatives covers Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, Housekeeping, tutelage and Supervisory Leadership. IHG also takes advantage of the online training programmes developed in partnership with the Hospitality Research Institute. In 1966 Professor Chase (Ithaca, New York) who has been associated with the inform of Hotel Administration since 1962 undertook development of the first management game for hotel administration. The result of this effort was the Cornell Hotel Administration guise Exercise (CHASE).Professor Chases line of credit responsibilities involved property management, information systems, accounting, finance, and business strategy. In addition to learn undergraduates, he has been active in the Schools Professional Development Programme (PDP). This programme serves the needs of industry practitioners from around the world in multiple endeavors. IHG is the first hotel group to develop and conduct an online version of the renowned Cornell Hotel Administration Simulation Exercise (CHASE).According to Cornell Professor Daphne Jameson, The ever increasing globalization of the hospitality industry and movement of people across international borders heightens the need for intercultural education and training. However, few intercultural training materials have a hospitality focus, and customized instruction is costly. The tool presented helps reduce cultural barriers by providing a low-cost, hospitality-specific intercultural simulation that hospitality practitioners and educators can use with a wide variety of audiences. CHASE has helped companies and non-profit or ganizations analyze parley problems and develop solutions, for instance, assisted individual hotel companies and tourism organizations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and the Ukraine in equivalence communication strategies and designing effective websites 45. Senior Leadership Programme offers a structured route to developing the competencies required for top-level management.The programme offers psychometric judgement and course content delivered by leading university academics that is focused on connecting with individual corporate, personal and career goals. IHG is also the only hotel group that offers assessment centres across the world to help high performing individuals in corporate, executive and supervisory roles move on and up to the next level. The most important promise that IHG gives to each and everyone who works for it is room to grow.