FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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IHG offers free internet to 71mn members

IHG offers free internet to 71mn members

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced that it will be providing free internet to all its 71 million loyalty programme members across the globe, following a survey that nearly half of adults would choose not to stay in a hotel that charges fo

 

“In today’s fast-paced world, we know that travellers need to stay connected and free internet access is increasingly important.  I am proud that IHG is the first hotel company to offer free internet globally to all our loyalty programme members," said Richard Solomons, Chief Executive, IHG.
The free service will gradually start from July this year, for full access in early 2014.
The IHG Internet in Hotels Survey carried out by YouGov in March showed that 23 per cent of respondents said that free internet in rooms and throughout the hotel is the most important amenity when staying in a hotel for business, compared to 7 per cent who chose room service. Travellers from China placed the most importance on online connectivity with nearly half (47 per cent) listing it as the most important thing to them when staying in a hotel for business, followed by those from Russia (26 per cent), the US (23 per cent) and India (22 per cent).
Travellers from the UK (18 per cent) and the US (14 per cent) both listed paying for internet as the second most annoying thing when staying at a hotel after noisy guests (22 per cent and 24 per cent respectively).  Globally, more female respondents (14 per cent) say free internet throughout the hotel is most important to them when staying for leisure, compared to 2 per cent who listed having an in-room hairdryer.
IHG claims to be the first and only hotel group to offer free internet in all hotels to all loyalty programme members, globally - whether they stay the night or come in for a coffee or an impromptu meeting. 
“2013 marks 10 years since IHG became a standalone company. Whilst we are relatively young as a business, our brands, such as Holiday Inn and InterContinental, have a deep history and a powerful heritage and are instantly recognised by millions around the world," Solomons said.
IHG operates more than 4,600 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories, including over 10 properties in Thailand.
 
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