IHG CEO Elie Maalouf told Bloomberg's Romaine Bostick and Katie Greifeld that InterContinental Hotels Group is experiencing positive travel trends across Europe and the Middle East. The company's financial performance in 2025 has exceeded expectations, positioning IHG for continued growth.

Maalouf highlighted that the upcoming World Cup presents a significant opportunity for the hospitality giant. The tournament's timing adds to IHG's optimism for 2026, as the company has made strategic preparations to capitalize on the influx of international visitors.

This positive outlook reflects broader recovery patterns in the travel sector, with InterContinental Hotels Group leveraging its premium brand portfolio to capture increased demand. The CEO's comments suggest confidence in both regional economic conditions and the company's operational readiness for major global events.