IHG First-Half 2026 Operating Profit Up 10% to $665 Million, RevPAR Rises 4.1%

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reported first-half 2026 results, with reported segment operating profit up 10% year on year to US$665 million and reported segment revenue up 7% to US$1.3 billion. Global revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose 4.1% year on year. First-quarter RevPAR grew 4.4%, while second-quarter growth slowed to 3.5%, mainly due to the US-Iran conflict and a decline in Middle East travel. The company said accelerated growth in the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe partially offset disruption from the Middle East conflict.

IHG's brands include Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Six Senses. The company said growth in the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe offset the impact of business disruption in the Middle East. The Middle East conflict, which began on 28 February 2026, has led to thousands of flight cancellations, soaring fuel costs for airlines and disrupted hotel bookings. The Middle East accounts for about 5% of IHG's business.

Chief Executive Elie Maalouf said the results reflect "a preference for spending on experiences rather than goods," with a growing global middle class seeking to allocate more spending to experiences. He added that the US market stood out due to solid economic fundamentals, high employment, wage growth and continued consumer spending, particularly on experiences. Demand for new hotel openings is also strong, especially among high-spending customers. Since mid-June, the World Cup has boosted US hotel demand. Maalouf said sporting events, concerts and theatrical performances will continue to drive the company's business.