Intercontinental Hotels’ lifestyle wellness brand EVEN plans to check in to Australasia.
IHG is collaborating with long term development partner Pro-invest to build a portfolio of EVEN Hotels across Australia and New Zealand.
IHG says there is big pent up demand for wellness travel in the market.
Speaking at the HICAP hotel conference in Hong Kong last week, IHG chief executive, Asia, Middle East and Africa, Jan Smits said: "No other hotel brand provides a holistic wellness experience under one roof. IHG has recognised that health and wellness is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia, making it the perfect place to grow the brand."
"As more people travel, they want to keep a work/life balance so are looking for hotel where they can exercise and get their body back into balance."
It is still in the very early stages with the company still identifying suitable sites, Smits said.
"This growth reflects the importance Australians, as well as those travelling to Australia, place on personal health and wellbeing, making it the perfect market and time to launch EVEN Hotels," said Pro-invest CEO Ronald Barrott.
IHG will also introduce its Hotel Indigo brand in Asia Pacific with the first opening scheduled for next year in Bali.
