InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is this week celebrating its 75th anniversary since its inception in 1946.

Celebrating the milestone, the company reflected it has “inspired history” since its founding, serving as a meeting place for heads of state, an inspiring setting for world-changing speeches, and the impetus for some of the most famous love stories of all time.

“As we continue to open new doors, we will continue to push the boundaries of luxury travel through pioneering designs and unexpected locations to create immersive and iconic experiences for our guests,” it said.

The company was formed by Pan American World Airways, and its first opening was in 1949 in Brazil. Since then, it has expanded unrestrainedly, establishing hotels across the world, including in Malta, where its five-star St Julian’s outlet is hailed as one of the Mediterranean’s best.

Marking the international group’s anniversary with a video on social media, the local establishment said: “InterContinental marks their Diamond Anniversary of 75 years of pioneering luxury travel with a celebration of rich heritage, iconic hotels and exclusive experiences.”

As it heads into its 76th year, the group will be hoping to escape the spectre of COVID, which has severely harmed its revenues and business, decimating international travel.

Its outlook seems optimistic, and it is continuing expansion plans, recently launching its expansion strategy in Italy, as it opens three new hotels and signs a further two in 2021 – doubling the size of its premium and lifestyle portfolio in the region.

“These openings and signings illustrate IHG Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to growth in the region, with five hotels now in the development pipeline.”