Tourexpi
Marking
The Debut Of The Four Points Flex Brand In Asia Pacific, This Opening
Underscores The Company’s Strategic Growth In The Affordable Midscale Segment
Marriott
International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) reached a significant milestone in Japan
today with the opening of its 100th property in Japan - Four Points
Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda. This event also marks the inaugural debut of
the Four Points Flex by Sheraton brand in Asia Pacific excluding
China alongside global investment firm KKR, underscoring Marriott’s continued
commitment to the midscale segment.
This
milestone is further celebrated by the anticipated opening of twelve additional
Four Points Flex by Sheraton properties across Japan this year, which will also
mark the company’s entry to key cities such as Morioka and Kanazawa. In
collaboration with global investment firm KKR, this conversion-friendly
expansion is expected to see a total of 14 properties join the brand in Japan
through early 2025, adding over 3,600 rooms to Marriott’s growing portfolio
across prominent destinations including Hakodate, Utsunomiya, Yokohama, Nagoya,
Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Hakata.
In
these markets, Four Points Flex by Sheraton hotels are found in locations
within easy reach of public transit and city centers and offer guests traveling
for work or leisure a friendly and efficient stay. Designed for the
value-conscious consumer, the brand focuses on the fundamentals with principles
of reliability, simplicity and value in both the design and guest experience,
offering clean, comfortable rooms that include essential amenities,
complimentary Wi-Fi and a local breakfast option. The hotels will provide
guests with the genuine, welcoming service that Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of
brands is renowned for, delivering an effortless and relaxing experience at an
affordable price.
“We
are thrilled to announce the opening of our 100th property in Japan and
introduce the Four Points Flex by Sheraton brand to Asia Pacific through this
strategic transaction with KKR” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO,
Marriott International. “With 22 of our brands now present across 30
prefectures, Japan continues to be a dynamic growth market for us, making it
the perfect place to continue expanding in the affordable midscale segment. As
a world-renowned travel destination, Japan offers tremendous opportunities for
us to expand into new segments, catering to the evolving needs of both domestic
and international travelers.”
Kensuke
Kudo, Managing Director, Real Estate, at KKR, said, “As demand for midscale
hotels scales alongside rising international and domestic tourism in Japan, we
expect the need for high-quality and comfortable accommodation at great value
will continue to increase. We are pleased to collaborate with Marriott to bring
the Four Points Flex by Sheraton brand to Asia, adding to our hospitality
portfolio in Japan and globally. We look forward to leveraging our global real
estate investment and operational expertise and Marriott’s heritage in creating
outstanding hospitality experiences to deliver quality, affordable and
enjoyable hotel stays for travelers in Japan.”
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton is part of Marriott’s award-winning Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty
program, with over 219 million members worldwide. Members can earn points for
stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home
rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards.
With Marriott Bonvoy®, guests can enjoy seamless experiences, exclusive member
rates and access to unique experiences that enrich their travels, ensuring that
every stay is not just a visit, but a memorable journey.
As
part of a series of planned openings across Japan from now through early 2025,
the Four Points Flex by Sheraton properties expected to debut include:
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda (opened)
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Nagoya Station
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Shinsaibashi
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Kanazawa
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Shin Osaka
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Yokohama West
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Kobe Sannomiya
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Kitahama
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Utsunomiya
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Hakodate Station
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Morioka
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Honmachi
Four
Points Flex by Sheraton Fukuoka Hakata
Image
Credit: © Marriott International
The most interesting news
Jordi Hereu Inaugurates Parador de Molina de Aragón
The Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, has officially inaugurated the Parador de Molina de Aragón, marking a significant milestone in sustainable tourism and regional development.
Boeing and Qatar Airways Announce Record-Breaking Order for 210 Widebody Jets
Qatar Airways and Boeing have announced a historic agreement for up to 210 widebody airplanes, marking the largest widebody order for Boeing and the biggest order in Qatar Airways' history.
Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2027 Grand Voyages
Holland America Line has officially opened bookings for its two highly anticipated 2027 Grand Voyages: the 129-day Grand World Voyage aboard Volendam and the 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage aboard Zaandam, both departing in January 202
TÜRSAB Joins the WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the inclusion of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) as its newest Association Partner, strengthening global collaboration in the travel and tourism sector.
Emirates Elevates First Class Experience with New Enhancements
Emirates, the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, has unveiled new upgrades to its First Class ‘Fly Better’ experience.
WTTC Calls on Travel & Tourism Sector to Unite for Sustainable Fuel Expansion
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with global consultancy ICF, has unveiled a comprehensive framework to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: scaling up the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (S
WTTA Endorses Harry Theoharis for Secretary-General of UN Tourism
The Women in Transport and Tourism Association (WTTA) has officially announced its endorsement of Harry Theoharis for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism.
Thailand Welcomes 2,500-Strong Infinitus Incentive Group from China
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has successfully hosted over 2,500 delegates from Infinitus (China) as part of its Group Incentive Travel strategy targeting the Chinese market.
Candlewood Suites Makes European Debut with Opening in Berlin Charlottenburg
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with NOVUM Hospitality, has launched its midscale long-stay brand, Candlewood Suites, in Europe with the opening of Candlewood Suites Berlin Charlottenburg.
Thailand Tourism Forum 2025: A Vision for Sustainable and Future-Ready Travel
The Thailand Tourism Forum 2025, held on 7 May in Bangkok, gathered over 500 participants to discuss the future of Thai tourism under the theme “Navigating Global Tourism Trends: Strengthening Thailand’s Tourism Industry.”
Allianz Partners India: Travel Index 2025 Highlights Indian Travel Trends
Allianz Partners India has released the Allianz Travel Index 2025, revealing key insights into Indian travel preferences for the upcoming year.
Amadeus and BCD Travel Launch Cytric Easy for Microsoft Teams
Amadeus has partnered with BCD Travel to integrate Cytric Easy into Microsoft Teams, offering a seamless travel management solution for corporate travelers.
Radisson Hotel Group Expands in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Future Hospitality Summit 2025
Radisson Hotel Group, a global hospitality leader, is set to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia as it prepares for the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh.
NCL Launches Summer Season with Revitalized Ships and Dream Destinations
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has kicked off its summer cruise season with an array of bucket-list itineraries to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean aboard its newest and recently refurbished ships.
Thailand Launches ‘Year of Celebration’ to Boost Domestic Tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the "Mueang Na Tiew: Year of Celebration" campaign to promote domestic travel during the 2025 Green Season (June–September).
Pope Leo XIV's Planned Visit to Iznik to Boost Pilgrimage and Tourism
Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to visit Iznik, the historic city once known as Nicaea, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The visit is expected to transform Iznik into a global hub for pilgrimage and tourism.
Tru by Hilton Launches in Asia Pacific with 14 Hotels in Vietnam
Hilton has announced the debut of its mid-market brand, Tru by Hilton, in Asia Pacific with 14 new hotels opening in Vietnam throughout 2025.
Emirates Sets New Record in Baggage Handling Efficiency
Emirates has reported its busiest year for baggage handling, managing over 2.8 million bags per month between April 2024 and March 2025, averaging 100,000 bags per day.
Türkiye Promotes Tourism in TRNC with ‘Island Cyprus’ Campaign
Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting tourism in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through the newly launched "Island Cyprus" campaign.
Race for UN Tourism Secretary-General Intensifies Ahead of May Vote
The competition for the position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) is heating up as five candidates from diverse backgrounds vie for leadership from 2026 to 2029.
Radisson Hotel Group Leads Hospitality Expansion in Africa with Record Openings
Radisson Hotel Group has solidified its leadership in Africa’s hospitality sector, achieving the highest number of hotel openings on the continent, as reported in the W Hospitality Group’s 2024 “From Pipeline to Reality” report.
