IHG profits up as World Cup boost offsets Middle East war impact

What's happened

IHG reports half-year results showing a 10% rise in operating profits to $665 million and a global RevPAR growth of 4.1%, driven by the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The Middle East conflict weighs on performance, with RevPAR in the region falling about 19% in Q2, while UK and other markets show resilience.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• The figures show diversified demand support across regions, with the U.S. and Asia-Pacific offsetting declines in the Middle East.
• The World Cup-related locations have added roughly 1% to RevPAR growth in the Americas, signaling the impact of major events on hotel performance.
• The Middle East conflict remains the single largest risk, with a nearly 19% RevPAR fall in the region in Q2.
• Expect continued regional balancing as the company expands its hotel footprint to sustain revenue growth.

What this means for travellers

• Short-term pricing and availability will vary by region, with stronger demand in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific.
• Markets outside the Middle East are likely to benefit from stronger leisure demand and business travel as easing travel restrictions persist.

How we got here

IHG, owner of Holiday Inn brands, says half-year results reflect offsetting demand in multiple regions against disruption from the Middle East conflict that began 28 February. U.S. demand is a standout driver, while Greater China and Asia Pacific contribute to growth.

Our analysis

- CNBC reports IHG has seen 10% operating profit growth to $665 million for H1 and RevPAR +4.1% globally, with US and Asia-Pacific leading growth. - Independent notes a 4.8% RevPAR rise in the Americas and a 19% drop in the Middle East in Q2, highlighting regional disparities. - Independent also cites UK and Europe gains, with Asia Pacific leading in the first half.

Go deeper

• Will IHG’s strategy to diversify across regions shield it from regional shocks in the second half?
• How will ongoing Middle East tensions shape travel patterns for the rest of 2026?

More on these topics

• Asia Pacific - Region

  The Asia-Pacific or Asia Pacific is the part of the world in or near the Western Pacific Ocean. Asia-Pacific varies in area depending on context, but it generally includes East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.

• Middle East - Region

  The Middle East is a transcontinental region that generally includes Western Asia, all of Egypt, Iran, and Turkey. Soviet Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are generally excluded.

• Chinese New Year - Festivity

  Chinese New Year is the Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar or lunar calendar.

• Greater China - Region

  "Greater China" is an informal geographical area that shares commercial and cultural ties with the Han Chinese, as well as in irredentism.

• United Kingdom - Country in Europe

  The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the north­western coast of the European mainland.

• Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran) - Country in the Middle East

  Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a

• Europe - Region in Europe

  Central Europe is the region comprising the central part of Europe. Central Europe occupies continuous territories that are otherwise sometimes considered parts of Western Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe.

• United States - Country in North America

  The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.