Maples Group Facilitates Expansion of Global Hospitality Company in the Caribbean
International law firm Maples and Calder, operating under Maples Group, recently played a pivotal role in advising IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG Group) as they expanded their presence in the Caribbean region. The focus of this advisory was on the licensing and onboarding of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, a strategic move by IHG Group to tap into the growing tourism market in the Cayman Islands.
Led by finance partner Wanda Ebanks, the Maples and Calder team, including corporate associates Jared Awe and Desmond Chisholm, and licensing administrator Lenny Verhoeven, worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition for IHG Group into the Cayman Islands. Ebanks expressed her excitement at being part of this venture, stating that the move signifies a significant milestone for IHG Group and reinforces the Cayman Islands’ position as a top tourist and financial services destination.
IHG Group boasts a global presence, with operations in over 100 countries and a diverse portfolio of hotel brands. The recent addition of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman marks the company’s foray into the Caribbean market, with the hotel offering 282 rooms on the Seven Mile Beach Corridor. This development not only enhances the tourism infrastructure in the Cayman Islands but also aligns with IHG Group’s expansion strategy in the Mexico, Latin America, and Caribbean (MLAC) region.
With five new openings in 2024 and an additional 23 properties in the pipeline, IHG Group is poised to strengthen its luxury and lifestyle offerings in MLAC. Leanne Harwood, Managing Director for Luxury and Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the growing demand for their brands in the region. From upscale retreats to boutique neighborhood settings, IHG Group aims to provide unique and memorable experiences for travelers across diverse destinations.
As IHG Group continues to broaden its footprint in the Caribbean and beyond, the collaboration with Maples Group highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving business growth in the hospitality sector. The successful onboarding of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman sets a positive precedent for future expansion endeavors, underscoring IHG Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences worldwide.
