Intercontinental Hotels’s CEO Sees Solid Growth Momentum With Existing New Brands

The transcript discusses the company's strong start to the year with record hotel signings and growth in revenue and profits. It addresses the impact of Hong Kong protests on business, noting a slowdown in meetings and events. The US market shows flat RevPAR, with global uncertainties affecting growth. Despite the US-China trade war, the company remains optimistic due to its domestic focus in China. Concerns about Brexit's impact on the UK hospitality industry are highlighted, with ongoing government engagement to address labor and tourism issues.

What was a key factor in the company's strong start to the year?

• Record level of hotel signings and openings

• Reduction in revenue

• Decrease in hotel signings

• Decline in profits

How did the Hong Kong protests initially affect the company's business?

• Increase in business activities

• Gradual slowdown in meetings and events

• No impact at all

• Immediate significant impact

What is the company's approach to maintaining growth despite global uncertainties?

• Cutting costs in existing hotels

• Focusing solely on RevPAR

• Reducing investments in new brands

• Opening new hotels and expanding existing brands

What is the company's strategy in China amidst the US-China trade war?

• Increasing dependency on US markets

• Reducing hotel openings

• Focusing on domestic consumers

• Relying on international travel

How does the company view the long-term market potential in China?

• Dependent on international travel

• Uncertain due to economic instability

• Limited due to trade tensions

• Promising due to GDP growth and rising wealth

What is a major concern for the company regarding a no-deal Brexit?

• Decrease in hotel signings

• Increase in hotel taxes

• Reduction in UK tourism

• Free movement of people and staffing

What role does the company play in addressing Brexit challenges?

• Avoiding government engagement

• Working with the government through the CBI

• Reducing UK operations

• Focusing on non-EU markets