IHG expands in Japan with 50+ openings, plans to double presence with new brands

JAPAN – IHG Hotels & Resorts, a renowned hospitality powerhouse, has opened over 50 properties in Japan while advancing its bold strategy to double its market presence by launching three new brands.

Over the past year, IHG expanded its presence in Japan by diversifying its portfolio across multiple segments, thereby offering property owners and guests a broader range of options and exceptional experiences.

The introduction of Six Senses Kyoto marked the luxury brand’s debut in the market and quickly emerged as a highlight within its thriving urban collection.

In addition, IHG launched its inaugural collection brand, the Vignette Collection, which welcomed prestigious properties such as the RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka and The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa into its network.

More recently, the midscale conversion brand Garner made its debut in Japan with the opening of three new properties in Osaka, further underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation in the region.

This series of brand launches was underscored during a recent visit to Tokyo by IHG’s CEO, Elie Maalouf, who met with owners, partners, and team members to celebrate what was described as a remarkable year for IHG in Japan during 2024.

Maalouf noted that surpassing 50 open hotels in Japan represented a significant milestone and indicated that the introduction of three new brands demonstrated the strong growth momentum being built, with plans to double the estate in the country in the coming years.

Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director for IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, commented that the expansion across the brand portfolio highlighted Japan as a priority market.

He explained that while new-build properties remain fundamental to growth, the company is also capitalizing on the conversion segment, where international brands account for only 5 percent of hotels, far below the global average of nearly 20 to 25 percent.

With Japan having welcomed over 36 million international visitors in 2024 and projections of reaching 40.2 million in 2025, alongside an anticipated 2.7% increase in domestic tourism, Sandilya also mentioned plans to celebrate additional growth milestones, including the return of the Holiday Inn brand to Tokyo and Kyoto, commemorating its historic debut in Kyoto during the 1970s.

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