IHG Expands Holiday Inn Presence in Japan with Two New Conversions

International

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new agreement with FET SYSTEM INC. to rebrand two existing properties as ANA Holiday Inn hotels, marking the first internationally branded hotels in Sanda and Tosu City.

The two properties—currently operating as The Celecton Premier Kobe Sanda Hotel and Hotel Bientos—will undergo comprehensive renovations before relaunching in 2026 as ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda (130 rooms) and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu (126 rooms), respectively. Both hotels will feature signature Holiday Inn elements, including the brand’s Open Lobby concept.

Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director of Japan & Micronesia for IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, commented:

“Building on our successful collaboration with FET SYSTEM INC. is a significant step in our growth strategy. With the addition of these two properties, we continue to offer guests trusted, international hospitality experiences—first with the upcoming ANA Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami, and now with new locations in Sanda and Tosu scheduled for 2026.

We’re seeing continued global demand for conversion opportunities, which accounted for about 60% of our openings and 40% of organic signings in Q1 of 2025.”

The two hotels will expand IHG’s Holiday Inn portfolio in Japan to 15 open and pipeline properties, and will become part of the brand’s global network of 1,241 open hotels and 273 in development.

Hiroshi Nakamura, President & CEO of FET SYSTEM INC., added:

“We are proud to deepen our partnership with IHG by introducing the Holiday Inn brand to Sanda and Tosu. These conversions represent a major step forward in bringing trusted international standards to new destinations and offer both local and international travelers a fresh hospitality experience. Given the reputation and scale of the Holiday Inn brand, it is the perfect fit for these markets.”

Located 40 kilometers north of Kobe, ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda is set amidst natural surroundings ideal for hiking, cycling, and golf. The hotel will also serve as a community hub with modern event spaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, situated in Saga Prefecture about 30 kilometers from Fukuoka City, is well-positioned to serve corporate guests due to the area’s strong industrial base. It is conveniently located five minutes from Tosu Station and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and local attractions.

IHG currently operates 54 hotels across 10 brands in Japan, with an additional 17 properties in the development pipeline, as part of its strategic expansion throughout the country.