IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces IHG Business Edge program for the MSME sector

New Delhi, November 10, 2021: In line with its vision to recognize and reward the swiftly burgeoning MSME sector in India, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced its collaboration with MSME Business Forum India to offer IHG Business Edge program. A global business-to-business program designed specifically for the small-to-medium enterprise (SME), IHG Business Edge empowers SME customers with valuable resources to help them make the best decisions for their businesses. It provides a centralized portal with tailored content, insights about a customer’s travel spend, and the ability to network with businesses mirroring the MSME segment.

As part of its domestic activation strategy in India, IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to offer the IHG Business Edge solution to the MSME Business Forum as a ‘Simple Travel Solution’ that will allow MSME’s and their employees autonomy, recognition and IHG rewards benefits across the globe. The announcement was made during an exclusive event attended by Mr. Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director Of Development & Board Member, MSME Business Forum India; Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, Area General Manager - North, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Ms. Ananya Sinha, Director Commercial South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and entrepreneurs from SMEs along with the other guests.

Sharing his views on the association, Mr. Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director Of Development & Board Member, MSME Business Forum India said, “Contributing 8% to GDP, 45% to the industrial output and 40% to exports through more than 57.7 million enterprises, MSME segment is the real backbone of the Indian economy. We are committed to leverage our network hub of erstwhile corporate executives, investors, and industry experts to enhance profitability for MSME and SME sector. As a key step in this direction, we are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts and are positive that the IHG Business Edge Program will help strengthen our efforts to drive long-term growth of MSME sector through bespoke solutions.”

IHG Business Edge program special offer for its registered members includes:

• 10% rate benefit on the Best Available Rate across all participating hotels globally
• 15% rate benefit on the Best Available Rate across all Holiday Inn Express hotels (In India only)
• Members automatically get upgraded to the ‘Gold Elite’ loyalty tier after their first stay and can use their corporate ID to get discounted booking rates for their personal travels as well

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “As per the ‘MSME at a Glance’ Report of the Ministry of MSMEs, the sector consists of 36 million units and provides employment to over 80 million individuals. Hence, creation of a holistic ecosystem for sustainable growth of MSMEs will play a crucial role in accelerating the economic development of the country. Our IHG Business Edge program aims to provide them a smarter way to manage travel. The dedicated portal consolidates data and content to serve as a one-stop-shop for flexible booking, loyalty upgrade, and provides guaranteed discount across all our participating hotels globally for business or personal travel.”

IHG Business Edge empowers the small and midsize enterprises by offering a perfect travel solution that would help them take their business to the next level.

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