Intercontinental, the world’s largest hotel chain and owner, has reported a six percent gain in the first half of the year. The operation profits for the six months to June 30, have soared from $269m in the same period in 2011, to $286m. The results exceeded market expectations.

The company is now planning a $1bn return to shareholders in the form of a special dividend at the end of the year. It will also offer a $500m share buyback opportunity.

“We have delivered good results in the first half with revenue per room growth from all regions, through gains in both occupancy and rate,” said chief executive Richard Solomons.

The unparalleled growth comes as demand soars in expanding markets, including the Greater China region. The company has announced that the region will account for around 30 percent of its growth in the next five years. Revenue in China grew by 17 percent, compared to six percent in Europe and a slight drop in the US.

Intercontinental is the name behind chains such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza and is present in over 65 countries. Stocks gained around 58 percent in the past year in London, the second most successful performance in the FTSE 350 Travel and Leisure Index, coming behind EasyJet, which gained 70 percent.