IHG Hotels & Resorts reported that, in the third quarter, revenue per available room (RevPAR) in the Americas was well ahead of 2019 levels, and RevPAR in the Europe/Middle East/Africa region was back to “broadly flat” against 2019 levels. Improvements in greater China, according to Keith Barr, CEO, reflected the lifting of some Covid-related travel restrictions and, while the potential for further lockdowns there continues, he said, “we are pleased with overall group momentum.” Against a backdrop of inflationary pressure in most economies around the world, said Barr, the strength of IHG’s brands was clear, with rates up 11% against 2019; business travel rates are up by 7%; group activity is also seeing rates move into positive territory against 2019 levels. Demand internationally has remained robust, said Barr, and more demand is still to return in a number of segments and countries. Despite lower levels of new hotel openings across the industry, according to Barr, IHG opened 51 properties and signed 89 more into its pipeline in the quarter. In the year to date, the company’s newer brands grew to represent 12% of signings, while conversions increased to be over 30% of openings. IHG now has 6,061 hotels and 888,000 rooms, with 67% across midscale segments and 33% across upscale and luxury.