Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 1.8%, reflecting the strength of the company's brands and operating model [5] - Adjusted EPS increased by 19%, supported by share buybacks [8][12] - EBIT increased by 13%, driven by margin accretion and positive operating leverage [8][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee business revenue increased by 7%, with operating profit up by 14% [10][11] - Fee margin grew by 390 basis points to 64.7% [11][20] - The company added over 31,000 rooms, achieving a gross system growth of 7.7% year over year [6][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the Americas grew by 1.4%, with occupancy up by 0.1 percentage points [13] - EMEAA RevPAR grew by 4.1%, with occupancy up by 0.8 percentage points [14] - Greater China experienced a RevPAR decline of 3.2%, with occupancy up by 0.3 percentage points [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue expanding its brand portfolio, having doubled the number of brands from 10 to 20 over the last decade [29] - Focus on enhancing hotel owner returns and increasing ancillary fee streams [28] - Continued investment in technology to optimize operations and enhance guest engagement [49][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver growth driven by high single-digit fee revenue growth and margin expansion [72] - The company anticipates returning over $1,100,000,000 to shareholders in 2025 [8][72] - Long-term structural growth drivers in Greater China remain strong, supported by technological innovation and a rising middle class [41] Other Important Information - The company declared an interim dividend of 58.6¢, consistent with a 10% growth rate over the past three years [8] - The share buyback program is expected to return over $1,100,000,000 to shareholders, equivalent to just under 6% of the company's market capitalization at the start of the year [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for future growth in EBITDA and cash generation? - The company expects to maintain leverage within the target range of 2.5 to 3 times net debt to EBITDA, with guidance remaining unchanged from previous communications [27] Question: How is the company addressing cost management? - The company has maintained a disciplined approach to cost management, resulting in a reduction of fee business overheads by 4.5% [20] Question: What is the outlook for the Ruby brand integration? - The second phase of the Ruby brand integration is expected to begin later this year, with plans to expand into new markets [34]

Financial Performance - H1 2025 global RevPAR increased by 1.8%[15], with ADR up by 1.4%[15] and occupancy up by 0.3%pts[15] - Fee margin increased by 3.9%pts to 64.7%[15], with TTM EBITDA reaching $1.259 billion, a 10% increase[15] - Adjusted EPS increased by 19% to 242.5¢[15], and free cash flow reached $302 million[15] - The interim dividend increased by 10% to 58.6¢[15] System Growth and Development - Gross system growth increased by 7.7% YOY, and net system growth increased by 5.4% YOY[15] - A record 31.4k rooms (207 hotels) were opened in H1, a 75% increase YOY[15] - Signings reached 51.2k rooms (324 hotels), a 15% increase YOY[15] - The pipeline consists of 338k rooms (2,276 hotels), representing 34% of the current system size[16] Capital Returns - $423 million (47%) of the $900 million share buyback program has been returned, representing 2.4% of the opening share count[15] - The company expects to return >$1.1 billion in 2025, representing 5.9% of the opening market cap[15] Strategic Priorities - Loyalty enrolments increased by 22% YOY in H1[102], with ~65% of room nights booked by members[102] - Co-brand fee revenue is on track to double by 2025 and more than triple by 2028[114] Regional Performance - Americas RevPAR increased by 1.4%[184], with a fee margin of 82.7%[184] - EMEAA RevPAR increased by 4.1%[188], with a fee margin of 65.8%[188] - Greater China RevPAR decreased by 3.2%[192], with a fee margin of 57.9%[192]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 1.8%, reflecting the strength of the company's brands and operating model [5] - Adjusted EPS increased by 19%, supported by share buybacks [8][13] - EBIT increased by 13%, driven by margin accretion from positive operating leverage and ancillary fees [8][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee business revenue increased by 7%, with operating profit up by 14% [11] - Fee margin grew by 390 basis points to 64.7% [12][21] - The company added over 31,000 rooms, achieving a gross system growth of 7.7% year over year [6][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the Americas grew by 1.4%, with occupancy up by 0.1 percentage points [14] - EMEAA RevPAR grew by 4.1%, with occupancy up by 0.8 percentage points [14] - In Greater China, RevPAR declined by 3.2%, with occupancy up by 0.3 percentage points [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue driving development activity across its brands and expand into priority growth geographies [30] - The brand portfolio has expanded from 10 to 20 brands over the last decade, capturing a wider customer base [31] - The company is focusing on enhancing hotel owner returns and increasing ancillary fee streams [30][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continuing to deliver on the growth algorithm, targeting high single-digit fee revenue growth and 12-15% adjusted EPS growth as a compound annual growth rate [75] - The company remains optimistic about long-term structural growth drivers in key markets, particularly in Greater China [42] Other Important Information - An interim dividend of 58.6¢ was declared, consistent with a 10% growth rate over the past three years [8] - The company is on track to return over $1,100,000,000 to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share buybacks [8][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for future growth in the U.S. and Greater China? - Management highlighted that the U.S. and Greater China account for 65% of system size and approximately 60% of the global pipeline, indicating significant future growth potential [39][40] Question: How is the company managing costs and improving margins? - The company has maintained a disciplined approach to cost management, resulting in a fee margin increase of 390 basis points [21][23] Question: What is the strategy for expanding the brand portfolio? - The company plans to continue diversifying its brand portfolio, with a focus on conversion-friendly brands and enhancing the luxury and lifestyle segments [31][38]

Core Insights - Crowne Plaza is adapting to the evolving needs of hybrid travelers, emphasizing flexibility and personal growth in travel experiences [1][4][5] - The brand's latest white paper highlights significant trends in blended travel, showcasing a shift towards integrating work and leisure for enhanced well-being and creativity [2][5][12] Market Trends - A YouGov survey of over 12,000 respondents indicates that 70% of participants in the U.A.E. and 65% in KSA perceive greater benefits in blended travel compared to five years ago [3][10] - The global blended travel market is projected to grow from USD 315 billion in 2022 to over USD 731 billion by 2032, indicating a robust demand for integrated travel experiences [8] Consumer Preferences - 40% of global respondents cite the desire to explore new destinations as the top motivator for combining work and leisure travel [5] - 35% of global respondents believe blended travel helps establish healthier routines and reduce stress, with this figure rising to 41% in the U.A.E. [5] Company Initiatives - Crowne Plaza is undergoing a global refresh, with over 60% of properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific expected to be renovated by the end of 2026 [8] - The brand is expanding its portfolio with 140 properties in the pipeline, aiming to increase its system size by over 35% [9] Design and Experience - The new hotel designs incorporate biophilic elements to enhance guest well-being, with features like double-deck infinity pools and versatile meeting spaces [5][6] - Crowne Plaza's Meetings & Events Concierge program is tailored to foster in-person connections, reflecting the growing importance of family and social interactions in travel [12]

Core Insights - Crowne Plaza by IHG has launched a new "Bring Your Bestie" package aimed at encouraging business travelers to invite friends or family on work trips, reflecting a shift towards blended travel experiences [1][2][5] Group 1: Market Trends - The rise of hybrid working has increased the flexibility between work and leisure, leading to a trend where 74% of U.S. travelers are open to inviting companions on work trips, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials [3][4] - Nearly 40% of U.S. travelers combine work and leisure travel specifically to spend quality time with family and friends, indicating a growing preference for meaningful in-person connections [3][4] Group 2: Benefits of Blended Travel - Traveling with a companion enhances enjoyment, supports a healthier work-life balance, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being, which can lead to increased productivity during work hours [4] - Companions allow for fuller exploration of destinations, creating opportunities for shared experiences and lasting memories [4] Group 3: New Offerings - The "Bring Your Bestie" package includes benefits such as complimentary breakfast for up to two guests and a signature drink per night, designed to enhance the travel experience [7][11] - The package allows for additional personal days before or after work trips, maximizing time spent together [8] Group 4: Consumer Insights - Key findings from a survey indicate that nearly 20% of U.S. respondents have invited a guest on a work trip without informing their employer, and 34% noted that company policies influenced their decision [6] - Over a third of respondents expressed hesitation to invite companions due to added costs, highlighting the need for more accessible travel options [6] Group 5: Future Developments - Crowne Plaza is set to introduce new guest experiences, including curated itineraries and social activities, aimed at fostering connections and enhancing the overall guest experience [17][20]