The 227-room hotel, owned, developed and managed by Pro-invest Group and currently operated by EVT Connect Hospitality, is centrally located in Queenstown, close to the lakefront and major tourist attractions. The conversion reflects IHG’s assessment that the property’s size, location and operational profile are better aligned with a premium offering.
Following a refurbishment programme, the hotel is scheduled to reopen as voco Queenstown in late 2026. Planned upgrades include enhanced meeting facilities, a new private dining room, an outdoor dining area, and the introduction of the Mozzarella & Co restaurant and bar. The enhancements are designed to expand the hotel’s appeal to both leisure and corporate travellers, while supporting stronger long-term commercial performance.
Once rebranded, voco Queenstown will join IHG’s growing premium footprint in New Zealand and be fully integrated into IHG’s global systems, including its distribution platforms, sales network and loyalty programme.
IHG Australasia and Pacific managing director Matt Tripolone described the move as a long-term strategic play. “This is a strategic repositioning of a great hotel into an even stronger proposition,” he said. “By working closely with Pro-invest Group and their operating partner EVT Connect Hospitality, we are aligning the right brand with the right asset, and the right location – taking a long-term view to support sustainable returns.”
He added that brand conversions remain a key part of IHG’s growth strategy. “Conversions like this demonstrate how we partner with owners to maximise value through brand strength, commercial capability and efficient execution,” Tripolone said.
Pro-invest Group founder and chairman Ronald Stephen Barrott FRICS said the Queenstown hotel was well placed for an upgrade in positioning. “This hotel has an established track record and an exceptional location in the Queenstown market,” he said. “Transitioning to voco allows us to reposition the asset for its next phase, leveraging IHG’s scale, systems and premium brand strength to support long-term performance.”
The announcement comes as IHG continues to expand its global portfolio through both new builds and conversions. In March 2025, the group revealed further growth across the UK and Ireland after securing agreements for eight additional hotels.