IHG Hotels & Resorts Reveals Guests’ Growing Passion to Travel Better

Dubai, 16 February 2021 People are more mindful than ever about travelling responsibly following the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey byIHG Hotels Resorts. The research is commissioned as part of IHG's launch of'Journey to Tomorrow': a 10-year action plan comprising a series of far-reaching new commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel.

60 per centof the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, Australia and the UAEagree that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels.This is led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 to 24) compared to just 48 per cent of 55s and over, the UAE ranked second highest with 79% of respondents.

It appears travellers not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, they are willing to pay for it too. The research found that UAE consumers willspend an average of 45 per cent moreon the accommodation they know operates responsibly with 51 per cent happy to fork out more than 40 per cent extra a night.

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Community first: Guests connecting with purpose

With the world travelling more locally or not at all right now, it seems the pandemic has made consumers more mindful about preserving and connecting with the communities around them.More than halfof respondents across the UAE (59 per cent) say theycare more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. In fact, 52 per cent of people say they are more likely to be mindful about avoiding tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities since the global pandemic.

96 per centof UAE respondents say it isimportant to get to know the local community when visiting somewhere new, with 71% doing this by speaking with the locals, supporting local eateries (68 per cent), followed by shopping locally (63 per cent), and getting involved with local tours (62 per cent). A further 4 in 10 choose to stay with travel companies that offer local community programs.

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Travelling better for a sustainable future

The appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible86 per centof adults in the UAE say they arecommitted to taking their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel, with using the correct waste and recycling disposal for different items taking the top spot as the number one habit.

And it seemssustainability doesn't need to take a backseat on holidays.When asked what people in the UAE have ever done on their travels to be more sustainable, the three most popular habits included carrying their own re-usable water or coffee cup, taking the public transport and walking short distances to explore the local area. And, when asked what people wouldavoidso they could be a more responsible traveller, 56 per cent of respondents said they would avoid leaving theair conditioning on when they leave the room.

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Our Journey to Tomorrow

Keith Barr, CEO, IHG Hotels Resorts, said:"As we look to the future, the global response to Covid-19 reminded us what can be achieved when we come together and work towards the greater good. This has made us all more conscious than ever about caring for people, communities and planet. Journey to Tomorrow embodies IHG's strengthened commitment to make sure we do whats right, not just what's needed, andwe are determined to contribute towards positive social and economic change, to stand up for key issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion and human rights, and to make more responsible environmental choices."

"A great guest experience at our hotels is inextricably linked to operating responsibly and growing sustainably. So while travel may have been temporarily paused for many, we want the next stage of our journey to be successful in every sense of the word."

The ambitions and commitments are firmly rooted in an understanding of what is most important to colleagues, guests and partners across the world when it comes to doing business responsibly, as well as how IHG can play its part in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in this important 10 years of action. For decades, IHG has been championing its purpose of True Hospitality, from providing skills and education to supporting young people and taking action for environmental change, to partnering with experts globally on urgent causes such as humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.

Commenting on IHGs Journey to Tomorrow, Razan Bashiti, CEO, INJAZ UAE said:"Tourism and hospitality is an important economic sector for the UAE, that supports a significant number of employment opportunities. The country is also leading the way in sustainability for the region and companies such as IHG Hotels and Resorts play a momentous role in helping shape the future of responsible travel in the region. We are proud of our partnership with IHG and our commitment together to nurture the next generation of talent and help them become a part of a sustainable future. The programmes that we have designed together give young talent an opportunity to understand the hospitality industry better, and inspire them to think creatively for solutions that promote a more sustainable future for the sector."

With a family of 16 brands and almost 6,000 hotels and resorts at the heart of local communities around the globe, IHG is here when travellers are ready. IHG recognises the power of collaboration and will join forces with all who stay, work and partner with them to reduce carbon emissions in line with climate science, eliminate single-use items or move to reusable/recyclable alternatives, reduce food waste, and collaborate locally to tackle water sustainability in high-risk areas.

Join the journey: More information onIHG's Journey to Tomorrowcan be foundhere, including information on the plan, ambitions, detailed commitments, and to follow the progress.

Link to assets.

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Methodology:

All the figures are from OnePoll, a survey-led marketing research company specialising in online and mobile polling. It has offices in London and Bristol, U.K.

9,000 people were surveyed: 2,000 in the United States, 2,000 in the United Kingdom, 2,000 in Greater China, 1,000 in Germany, 1,000 in the UAE and 1,000 in Australia.

Survey was conducted online between 20 and 28 January 2021.

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About IHG Hotels Resorts

IHG Hotels Resorts[LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, includingSix Senses Hotels Resorts Spas,Regent Hotels Resorts,InterContinental Hotels Resorts,Kimpton Hotels Restaurants,Hotel Indigo,EVEN Hotels,HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts,Crowne Plaza Hotels Resorts,voco,Holiday Inn Hotels Resorts,Holiday Inn Express,Holiday Inn Club Vacations,avid hotels,Staybridge Suites,Atwell Suites, andCandlewood Suites.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 6,000 hotels and 890,000 guest roomsin morethan 100 countries, with approximately 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also managesIHG Rewards, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLCis the Groups holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Approximately400,000 people work across IHGs hotels and corporate offices globally.

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