(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement for the development of Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking the Garner brand’s entry into Chhattisgarh and expanding IHG’s presence in India’s emerging hospitality markets. The 117-room hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management, with opening planned for 2029. IHG said the project reflects growing demand for quality branded accommodation in rapidly developing regional markets such as Bastar, where infrastructure investment and economic activity are increasing. The signing also supports IHG’s broader expansion strategy across India’s fast-growing secondary cities.
(PRESS RELEASE) INDIA, 2026-May-7 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement for the new Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking the brand’s entry into the Indian state of Chhattisgarh and expanding its presence across emerging hospitality markets in the country.
The 117-room hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management, one of IHG’s third-party hotel management partners in India. The property is scheduled to open in 2029.
Located in Jagdalpur within the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the hotel is expected to benefit from increasing economic activity driven by infrastructure investment, mining operations and the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in the region.
Garner is IHG’s midscale conversion-focused brand aimed at value-conscious travellers seeking reliable accommodations and flexible guest experiences at accessible price points. The brand is designed to leverage IHG’s broader global systems and operational infrastructure while offering an efficient and scalable model for hotel owners and operators.
Sudeep Jain said the signing reflects the continued growth momentum of the Garner brand in India and demonstrates increasing owner confidence in its scalable operating model.
Jain described Jagdalpur as an important gateway into Chhattisgarh’s developing Bastar region, where ongoing infrastructure development and economic diversification are creating growing demand for quality hospitality offerings. He added that the partnership with United Hospitality Management strengthens IHG’s ability to expand Garner into emerging high-potential markets across India.
Deepika Arora said the agreement reflects rising demand for organised hospitality products in emerging Indian destinations. She noted that Garner’s conversion-friendly model is particularly suited to fast-growing regional markets where hotel operators can combine operational efficiency with consistent guest experiences and long-term asset value creation.
Bakhtyaar Khan said the evolving economic landscape in Jagdalpur and the Bastar region presents strong opportunities for hospitality development, adding that the combination of IHG’s international expertise and the Garner brand’s positioning is expected to make the hotel a preferred accommodation option for travellers visiting the area.
The signing forms part of IHG Hotels & Resorts broader strategy to expand across India’s rapidly developing secondary and tertiary cities, where demand for branded accommodation continues to outpace supply.
IHG currently operates 51 hotels across India under multiple brands including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, while maintaining a pipeline of 89 additional hotels planned over the next three to five years.
For further information please contact:
Ankita Chopra
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, IMEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts
ankita.chopra@ihg.com
+971 4 213 6502
Reem Youssef
Manager, Corporate Affairs, IMEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts
reem.youssef2@ihg.com
+971 4 213 6079
About IHG®
IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 21 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 160 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms across 7,000 hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of a further 2,300 properties.
- Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo
- Premium: Noted Collection, voco, Ruby, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, EVEN
- Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner, avid
- Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
- Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores.
For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn.
About United Hospitality Management
United Hospitality Management (UHM) is a global leader in hospitality asset development, operationalisation, and management, with over 30 years of luxury expertise and more than USD 1 billion in assets under management. The group’s extensive portfolio includes partnerships with world-class brands such as IHG, Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Yotel, alongside Bespoke Residences and Holiday Homes. UHM recently expanded its global footprint by entering the Indian market through the acquisition of Rosastays, adding 17 operational holiday homes across the country’s key leisure destinations.
Beyond core hotel management, UHM owns and operates a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem dedicated to amplifying asset value in the hospitality industry. This includes over 20 specialty food and beverage brands, a dedicated wellness division led by its award-winning brand, ‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’, its sub-brands ‘Pure by Serenity’ and ‘Active by Serenity’. These brands offer a holistic suite of world-class spa treatments, fitness facilities, non-invasive beauty therapies, and exclusive dining concepts, all defined by innovation and exceptional service.
With a legacy spanning Europe, Middle East and India, UHM has built a reputation for operational rigour, distinguished leadership, and strong industry relationships. By consistently developing winning hospitality concepts and maintaining a commitment to excellence, UHM remains a preferred partner for owners and investors worldwide.
For more information, visit unitedhospitality.com.

