Bloomberg Talks
Episode: InterContinental Hotel Group CEO Talks 2026 Optimism
Air Date: February 18, 2026
Guest: Elie Maloof, CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Host/Interviewer: Bloomberg
Episode Overview
This episode features an exclusive interview with Elie Maloof, CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group. The conversation centers on IHG’s optimism for 2026, discussing the company’s financial momentum, global strategy, the impact of upcoming events like the World Cup, trends across the hospitality sector, and the launch of IHG’s latest brand, the Noted Collection.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. IHG’s Strong 2025 Performance and Pipeline for 2026
[02:02]
- IHG delivered robust financials in 2025:
- RevPAR grew 1.5%
- Operating profit up 13%
- Earnings per share rose 16%
- Opened a record 440+ hotels globally and added nearly 700 properties to the pipeline.
- Economic headwinds in the US in 2025 (tariffs, reduced travel, government shutdown) are receding in 2026.
- Macro tailwinds for 2026 include:
- Major global events (World Cup, US250 celebration)
- Strong US GDP growth and record employment
- Capital investment in tech, AI, energy, and infrastructure
- Quote:
“You put all these things together. It's hard not to be a little more positive in 2026.”
— Elie Maloof [02:34]
2. Preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
[03:41]
- IHG is well positioned in key cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- The company has extensive experience handling major international events, leveraging its global footprint (presence in 100 countries).
- Industry forecasts predict the World Cup could add 40–60 basis points of RevPAR growth for the sector.
- IHG has not released a specific forecast, but expects the event to be “accretive” to results.
- Quote:
"We're very prepared ... We've got a lot of experience with global events. We're in 100 countries. We're a global company that's very big in the United States."
— Elie Maloof [03:56] - Bookings for World Cup host cities are strong, but Maloof notes most bookings in this sector happen much closer to the event.
3. Outlook for International Travel to the US & Geopolitical Factors
[04:37]
- Current immigration/policy issues are not yet impacting inbound international demand for the World Cup.
- Booking trends are positive, but still too early for a final forecast.
- Quote:
“Sports bring the world together and that's always been the case no matter where the World Cup has been held.”
— Elie Maloof [05:09] - IHG is also seeing positive travel trends in Europe, the Middle East, and notably, China, where business returned to positive RevPAR growth after two down years.
4. Demand Across Luxury and Mainstream Brands
[06:02]
- Both ends of IHG’s portfolio—economy and luxury—performed well in 2025:
- Holiday Inn brands had a positive year globally.
- Upper-end luxury brands saw even greater growth, continuing a multi-year trend.
- Maloof expects fluctuations between “mainstream” and “luxury” outperforming each other year by year, driven by:
- Growth of the middle class worldwide (especially in China, India, Southeast Asia, US)
- Ageing, wealthier populations seeking travel experiences over possessions
- Quote:
“The middle class is the heart of the business and that has strong structural drivers... At the luxury you’ve got an aging population... they prioritize live experiences over products and they're living longer, healthier and they want to travel more.”
— Elie Maloof [06:44]
5. Launch of the Noted Collection – IHG’s 21st Brand
[07:28]
- The Noted Collection is positioned as a “premium” segment between luxury and mainstream.
- Strategy: Curate iconic urban and leisure properties with strong local character, providing them with IHG’s scale, technology, and systems without sacrificing brand identity.
- Goal: Sign 150 hotels over the next decade.
- Quote:
“It's a collection for these iconic assets. It's going to be urban Leisure. We're targeting about 150 hotels over the next 10 years and we're optimistic about its growth.”
— Elie Maloof [08:14]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On 2026 optimism:
“It's hard not to be a little more positive in 2026.”
— Elie Maloof [02:34] -
On global events' impact:
“We’re very prepared. We’re in most of the major cities…we’ve got a lot of experience with global events.”
— Elie Maloof [03:56] -
On travel bringing the world together:
“Sports bring the world together and that’s always been the case no matter where the World Cup has been held.”
— Elie Maloof [05:09] -
On structural demand drivers:
“The middle class is the heart of the business…at the luxury you’ve got an aging population…they want to travel more.”
— Elie Maloof [06:44] -
On the Noted Collection strategy:
“Owners…can make hotel performance stronger or you can keep your own brand and your own identity as a property.”
— Elie Maloof [08:02]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- IHG’s 2025 Performance & US Outlook: [02:02]–[03:41]
- World Cup Preparation & Expectations: [03:41]–[04:53]
- International Demand & Regional Trends: [04:53]–[06:02]
- Brand Portfolio and Market Dynamics: [06:02]–[07:28]
- Noted Collection Launch: [07:28]–[08:29]
Tone and Language
Elie Maloof speaks with measured optimism, emphasizing data-backed growth figures, and an upbeat perspective on both macro-economic trends and the role of hospitality in connecting people globally. The interview maintains a professional yet enthusiastic tone, blending operational detail with strategic vision.
This episode is essential listening for those interested in hospitality trends, event-driven market dynamics, and the evolving strategies of a leading global hotel group heading into a pivotal year.