Despite headwinds, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC saw its global revenue per available room increase by 4.4% year-on-year in the first quarter. Strong demand during the Lunar New Year holiday and a recovery in business travel helped accelerate revenue growth in Greater China to 5.7%.

The UK-based hotel group, which operates brands such as Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, released quarterly figures showing occupancy rates rose 1.5% compared to the same period last year, while average daily rates increased by 2%.

In the Americas, room revenue grew 3.6%, largely driven by performance in the United States. Although conflict in the Middle East has negatively impacted local operations since late February, overall room revenue across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia still climbed 5.6% year-on-year.

Greater China's room revenue growth accelerated to 5.7% this quarter, following a return to growth in the previous quarter, supported by holiday travel demand and a steady rebound in corporate travel.

InterContinental CEO Elie Maalou stated, "While it is still early in the year, based on our strong operational performance so far, we are confident in achieving full-year revenue and profit growth in line with market expectations."