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IHG Bets Big on Upscale Travel: Voco Hotels Expand Across Southern Europe

October 06, 2025

Summary

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is making a significant push to expand its Voco Hotels brand across Southern Europe. Voco is positioned as an upscale hotel brand catering to business and leisure travelers who value style, comfort, and a connection to local culture. This strategic move is driven by IHG’s belief in the growing demand for this type of accommodation in the region, particularly in popular tourist destinations. The expansion aims to capitalize on the post-pandemic recovery and the increasing number of travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences.
The article highlights IHG's commitment to providing a differentiated offering compared to more traditional hotel brands. Voco hotels emphasize design-led spaces, sophisticated dining options, and a focus on creating a vibrant atmosphere. The brand is also designed to be adaptable to local contexts, ensuring that each Voco hotel reflects the unique character of its location.
This expansion isn't just about adding more hotels; it's about solidifying IHG's position as a leading global hotel operator and catering to evolving traveler preferences. By investing in Voco, IHG is betting on the long-term growth of the upscale hospitality market in Southern Europe and aims to attract a wider range of guests, including both business travelers and leisure tourists looking for a more stylish and culturally immersive experience. The move is strategically timed to leverage the pent-up demand for travel following pandemic-related restrictions and to capitalize on the increasing desire for authentic and personalized travel experiences.

Key Details

  • IHG Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the growth of its Voco Hotels brand in Southern Europe.
  • The expansion focuses on key markets like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal.
  • IHG plans to open multiple Voco Hotels in the region over the next few years.
  • Voco Hotels is positioned as an upscale brand appealing to business and leisure travelers.
  • Voco hotels emphasize design, local culture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • IHG is investing in hotels with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.
  • The expansion is part of IHG's broader strategy to grow its upscale portfolio.

Geographical Information

Location Name Country/Region Key Details
Italy Italy Major tourist destination, rich history and culture, popular for business travel.
Spain Spain Diverse regions, vibrant cities, popular for leisure and business travel, strong culinary scene.
Greece Greece Iconic islands, historical sites, popular for leisure and cultural tourism.
Portugal Portugal Growing tourism sector, beautiful coastline, historic cities, increasingly popular with international travelers.

Impact & Implications

  • For Travelers: More upscale hotel options with a focus on design and local experiences will become available in Southern Europe. This offers a wider range of choices for travelers seeking something beyond standard hotel offerings.
  • Travel Restrictions/Requirements: The article does not mention any specific travel restrictions or requirements. Travelers should always check the latest guidelines from their home country and the destination country before traveling.
  • Safety Considerations: No specific safety concerns are mentioned in the article. Travelers should exercise standard safety precautions when traveling, such as being aware of their surroundings and protecting their belongings.

Additional Context

The upscale hotel market has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a growing demand for premium travel experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking hotels that offer unique design, personalized service, and a connection to the local culture. The pandemic accelerated this trend, as travelers prioritized safety and comfort. IHG’s Voco brand directly addresses these evolving needs. Southern Europe is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, and hotels are investing in upgrading their offerings to meet the demands of a more discerning traveler.

Original Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries in Southern Europe are seeing the most voco hotel growth?

The expansion is focused on France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Türkiye.

What distinguishes a voco hotel from other hotel brands?

Voco hotels emphasize design, local culture, and a vibrant atmosphere, offering a more stylish and immersive experience.

When did the voco brand launch and how quickly has it grown?

The voco brand launched in 2018 and has become IHG's fastest-growing brand in the premium segment, now with 100 open hotels globally.

What type of traveler is the voco brand targeting?

Voco Hotels are targeting both business and leisure travelers who value style, comfort, and a connection to local culture.

How many new voco hotels are planned for Southern Europe?

IHG plans to add over 1,000 keys with nine new signings and openings across Southern Europe, with a pipeline of 22 properties.

About the Author
Author avatar
Michael Grant
Senior Travel Analyst & Industry Expert
Hotel reviewer and hospitality consultant.
Experience: 8+ years in travel journalism
Expertise: Global travel trends & industry analysis
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