IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced the launch in the U.S. of EVEN™ Hotels, its new hotel brand. This brand meets the large and growing customer demand for healthier travel, at a mainstream price. EVEN Hotels is another industry first for IHG, as it uniquely provides solutions for all aspects of travelers’ wellness needs in the areas of exercise, food, work and rest. No other brand can do this, under one roof, at this price point. Joining IHG’s existing seven hotel brands, EVEN Hotels will be a key pillar in IHG’s portfolio of preferred brands and in the long term, a key driver in market share growth in the U.S.

“We have a track record of delivering on hotel industry firsts, and we’re doing it again by staking our claim on the wellness space within the mainstream lifestyle category,” said Richard Solomons, chief executive officer, IHG. “We are so confident in the EVEN brand that we are committing a capital investment of up to $150 million over the next 3 years in order to deliver growth and profitability for EVEN Hotels.”

Over a span of 18 months, IHG closely analyzed emerging trends, conducted robust quantitative and qualitative studies, and talked to over 4,000 customers. The research showed a demand shift to a holistic wellness travel experience, and confirmed an unmet need among customers – staying healthy while they travel. The EVEN brand concept is deeply rooted in what these guests need, and provides a solution for healthier-minded travelers.

“The wellness sector continues to grow year over year and the launch of EVEN Hotels will allow IHG to take advantage of this long term trend,” said Kirk Kinsell, president, the Americas, IHG. “The U.S. represents two-thirds of IHG’s rooms today, and this exciting new brand will help us to continue to grow our share in this important market. We expect to sign contracts for 100 EVEN Hotels within the next five years.”

Americans either want to be healthier or have to be healthier, and leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle is increasingly becoming more important to them. The brand specifically responds to extensive customer research that tells us that guests are frustrated from staying in hotels that do not meet their entire lifestyle and wellness needs. There are 17 million healthier-minded travelers who find it hard to stay active and eat right, and often “fall off the wagon” when they travel. The EVEN brand solves this inherent problem and enables “travel life balance” for these travelers. EVEN Hotels will ensure guests have the services and experiences they need to gain more control and feel good about their travel experience.  

While wellness means different things to different people, guests want healthier options around 4 priority areas – exercise, eat, work and rest. EVEN Hotels reflects this by offering guests a customized approach to holistic wellness, and enables them to make better lifestyle decisions when they travel. Unique features of EVEN Hotels will include: 

• Exercise – Guest rooms designed for in-room workouts with multi-functional room amenities (e.g. coat rack that doubles as a pull up bar); best in class gym with equipment and group exercise activities; “Wellness Wall” for fitness options in walking distance, tips and equipment rental; personalized guest service to offer advice on fitness options, ideas and/or instruction; all baked into the service experience, at no added cost to the guest.

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News