InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), a global leader in the hospitality industry, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 6,000 hotels across 19 distinct brands. From luxury stays at InterContinental to comfortable accommodations at Holiday Inn, IHG caters to a wide range of travelers worldwide. Recognizing the vital role of travel agents, IHG offers exclusive “travel agent rates” designed to reward and empower these industry professionals. This guide delves into everything travel agents need to know about accessing and leveraging IHG’s travel agent programs to enhance their client offerings and maximize their benefits.
Accessing the IHG Travel Agent Portal
IHG provides a dedicated online portal exclusively for travel agents, offering a streamlined platform to book stays for clients, manage reservations efficiently, and unlock exclusive rates. The IHG Travel Agent Portal is your gateway to a world of benefits. Here’s how to navigate the login and registration process:
IHG Travel Agent Login: Step-by-Step Guide
For registered agents, logging in is a simple process:
- Navigate to the IHG Agent Portal: Open your web browser and go to https://www.ihgagent.com/. This is your primary access point for all things related to IHG travel agent benefits.
- Enter Your Credentials: Locate the login section, and enter your registered email address and password in the designated fields.
- Click “Login”: After entering your details, click the “Login” button to access your IHG Travel Agent Portal dashboard.
- Password Recovery: If you’ve forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot password” link. You’ll be prompted to enter your registered email address. Upon submission, you will receive a password reset link in your email inbox. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password.
IHG Travel Agent Login Portal Interface
IHG Travel Agent Registration: Getting Started
If you are a new travel agent and do not yet have an account, follow these steps to register:
- Visit the IHG Agent Portal: Go to https://www.ihgagent.com/ and look for the registration link, usually indicated as “Not registered yet?” or “Sign up.”
- Provide Personal Information: You will be directed to a registration form. Fill in the required details, starting with your full name and email address.
- Specify Location Details: Select your country of residence and then your region, province, or state from the dropdown menus.
- Enter Professional Title: Indicate your professional title as a travel agent.
- Accreditation Details: Choose the type of your travel accreditation (e.g., IATA, ARC) and enter your accreditation number in the provided box.
- Validate Accreditation: Click on the “Validate” button. The system will attempt to verify your accreditation. If automatic validation is not possible, you may still be able to proceed with registration.
- IHG One Rewards Number (Optional): Enter your IHG One Rewards number if you are already a member. Click “Validate” to link your accounts.
- Accept Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the terms and conditions. It is highly recommended to read these to understand the program guidelines and avoid any future misunderstandings. Check the box to confirm your agreement.
- Complete Sign Up: Click the “Sign Up” button to finalize your registration.
- Email Verification: You will receive a verification email at the address you provided. Click on the verification link in the email to activate your IHG Travel Agent Portal account. Once verified, you can log in and start making bookings for your clients.
Booking IHG Hotels with Travel Agent Rates
The IHG website offers a user-friendly booking system that allows travel agents to easily find and book hotels at exclusive rates. By using the IHG Travel Agent Portal, you can access these special rates and manage bookings efficiently.
How to Book: Step-by-Step Guide on IHG Website
- Go to the IHG Homepage: Start by visiting the main IHG website: https://www.ihg.com/.
- Enter Destination: In the booking widget, enter the destination for your client’s stay, including the city or specific address if known.
- Select Dates: Choose the check-in and check-out dates for the hotel stay.
- Specify Number of Guests: Indicate the number of adults and children who will be staying in the room.
- Choose Rate Preference: Crucially, look for a “Rate Preference” or similar dropdown menu. Select the option that specifies “Travel Agent Rates,” “Travel Consultant Discount,” or similar wording to ensure you are viewing and booking eligible rates.
- Initiate Search: Click the “Search” button to proceed.
- Review Hotel Listings: The website will display a list of available IHG hotels in the chosen destination, along with their per-night prices and amenities.
- Select a Hotel: Browse the options and select the hotel that best meets your client’s needs and preferences.
- Choose a Room Type: Within the selected hotel page, explore the available room types and select the desired option.
- Complete Payment: Proceed to the payment stage to finalize the booking. Ensure you review all booking details and policies before confirming the reservation.
IHG Hotel Booking Interface Example
Understanding IHG Travel Agent Commission
IHG values the partnerships with travel agents and offers competitive commission structures. Typically, the standard commission for bookings made through the IHG Luxury and Lifestyle program is set at 10%. IHG is committed to strengthening these partnerships and may introduce special, higher commission offers on select luxury and lifestyle properties periodically.
Commission payments are managed through IHG Commission Services. If you encounter any issues accessing your commission information or have payment-related inquiries, you can reach out to IHG Commission Services directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1 800 238 0270
IHG Travel Agent Training Program
To equip travel agents with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively sell IHG properties, IHG provides a comprehensive training program. This program is designed to enhance your understanding of IHG brands, familiarize you with current incentives and promotional offers, and keep you informed about new hotel openings and developments within the IHG network.
The IHG Travel Agent Training program is conveniently integrated into the IHG Agent Portal (https://www.ihgagent.com/). If you have a registered account, simply log in and navigate to the training section to access the modules.
This certified course, recognized by the Travel Institute, is approximately five hours in duration. The curriculum is rich in valuable information, covering:
- IHG Brand Portfolio: Detailed insights into each of IHG’s brands.
- IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program: Comprehensive understanding of the benefits and structure of the IHG loyalty program.
- Brand Overviews: In-depth looks at key IHG brands, such as InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
The IHG training program is an invaluable resource, providing you with essential information on discounted rates, commission processes, GDS (Global Distribution System) format guides, descriptions of frequently booked IHG rates, and dedicated customer service contact details specifically for travel agents.
IHG Travel Agent Rewards and Elite Status
IHG recognizes and rewards loyal travel agents through the IHG One Rewards program. As an IHG One Rewards member, you can accumulate points on your personal stays and enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Reward Nights: Earn points redeemable for free nights at IHG hotels worldwide.
- No Blackout Dates: Enjoy flexibility when redeeming reward nights, with no blackout dates to restrict your travel plans.
- Member Rates & Offers: Access exclusive member-only rates and promotional offers.
- Free Internet: Complimentary internet access during your stays.
- Late Check-Out: Enjoy the convenience of late check-out (subject to availability).
The IHG One Rewards program features five distinct tiers, each offering increasing levels of benefits:
- Club Member: Entry-level membership, allowing you to earn reward nights and enjoy no blackout dates.
- Silver Elite: Achieved with 10 qualified nights, offering 20% bonus points, points that don’t expire, and reward night earnings.
- Gold Elite: Reached with 20 qualified nights, providing 40% bonus points, rollover nights for maintaining status, and all Silver Elite benefits.
- Platinum Elite: Attained with 40 qualified nights, granting 60% bonus points, and all Gold Elite benefits.
- Diamond Elite: The highest tier, requiring 70 qualified nights, offering 100% bonus points, dedicated Diamond support, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and all Platinum Elite benefits.
Maximizing IHG Travel Agent Discounts
Travel agents are eligible for significant discounts at IHG hotels, with reported discounts reaching up to 40%. While the exact discount may vary by hotel and availability, even at the lower end, agents can typically secure savings starting from around 9%.
To access these discounted rates, always select the “Travel Consultant Discount Rates” option when booking through the IHG portal or website. It is crucial to be aware of the eligibility requirements:
- Valid Travel Agent ID: You must possess a valid IATA (International Air Transport Association) ID or a recognized travel agent ID card.
- ID Verification at Check-In: Be prepared to present your valid ID at check-in. Failure to provide valid identification may result in the discount being revoked and the rate adjusted to the standard rate.
- Advance Booking: Book your discounted rate room at least one day prior to the check-in date.
- Agent Presence: For bookings involving multiple rooms at the travel agent rate, the travel agent must be present and staying at the hotel.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth booking process and allows you to consistently leverage IHG travel agent discounts.
IHG Travel Agent Support and Contact Information
IHG provides comprehensive support resources for travel agents. For immediate assistance and answers to frequently asked questions, you can visit the IHG Travel Agent Help section online: https://www.ihgagent.com/s/get-help.
This section includes a comprehensive FAQ and a form to submit specific inquiries for personalized support.
For GDS-related issues and inquiries, IHG has a dedicated Travel Agent GDS Service:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1 800-635-7001 or 1 – 770-604-2001
For general customer care and phone support, IHG offers various contact numbers based on region. You can find a complete list and additional contact details on the IHG website: https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/customer-care/contact-us.html.
For your convenience, here are some key phone numbers:
- General Customer Care: 0800 022 2822
- United States and Canada: 1-888-211-9874
- Europe, Middle East and Africa (Universal International Free phone): +800 2222 7172 (or 00800 2222 7172 in many countries)
- Central and South America (English): +52 33 4777 2025
- Central and South America (Spanish): +52 33 4777 2023
- Asia/Pacific (Universal International Free phone): +800 2222 7172
Conclusion
IHG Hotels & Resorts is committed to supporting and rewarding its travel agent partners. By leveraging the IHG Travel Agent Portal, understanding the commission structure, participating in training programs, and utilizing available discounts and support resources, travel agents can significantly enhance their service offerings and provide exceptional value to their clients booking IHG properties. Take advantage of these exclusive IHG travel agent rates and programs to elevate your travel business and strengthen your partnership with a leading global hotel group.
