IHG Expands in South India with Holiday Inn Express Signing in Kottayam Changanassery, Kerala

IHG Signs Holiday Inn Express in Changanassery, Kerala as Part of India Expansion

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new franchise agreement with KGA International Trades Private Limited to develop Holiday Inn Express Kottayam Changanassery in Kerala, India. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the project is part of IHG’s strategy to expand in high-potential secondary markets across the country.

The hotel, which will feature 90 rooms, is set to become a key component of the under-construction KGA Mall in Changanassery. The mixed-use development will also include a multiplex, a family entertainment centre, banquet facilities, multiple dining options, and a wide range of branded retail outlets. Located near Kerala’s central business district and close to tourist hubs such as Kochi, Alleppey, and Thiruvananthapuram, the property is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

“This hotel will bring international brand standards to a high-potential micro market in Kerala that is currently underserved by quality hospitality offerings,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He noted that this is the second collaboration with KGA Group, following the earlier success of Crowne Plaza Kochi.

The hotel will feature the Generation 5 design concept, aimed at modernising guest experiences with smartly designed rooms and flexible public spaces tailored for short-stay travellers. Holiday Inn Express, IHG’s fastest-growing brand globally, now has more than 3,200 hotels worldwide.

KGA Group Director and CEO K C Eapen stated that the new development aligns with the group’s larger vision of boosting modern infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region. The Kuwait-based firm, also known as NBTC, plans to add six more hotels in the next six years as part of its hospitality expansion strategy.

With 50 hotels currently operating in India and another 63 in the pipeline, IHG continues to solidify its footprint in the country through trusted partnerships and strategic developments in emerging urban centres.