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IHG Hotels & Resorts hits 50 open hotels milestone in Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the
world’s leading hotel companies, has passed 50 open properties in Japan – where
it remains on track to double its estate following market debuts by three
brands.
This
major growth milestone was celebrated during the recent visit of IHG’s Chief
Executive Officer Elie Maalouf to Tokyo.
Maalouf
joined owners, partners and colleagues to mark a successful 2024 for IHG in
Japan, where the business introduced its Six Senses, Vignette Collection and
Garner brands as the country set a record by attracting more than 36 million
international arrivals.
Abhijay
Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels
& Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: “It’s been wonderful to
celebrate passing 50 open hotels in Japan, which is a significant milestone for
IHG. Debuting three new brands in this vibrant market last year demonstrates
the great growth momentum we’re building here, and we remain on track to double
our estate in the country in the next few years.”
IHG
has broadened its appeal to owners and guests in Japan over the past 12 months
by strategically growing its portfolio across segments to provide more choice
and amazing experiences than ever before.
The
opening of Six Senses Kyoto marked the luxury brand’s market debut
and instantly proved an exciting addition to its flourishing urban collection.
IHG’s
first collection brand, Vignette Collection, launched with iconic hotels
RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka and The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa joining the
IHG system.
Most
recently, new midscale conversion brand Garner welcomed guests in
Japan with three hotels in Osaka.
Sandilya
continued: “We’re delighted to be growing across our brand portfolio in
Japan, which is a priority market for IHG. While new-build properties remain
fundamental to our growth, we’re also seizing the great opportunity in the
country’s conversion space where international brands only represent 5% of
hotels, far lower than the global average of close to 20-25%.
“We
have developed the brands, enterprise platform and capabilities needed to
successfully attract conversion opportunities and open hotels in quick time,
generating increased revenue for owners.”
Japan’s
status as an international hotspot looks set to continue with JTB forecasting
another record year for international arrivals in 2025, which are set to reach
40.2m. Domestic travel in the country is also expected to grow, with JTB
projecting an increase of 2.7% to 305 million travellers.
Sandilya
added: “The rises in demand by international and domestic travellers are
directly supporting our growth ambition in Japan. The recent launch of our
newest brand, Garner, a mid-scale conversion brand, is a big opportunity for
us, given the size of the country’s midscale market.
“Also,
we’re set to celebrate more notable growth milestones this year, including the
return of our powerhouse midscale brand, Holiday Inn, to Tokyo and Kyoto. It
will be a special moment when Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo welcomes guests as Kyoto
was the brand’s first destination outside of the Americas when it opened in the
1970s.
“In
2025, we’ll continue to expand our extensive footprint of ANA Crowne Plaza
hotels to new destinations including Okinawa, while the world’s first and
largest international luxury brand, InterContinental, will open for the first
time in Sapporo.
“So,
all in all, 2025 is going to be another landmark year for IHG in Japan
following our 60th anniversary celebrations in the country last year.”
Image
Credit: © IHG Hotels
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