IHG and Iberostar Partner in Africa, Caribbean, Americas, and Europe

InterContinental Hotels (IHG) and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts (Iberostar) have announced a long‑term commercial agreement for resort and all-inclusive hotels.

Iberostar is a family-run business based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with more than 65 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, an excellent reputation for operating resorts in outstanding locations, and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability.

Through this strategic alliance, Iberostar will retain 100% ownership, preserving its autonomy and values. Up to 70 hotels (24.3k rooms) will be added to IHG’s system under the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand, which will become the 18th brand for IHG. This will boost IHG’s global system size by up to 3%.

The first properties set to join the IHG system this December will give IHG guests increased choice in sought-after locations including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil and the Canary Islands (Spain).

Further properties in Spain and other popular resort destinations in Southern Europe and North Africa are anticipated to join IHG’s system over the course of 2023 and 2024.

IHG guests will be able to look forward to memorable stays in award-winning hotels, ranging from family friendly premium offerings to adult only luxury, in leading resort destinations, including Iberostar Grand Paraiso (Riviera Maya, Mexico), Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus (Bayahibe, Dominican Republic), Iberostar Grand Rose Hall (Montego Bay, Jamaica); and Iberostar Selection Anthelia (Tenerife, Spain).

These add to IHG’s existing 260 resort properties that span brands including Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.

IHG has fewer than 20 resort properties in the countries where the Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties are located. The agreement therefore significantly increases and broadens IHG’s resort footprint.

The portfolio of Iberostar properties will gain access to IHG’s enterprise platform, including its distribution channels and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme with more than 100 million members. IHG in turn will increase awareness of its current brands with a new set of travellers, and meet a clear desire from guests and loyalty members for more resort destinations and the option of all-inclusive stays.

In what is a large and high growth market segment, demand for resort and all-inclusive stays has been buoyed by increasing traveller desire for high quality experiences and stress-free holidays, particularly post-Covid, and the ability to access such stays as part of loyalty programme membership.

The breadth of resort choices for travellers has also increased in recent years, with luxury and upper upscale destinations creating more wellbeing and sustainability-led experiences that tailor to changing guest expectations.

Iberostar and IHG share many company values, including a passion for sustainability and responsible tourism, with Iberostar’s pioneering Wave of Change movement outlining clear aims to move towards a circular economy, promote the responsible consumption of seafood and improve coastal health.

As part of the agreement, IHG will work with Iberostar to create opportunities for joint sustainability initiatives that align with IHG’s 2030 Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.

The Iberostar Beachfront Resorts brand will be included in a new Exclusive Partners category in IHG’s brand portfolio, which will sit alongside its Suites, Essentials, Premium and Luxury & Lifestyle categories.