IHG to open Holiday Inn Express in Ayodhya

125-key property to cater to spiritual, leisure & MICE

IHG Hotels & Resorts will open a Holiday Inn Express in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, slated to launch by mid-2028.

Leading hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts announced that it has signed a management agreement to develop a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The upcoming hotel is scheduled to open by mid-2028.

In a press statement, the hotel company states that the signing of the agreement aligns with IHG’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in high-growth markets in India, including key spiritual destinations that are attracting a large volume of travellers. The hotel will feature 125 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining, a fitness centre, business centre, parking space, laundry room and a spacious meeting room.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya. Ayodhya has become one of India’s most preferred tourist destinations in 2024. With Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya’s strategic location, the hotel will benefit predominantly from spiritual tourism year-round. The hotel is poised to offer a unique stay experience, blending world class hospitality, comfort and convenience with an easy connection to the city’s spiritual heritage,” says Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

“This signing reaffirms our commitment to expand IHG’s presence in secondary markets, including those with significant cultural and religious appeal as the number of travellers to these markets continue to grow driving demand for quality accommodation,” he adds. 

The statement adds that Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with over 3,100 properties under its banner, worldwide. Once open, Holiday Inn Express Ayodhya will embody these core principles, catering to spiritual, leisure and MICE travellers.

“We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Holiday Inn Express to the holy city of Ayodhya. By combining our local expertise with IHG’s global standards, we aim to create a distinguished destination that will become a preferred choice for both domestic and international travellers. With a high visibility and strategic location, the hotel will set new standards of hospitality in Ayodhya,” says Abhishek Jain, Owner of the hotel.

The statement adds that the upcoming property will be strategically located in close proximity to the airport and just minutes from both the main temple complex and the railway station, making it easily accessible.