IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has launched the Holiday Inn Express 5.0 “Dawn” model, a next-generation product designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers while helping to deliver enhanced investment value for hotel owners. Central to the success of this model is the strategic role played by IHG Global Procurement, which has supported the delivery of a standardized, cost-efficient, and scalable development solution across Greater China. 

 

The 5.0 model introduces comprehensive upgrades in space design, guest experience, and operational efficiency. It reflects IHG’s commitment to aligning product innovation with owner priorities, specifically capital efficiency, speed to market, and long-term asset performance.

 

 

Strategic Procurement Driving Investment Value

 

IHG Global Procurement has been instrumental in shaping the commercial success of the 5.0 model. From the earliest stages of development, procurement was integrated into the design and delivery process to help ensure that each element is guest-ready, cost-effective, scalable, and operationally efficient. By leveraging its supplier network, standardized systems, and data-driven insights, the team has helped streamline construction, reduce complexity, and support owners in potentially achieving faster returns and long-term value.

 

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Guest rooms feature integrated smart technologies, including wireless charging, motion-sensing lighting, and ergonomic furnishings, selected for both guest appeal and simplicity.

 

Improved Guest Experience: To further enhance the guest experience, the procurement team worked closely with the design division to gain deeper insights into guest needs and apply ergonomic principles to guestroom design. As part of this initiative, ergonomic seating was carefully evaluated, selected, and introduced to support both comfort and functionality.

 

Accelerated Build Timelines: Modular furniture and lightweight, smart designs helped to reduce construction complexity and potentially shorten development cycles, allowing properties to open faster and generate returns.

 

Optimized Construction Costs: The model achieves an average per-room construction cost of approximately RMB 145,000, supported by IHG’s procurement framework and supplier relationships.

 

 

 

A Structured Support System for Owners

 

IHG Global Procurement provides a three-tier support system designed to support owners throughout the development process:

 

Transparency: The IHG Global Procurement Platform offers access to over 300 vetted suppliers and approximately 20,000+ products, with clear pricing and service terms to help support informed purchasing decisions.

 

Service: A dedicated feedback channel ensures that supplier-related issues are addressed within 48 hours, when possible, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to responsiveness and operational excellence.

 

Data: With insights drawn from over 6,000 suppliers and 150,000 procurement records, IHG can help to deliver market benchmarking to help owners identify the most cost-effective and reliable sourcing options.

 

 

 

Market Momentum and Owner Confidence

 

The 5.0 model was introduced at a launch event in Shanghai, which brought together over 100 property owners and generated strong interest in new project opportunities. Many returning investors expressed confidence in the brand and the procurement infrastructure supporting it.

 

During the event, IHG’s Greater China Procurement team hosted a tour of the design lab, offering owners a firsthand look at the new product solutions in a real-world setting.

 

For more information on how IHG Global Procurement can make your procurement simpler, faster and better, contact the Greater China team at ihgmall@ihg.com, or read the news release at ihgplc.com