IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed two Holiday Inn hotels in regional Australia, with La Vie Hotels & Resorts set to operate both properties. The agreements cover a conversion and expansion in Tamworth, New South Wales, and a new development in Rockhampton, Queensland, together accounting for 190 rooms.
Sydney, 4 November 2026. The signings extend the partnership between IHG and La Vie across two markets serving business, leisure and events travellers.
Tamworth conversion will expand to 90 rooms
Holiday Inn Tamworth will replace the existing 60-room Best Western Sanctuary Inn following refurbishment of its bedrooms, reception and restaurant, scheduled for completion in 2027. A further 30 rooms are planned by 2029, taking the property to 90 rooms.
Rockhampton plans include 40 suites
The new-build Holiday Inn & Suites Rockhampton will have 100 rooms, including 40 one- and two-bedroom suites. Planned facilities include 350 square metres of conference and events space, a function room seating 100 people and an outdoor pool.
The property will form part of a mixed-use precinct. IHG has not specified its opening date in the announcement.
A regional operating brief for La Vie
La Vie founder and chief executive Jerry Xu said the two locations require an understanding of their individual markets. IHG’s Australasia and Pacific managing director Matt Tripolone highlighted the role of the group’s distribution, sales and loyalty channels once the hotels begin trading.
For hotel teams, the distinction is practical: Tamworth involves preparing an existing operation for a new brand and later expansion, while Rockhampton involves opening a new hotel. Staffing plans, recruitment dates and employment numbers have not been announced. The signings should therefore be read as development commitments rather than completed openings or confirmed job creation.
Related reading: Worldwide Hotels acquires Holiday Inn West Perth.
Sources
- IHG Hotels & Resorts: official announcement, 4 November 2026
- The Hotel Conversation: original LinkedIn report
Image: proposed Holiday Inn Tamworth, supplied by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
