IHG on track to double its estate
IHG remains on track to double its estate in key priority market. Growth includes debuts for Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Garner brands.
The hotel group 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: “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. 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%.”
The hotel group has broadened its appeal to owners and guests in Japan over the past 12 months by strategically growing its portfolio across segments.
- The opening of Six Senses Kyoto marked the luxury brand’s market debut.
- IHG’s first collection brand, Vignette Collection, launched with 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.
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 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.”
