hotel July 31, 2026

Holiday Inn Express Debuts New China Travel Campaign

Holiday Inn Express is launching a new travel campaign in China that uses celebrity partnerships to promote a 'Recharge & Restart' lifestyle.

Holiday Inn Express Debuts New China Travel Campaign

Holiday Inn Express has launched a new travel campaign in China to promote a “Recharge & Restart” lifestyle to leisure travelers.

Celebrity Partnerships and Media Integration

The brand uses celebrity influence and entertainment tie-ins to reach travelers who want quick, restorative breaks.

Core Concept: The “Recharge & Restart” theme focuses on short, efficient trips to reset.
Celebrity Partnership: IHG is working with a prominent Chinese celebrity to represent the new travel ethos.
Media Integration: The initiative includes a partnership with an upcoming comedy film.

Market Competition and Loyalty Value

This marketing push puts Holiday Inn Express in direct competition with mid-scale brands like Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn. Through pop culture and film, IHG moves the brand beyond its reputation as a utilitarian choice for business travelers. This shift targets leisure travelers who want reliable, budget-friendly options for weekend getaways. The “Recharge & Restart” concept appeals to people who need a short break from urban routines without the complexity of a long vacation.

For those booking these trips, the IHG One Rewards program has advantages over its competitors. While points are generally valued at 0.5 to 0.6 cents, the program has better award redemption terms than Marriott or Hilton. For instance, IHG includes a 4th night free on award stays, while competitors typically require a five-night stay to get the fourth night free.

If you use Free Night Certificates earned through Chase co-branded credit cards, you can use unlimited point top-offs. Marriott caps certificate top-offs at 25,000 points. You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio to accumulate points for short stays. This helps travelers maximize the value of flexible credit card points.

Travelers looking for a quick reset can browse themed packages and availability via the IHG website or mobile app.

Learn more in our Guide to IHG One Rewards.