IHG Hotels & Resorts celebrated the rapid growth of Vignette Collection in Thailand, as the Luxury & Lifestyle brand approaches its first anniversary next month.
The recent rebrand of Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok marked Vignette Collection’s introduction in the country, with The Aquatique Pattaya, Thailand and Bangkok Chinatown set to triple their presence there in the next five years. Ranging from heritage hotels to idyllic resorts, Vignette Collection is a collection of luxury hotels in vibrant destinations, each unique in its own right, with a distinct outlook and story to tell.
As Rajit Sukumaran, IHG’s Managing Director, South East Asia, and Korea, explained, the brand’s momentum is quickly growing, with eight properties already open or in the pipeline in Thailand and countries including Australia, Austria, and Portugal. “It’s been a wonderful first year for Vignette Collection, and we’re excited about its growth in Thailand and across the globe since its launch last August,” said Sukumaran. “It has really caught the attention and imagination of owners everywhere.
“The brand offers owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity while benefiting from IHG’s global scale, Luxury & Lifestyle expertise, and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. “Although it’s only a year old, it’s already accelerating our growth by meeting the increasing appetite of travellers for one-of-a-kind stays in sought-after urban and resort locations. We expect it to go from strength to strength and have more than 100 properties globally over the next decade.”
Sukumaran explained that the company’s great tradition in Thailand and long-term commitment to the country means it is a key element of IHG’s South East Asia growth strategy.
“Historically, Thailand is a market where we have launched new brands in South East Asia, such as Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and now Vignette Collection,” he said. “We continue to grow in Thailand, and plan to double our estate there with 35 hotels in the pipeline.”
This ambition will be supported by Vignette Collection, and IHG’s 17th and newest brand are fully embracing its commitment to responsible business, weaving responsibility, community, and locality together to embody the company’s purpose of delivering True Hospitality for Good.
A great example is Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, which is proudly partnering with the Kuvanant Foundation to provide educational opportunities for local students and those living with disabilities in rural areas of Thailand. Upon checking in, guests are encouraged to donate USD$1 to the foundation, with the hotel providing internships, career opportunities, and insights into the hospitality industry for its students.
Vignette Collection further enriches IHG’s fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle offer for leisure and business travellers which stands at more than 400 hotels and 100,000 rooms – the second largest in the industry with its portfolio of brands including Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo.
IHG continues to enjoy a strong 2022 in Thailand, which included the signing of Kimpton Hua Hin, the fourth Kimpton in the Kingdom. Upcoming openings include InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, and Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, as the company looks to double its estate across all brands by 2026.
