IHG Accelerates West Bengal Expansion with New Kolkata Hotel

IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its third property in Kolkata with the opening of the 113-room Holiday Inn Express Kolkata New Town on 26 June 2025. The hotel, owned by real estate firm Samhi and managed by IHG, forms part of the group's broader strategy to expand across West Bengal.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South-West Asia at IHG, emphasized the state's tourism potential, stating that Kolkata alone could support "at least 20 Holiday Inn Express hotels." He also revealed that IHG is exploring a presence in Siliguri, with potential brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, or even luxury offerings, citing the city’s emergence as a wedding and travel hub for the northeast.

Samhi’s MD & CEO, Ashish Jakhanwala, said the company’s investment was based on Kolkata’s strong air traffic and growing commercial infrastructure. He noted that Kolkata Airport ranks among India’s top five. Samhi, which owns 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels across India, is also evaluating the acquisition of a prime property in Kolkata’s central business district, with plans to develop it into an upscale flagship hotel.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.