IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Garner Hotel Jagdalpur, marking the debut of the Garner brand in Chhattisgarh. The 117-key hotel will be developed by Freedom Hospitality and managed by United Hospitality Management.
Garner expands India footprint
Garner, IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, is positioned in the essentials segment with a focus on quality stays at accessible price points. The brand is designed to cater to value-conscious travellers looking for dependable comfort backed by IHG’s global systems and loyalty ecosystem.
The signing underlines IHG’s growing focus on expanding Garner across India’s emerging business and leisure destinations through an asset-light and conversion-friendly model.
Jagdalpur emerges as a hospitality growth market
Located in Jagdalpur in the Bastar region, the hotel is expected to open in 2029. The city is witnessing rapid economic activity driven by infrastructure development, mining operations and the expansion of small and medium enterprises.
Industry observers believe improving connectivity and government-led development initiatives are creating fresh demand for organised hospitality in the region, particularly for branded midscale hotels.
IHG bets on emerging cities
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, South West Asia Sudeep Jain said Garner’s growth trajectory in India remains strong as the company expands into high-potential emerging markets. He added that the partnership with United Hospitality Management strengthens IHG’s ability to scale the brand in such markets.
According to Jain, Jagdalpur represents an important gateway into Chhattisgarh’s developing Bastar region, where economic diversification and infrastructure investments are opening up opportunities for quality accommodation. He noted that Garner’s flexible operating model combined with UHM’s local operational expertise will help unlock long-term value for hotel owners.
UHM sees strong demand for branded stays
United Hospitality Management (UHM) Managing Director Deepika Arora said Garner’s scalable and conversion-friendly model is well suited for emerging markets. She added that the company aims to build high-performing hotels that align with the evolving preferences of value-conscious travellers while also optimising asset performance for owners.
Developers eye long-term potential
Freedom Hospitality Managing Partner Bakhtyaar Khan said the region’s evolving economic landscape and growing need for quality accommodation make Jagdalpur an attractive hospitality opportunity. He expressed confidence that the hotel would emerge as a preferred choice for travellers while generating strong returns.
India expansion strategy gathers pace
The Jagdalpur signing reflects IHG’s broader strategy to deepen its presence across India’s fast-growing secondary and tertiary cities, where demand for branded hospitality continues to outpace supply. With Garner gaining traction in the midscale segment, the company is looking to tap rising domestic travel and business movement across emerging economic hubs.