IHG shrugs off weakness in Middle East, China to reaffirm outlook

22nd Oct 2026 09:45

(Sharecast News) - InterContinental Hotels Group reaffirmed full-year guidance on Thursday, as strong trading across most regions helped offset weaker demand in the Middle East and China.

The blue chip hotelier, which has more than 7,000 properties in over 100 countries, saw global revenue per available room (RevPAR) spark 5.3% in the third quarter. That was led by a 6.8% jump in the Americas and a 5% lift in EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa), despite the conflict-hit Middle East being broadly flat - although that was an improvement on the second-quarter's 19% slump.

That robust trading helped offset a 3.3% decline in Greater China, where adverse weather in July and August and changes to public holiday timings dented demand.

As a result, the owner of Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Six Senses, among others, said it remained confident it would meet full-year consensus expectations. The market is currently looking for adjusted earnings per share of $5.79 and annual RevPAR growth of 3.5%.

Elie Maalouf, chief executive, said: "RevPAR accelerated in the third quarter, as IHG's breadth by geography, brands and stay occasions captured increasing guest demand around the world.

"We expect another year of record development activity, and for 2026 to be our fifth straight year of accelerating net system growth." The chain opened 92 hotels during the quarter.

"Our strong performance to date and continued positive outlook for demand gives us confidence in achieving consensus expectations for 2026," he concluded.

IHG also confirmed it remained on track to return more than $1.2bn to shareholders in the current year through share repurchases and dividend payouts.

As at 0930 BST, the stock - which has put on 19% so far this year - had shed 3% at 164.65p amid subdued trading conditions.

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