IHG CEO Elie Maalouf at Skift Global Forum – Full Video

In this video from Skift Global Forum, InterContinental Hotels Group CEO Elie Maalouf discussed the company’s long-term strategy, highlighting rising demand across Asia and the Middle East as central to IHG’s growth.

Japan and India are key targets. Japan is scaling tourism but remains underpenetrated by global hotel brands, while India offers long-term potential, though it has a relatively high barrier to entry for international hotel developers. IHG plans to more than double its presence in both markets.

Maalouf said IHG is focused on leading in selected segments from midscale to luxury, not just on being the biggest. He also discussed the $300 million acquisition of Ruby Hotels, a design-led, "accessible luxury" brand aimed at urban travelers in Europe. It will debut in the U.S. later this year.

Luxury travel continues to perform well, boosted by high-net-worth individuals and the aging “silver economy," the CEO said.

Maalouf also po