IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hospitality company, is expanding its footprint in India with the upcoming voco Srinagar, its inaugural hotel in Kashmir. The agreement with Geelan Residency for the management of the hotel was signed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, voco Srinagar aligns with IHG’s strategy to bolster its presence in prominent leisure destinations across India, capitalizing on the nation’s burgeoning tourism sector.
This marks the sixth voco property under development in India, following the successful launch of the first voco in Jim Corbett. The voco brand offers guests a premium experience, blending the unique charm of individual hotels with the assurance of a globally recognized brand. Since its introduction to India in 2023, the brand has witnessed impressive growth, expanding into key markets like Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa, and Punjab. This latest agreement further underscores the growing popularity of the voco brand within the Indian market.
Positioned in the upscale commercial district of Srinagar, voco Srinagar will enjoy convenient access by road to the airport, major city attractions, and residential areas. The new-build hotel will also be conveniently located within a two-hour drive from popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, making it an ideal choice for leisure travelers. The hotel will feature 95 well-appointed rooms, diverse dining options including all-day dining and a poolside deck, as well as a fitness center. Beyond catering to leisure guests from India and around the world, voco Srinagar will be adeptly equipped to handle social events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) demands.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to establish our footprint in Kashmir with our premium brand, voco in partnership with Geelan Residency. Kashmir is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the country and has experienced an unprecedented boom in tourism in the past years. This has led to an increase in demand for quality branded accommodation. With its bold design and welcoming service, we are confident that voco Srinagar will become a preferred hotel for travelers visiting Kashmir.”
He further highlighted the growing importance of domestic tourism to leisure destinations in India, stating, “Domestic tourism to leisure destinations is on the rise in India. We recognize the potential and this signing aligns with our commitment to expand IHG’s presence in key leisure markets.”
Mr. Javeed Jeelani, Managing Director, Geelan Residency, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut the voco brand in Kashmir. We are confident that the hotel’s prime location coupled with IHG’s global standards, voco Srinagar is set to become an ideal choice for our guests.”
Currently, IHG® operates 45 hotels under five distinct brands in India: Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn Resort®, and Holiday Inn Express®. Looking ahead, IHG® has an extensive pipeline with plans to open an additional 50 hotels within the next 3-5 years.
