INTERNATIONAL REPORT—IHG has revealed a signing for its Regent Hotels & Resorts brand in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside its relaunch of the luxury brand.
IHG acquired a majority stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts in March, bringing the brand into the top end of its portfolio and increasing IHG’s presence in a fast-growing luxury segment worth $60 billion. IHG has worked quickly to combine its expertise in luxury with Regent’s deep heritage and revered legacy, and through consumer research and feedback from owners and industry experts, has evolved the brand to appeal to the modern luxury traveler, according to the company.
The relaunched brand comes complete with new brand hallmarks and design philosophy, a specially created service style, and a striking visual identity.
“I’m delighted that we’re announcing the first signing for our Regent brand today,” said Keith Barr, CEO of IHG. “I’m confident that our impressive new positioning and brand identity will allow us to continue to take the brand to the world’s best destinations and help position Regent as a real leader within luxury hospitality. We are already one of the world leaders in luxury with our InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, and alongside Regent and Kimpton, we have significant potential to expand our global footprint in the fast-growing luxury segment.”
Steven Pan, executive chairman of Formosa International Hotels Corporation said: “IHG shares our vision for the Regent brand. It’s been four months since IHG acquired a majority share in Regent Hotels & Resorts, and we have already seen what can be achieved in a joint venture with one of the largest and most respected hotel companies. It’s an exciting time for the brand as we propel Regent back to worldwide reach and evolve the brand to appeal to the luxury traveler of today and tomorrow.”
With the evolution of Regent’s brand positioning, IHG’s intention is to grow the Regent portfolio from six hotels today to more than 40 hotels in global gateway cities and iconic resort locations.
The signing announced today is with Multibay Development Sdn. Bhd for Regent Kuala Lumpur.
In addition, plans are already underway to rebrand the InterContinental Hong Kong, which is set to become a Regent hotel in 2021. The rebrand will see the hotel return to its roots, having first opened its doors as a Regent in 1980.
