IHG Hotels and Resorts Partners With Pro-invest Group to Convert Holiday Inn Express Queenstown into Voco Queenstown, Repositioning it Within a Premium Portfolio

IHG Hotels and Resorts Partners With Pro-invest Group to Convert Holiday Inn Express Queenstown into Voco Queenstown, Repositioning it Within a Premium Portfolio

IHG Hotels and Resorts Partners With Pro-invest Group to Convert Holiday Inn Express Queenstown into Voco Queenstown, Repositioning it Within a Premium Portfolio

IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced the conversion of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown into voco Queenstown, in partnership with Pro-invest Group, the asset owner, developer, and manager. This is a big step in the hotel’s repositioning as part of its parent, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and is a strategic boost to its market appeal in the competitive Queenstown hospitality sector.

The property, given its location, within an attractive tourist hub, is likely to benefit from the premium brand on offer, thereafter contributing to the growth of New Zealand’s hospitality sector, driven by the ever-increasing demand for quality facilities.

Prime Location and Refurbishment Enhancements for Growth

The 227-room hotel, operated by EVT Connect Hospitality, is situated in the heart of Queenstown, within walking distance of the lakefront and key dining, retail, and tourism precincts. This prime location makes it an ideal candidate for repositioning as a premium hotel, aligning the asset’s scale and performance with the elevated expectations of guests looking for top-tier experiences. The refurbishment set to take place before the hotel reopens as voco Queenstown in 2026 will include the upgrade of meeting spaces, the addition of a Private Dining Room, and new outdoor dining areas and a restaurant, Mozzarella & Co.

These enhancements are not only designed to elevate the guest experience but also to expand the property’s appeal to both leisure and corporate travelers. By improving its commercial mix, the hotel will be positioned to contribute to sustained long-term growth in Queenstown’s highly competitive hospitality landscape. The investment in upgraded facilities is aligned with broader hospitality growth trends, which emphasize the need for properties to cater to diverse guest needs while maintaining high standards of service and design.

Strategic Repositioning to Unlock Long-Term Value

Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia & Pacific, explained that the conversion reflects IHG’s strategic approach to working with asset owners to unlock long-term value. “This is a strategic repositioning of a great hotel into an even stronger proposition,” said Tripolone. “By working closely with Pro-invest Group and EVT Connect Hospitality, we are aligning the right brand with the right asset and location—taking a long-term view to support sustainable returns.”

This conversion is a part of IHG’s broader hospitality growth strategy, which includes adapting to the evolving market dynamics and increasing demand for premium experiences. Conversions like these allow IHG to partner with owners to maximize asset value through brand strength, commercial capabilities, and efficient execution. It also provides a prime example of how strategic repositioning within the hospitality sector can help properties reach their full potential while staying aligned with broader industry trends.

Hospitality Growth in Queenstown: A Key Destination for Investment

Queenstown continues to be one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations, with a well-established international profile and a strong year-round visitation trend. The hospitality sector in Queenstown has witnessed consistent growth, driven by both domestic and international travelers seeking high-quality accommodations. The conversion of Holiday Inn Express Queenstown into voco Queenstown reflects the region’s growing demand for premium hospitality offerings. Queenstown is not only a popular leisure destination but is also gaining increasing prominence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market, with its stunning natural scenery and well-equipped venues drawing corporate travelers.

The region’s strong demand for high-quality, well-located hotels means that investments in properties like voco Queenstown contribute to the overall growth of the local hospitality market. By offering a premium experience, the newly converted hotel aims to support tourism expansion while catering to the evolving preferences of modern travelers, who increasingly prioritize luxury, comfort, and unique experiences.

Leveraging IHG’s Premium Platform for Hospitality Growth

Ronald Stephen Barrott FRICS, Founder & Chairman of Pro-invest Group, expressed confidence in the conversion and the voco brand’s premium platform. “This hotel has an established track record and an exceptional location in the Queenstown market,” Barrott said. “Transitioning to voco allows us to reposition the asset for its next phase, leveraging IHG’s scale, systems, and premium brand strength to support long-term performance.”

By aligning with IHG’s premium portfolio, voco Queenstown benefits from access to IHG’s global distribution system, enhanced sales capabilities, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, further positioning the hotel as a key player in New Zealand’s premium hospitality market. This integration into IHG’s enterprise platform ensures that the hotel not only gains visibility but also increases its competitive edge within the hospitality sector, particularly in Queenstown, which continues to see rising demand for luxury travel and corporate events.

Future of Hospitality Growth in Queenstown and Beyond

The conversion of voco Queenstown is a strategic move that aligns with both IHG’s and Pro-invest Group’s vision for future hospitality growth. As global tourism demand continues to rebound post-pandemic, there is a growing need for quality accommodations that offer premium experiences in key destinations like Queenstown. The success of this conversion is expected to set the tone for further growth in the New Zealand hospitality market, with more hotels transitioning into premium brands to meet the demands of both leisure and business travelers.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, voco Queenstown serves as an example of how property investments and strategic brand repositioning can unlock new opportunities for long-term growth and profitability. The property’s enhanced facilities, paired with IHG’s global network, will enable it to capitalize on Queenstown’s booming tourism sector, which remains a standout market in the Pacific region.

A Key Milestone in Hospitality Growth

Having Holiday Inn Express Queenstown be rebranded as voco Queenstown surely secures some important milestones in the commitment of IHG towards expanding its share of premium hospitality. This thus serves to indicate a growing demand for accommodation at luxury venues in top tourist destinations and how strategic positioning could unlock long-term value in the hospitality sector.

With Queenstown continuing to prove itself as a major hot spot for international travelers, voco Queenstown will have the important function of supporting the city’s growth in hospitality by offering premium experiences that cater to the growing needs of leisure and corporate guests alike. The conversion strengthens IHG’s presence not only in New Zealand but also showcases potential for ongoing premium hospitality market growth across the globe.

Image Source: IHG

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