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1940s

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is born as the International Hotels Corporation on 4 April, 1946. International changes its name to InterContinental Hotels Corporation in 1947 to reflect its intention to develop around the world. In 1949, the first InterContinental hotel begins operating in Belém, Brazil.

Early expansion of the hotel brand develops along owner Pan American World Airway's routes in Latin America. InterContinental's first Caribbean properties are also inaugurated in the 1950s.

1960s

InterContinental opens its first hotels outside Latin America and becomes the first international hotel brand to establish a presence in the Middle East, Asia/Pacific and Africa. The group opens its first four hotels in Europe within a two-week period in 1963. The Six Continents Club, the industry's first global guest-recognition program debuts.

1970s

InterContinental breaks into the U.S. market, assuming operations for the Hotel Mark Hopkins in San Francisco (now InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco). InterContinental New York (now InterContinental The Barclay New York) was also added to the brand's U.S. portfolio late in the decade.

1980s

Pan American Airlines sells its interest in InterContinental. The new owners partner with Pan American Life insurance to build and open the 500-room InterContinental New Orleans. The InterContinental Miami and InterContinental The Willard Washington, D.C. are added to the collection.

1990s

InterContinental re-enters the Mexican market by signing a joint venture with Presidente Hotels, adding properties in Cancun, Cozumel, Mexico City, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa.

2000s

InterContinental continues plans to drive growth around the world with key focus on resorts and development in the United States.

2006

InterContinental launches Concierge Programme and Aston Martin Racing sponsorship.
InterContinental London Park Lane reopens after £76m refurbishment.
InterContinental opens first-ever hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

2007

InterContinental partners with National Geographic.
For the first time since 1959, Aston Martin has triumphed at the legendary 24-Heures du Mans in France, the world's most prestigious motor sport event.
InterContinental announces 'Insider Experiences.'