IHG to Open First Internationally Branded Hotel in Changanassery with Holiday Inn Express by 2027

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited to open Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery in Kerala by early 2027. It will be the city’s first internationally branded hotel and part of the under-construction KGA Mall. The hotel will offer 90 rooms and an array of facilities including F&B options, a banquet hall, a multiplex, and a family entertainment centre. This marks IHG’s second project with KGA Group and aligns with the brand’s strategy to grow across India’s high-potential secondary cities. KGA Group also announced plans to develop six more hotels over the next six years.

(PRESS RELEASE) INDIA, 2025-Jul-28 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG® Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new franchise agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited to develop the Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery in Kerala, India. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, this development strengthens IHG’s strategic expansion into India’s fast-growing secondary cities and marks its second collaboration with KGA Group, following the successful Crowne Plaza Kochi.

This upcoming Holiday Inn Express hotel will be the first internationally branded hotel in Changanassery, a town known for its year-round appeal driven by backwaters, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture. The 90-room hotel will form an integral part of the under-construction KGA Mall—a modern mixed-use complex that will also feature food and beverage outlets, a banquet hall for over 100 guests, a multiplex, family entertainment centre, and diverse retail options showcasing national and global brands.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “The signing of Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery reflects our continued efforts to serve India’s high-potential markets that remain underserved by international hotel brands. Through our trusted partnership with KGA Group, we’re proud to deliver world-class hospitality standards to this emerging destination and contribute to the region’s tourism and business infrastructure.”

He added, “Holiday Inn Express is designed to meet the needs of today’s smart travellers—whether they’re here for business, leisure or in transit. By combining IHG’s global service consistency with the distinct local charm of Changanassery, we aim to redefine quality and reliability in this market.”

Strategically located near Changanassery’s central business district and key surrounding towns including Kochi, Alleppey, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, the hotel will appeal to a wide range of domestic and international travellers.

K C Eapen, Director & CEO of KGA Group, speaking on behalf of Chairman K G Abraham and the Board, shared, “We are delighted to partner with IHG once again to bring a new hospitality offering to Changanassery. This project is part of our broader goal to invest in infrastructure that promotes economic growth and modern amenities in this region. With the hotel being part of the KGA Mall, we expect it to become a major destination for locals and tourists alike.”

He also announced the group’s future plans: “As part of our long-term vision, KGA Group aims to add six more hotels to its hospitality portfolio over the next six years. We are confident this partnership with IHG will help us reach new milestones.”

Holiday Inn Express, IHG’s fastest-growing brand with over 3,200 hotels worldwide, is renowned for its Generation 5 design, offering smart, efficient spaces with modern amenities and seamless service for short-stay travellers.

Currently, IHG operates 50 hotels across six brands in India and has a strong pipeline of 63 additional properties expected to open within 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
Executive, Corporate Affairs, IMEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts
reem.youssef2@ihg.com
+971 4 213 6079

SOURCE: InterContinental Hotels Group