IHG has a rich heritage and history of innovation1777 - The origin of IHG can be traced back to 1777 when William Bass established a brewery in Burton-on-Trent, UK 1876 - The Bass Red Triangle is the first trademark to be registred in the UK1946 - Pan American World Airways opens the first InterContinental Hotel in Belem, Brazil1952 - The first Holiday Inn is opened in Memphis, Tennessee by Kemmons Wilson 1954 - Holiday Inn is the first hotel brand to franchise1958 - Grace Kelly and Prince Albert of Monaco first meet at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes1963 - Martin Luther King finishes his I have a dream speech at the InterContinental Carlton Willard 1965 - Holiday Inn is the first hotel brand to launch a computerised reservation system, HOLIDEX1983 - Holiday Inn launches worlds first hotel loyalty programme previously known as Priority Club Rewards1984 - Holiday Inn is the first international hotel brand to open in China with Holiday Inn Lido Beijing1991 - Holiday Inn Express opens its doors it is now one of the largest hotel brands in the world , opening hotels at a rate of two per week1995 - Candlewood Suites is founded and is the first hotel to offer free guest laundry1997 - Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn is launched for long stay travelers in the Americas and becomes the fastest growing brand of its type2004 - IHG introduces the first branded boutique hotel, Hotel IndigoCrowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts introduces Sleep Advantage, an industry leading, holistic sleep program2006 - The first IHG Academy was launched, providing local people with skills development and employment opportunities in the hospitality industryIHG signs joint venture with All Nipon Airways (ANA) resulting in the largest international hotel operator in Japan2009 - Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express become the first official hotel provider for the London 2012 Olympic GamesIHG launches IHG Green Engage , an online system to help manage energy consumption more effectively2011- Official launch of IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme , wlich helps our hotels support guests, colleagues and local communities in times of need2012 - IHG launches Even Hotels, the first mainstream holistic wellness hotel brand

IHG unveils the first upscale international hotel brand designed with the Chinese traveller in mind , HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts

Holiday Inn wins the Best Mid Market Hotel Brand in the World and Asia Pacific by readers of Business Traveller for 12th successive year.2013 - Holiday Inn ranks Highest in Guest Satisfaction among mid-scale full service hotel chains in the US , for the third year in a row

IHG ranks third in the prestigious Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For

IHG Rewards Club launches. Now with 74 million members worldwide it is the worlds largest hotel loyalty programme

IHG becomes the first in the industry to commit to free guest Internet for all loyalty members worldwide.

With over 4,600 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories,the scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means we have a hotel to meet our guestsneeds,whatever the occasion.