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IHG’s Strategic Expansion in Japan: Surpassing 50 Hotels and Debuting Three New Brands – Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts has hit a significant growth milestone in Japan, opening 50 properties. The company’s expansion includes the debut of three brands, Six Senses, Vignette Collection, and Garner, in a market with 36 million international arrivals.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has surpassed the 50-hotel milestone in Japan. This development is part of the firm’s strategic expansion plan, including the debut of three new brands. The company continues on its path to double its estate in this key priority market in the coming years.
IHG’s CEO, Elie Maalouf, celebrated this growth milestone during a Tokyo visit. The occasion marked a successful year for the company in Japan, where it launched its Six Senses, Vignette Collection, and Garner brands. Notably, Japan set a record in 2024 by attracting more than 36 million international arrivals.
Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, expressed his delight at this remarkable achievement. He emphasized the company’s strategic growth momentum in Japan, which had successfully introduced three new brands in 2024.
In the past year, IHG has strategically expanded its portfolio to offer more choices and experiences to its guests. For instance, Six Senses Kyoto’s opening marked the luxury brand’s debut in the market and was an instant success. Additionally, the company launched its first collection brand, the Vignette Collection, with iconic hotels RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka and The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa joining the IHG system. Most recently, the new midscale conversion brand, Garner, welcomed guests in Japan with three hotels in Osaka.
Sandilya highlighted Japan’s importance as a priority market for IHG. He noted that while new-build properties are fundamental to their growth, the company also capitalizes on the conversion space, where international brands only represent 5% of hotels. This figure is significantly lower than the global average of 20-25%.
Looking ahead, Japan’s status as an international tourism hotspot is set to continue. Forecasts suggest another record year for international arrivals in 2025, reaching 40.2 million. Domestic travel in the country is also projected to increase by 2.7% to 305 million travelers.
The company remains confident in its growth ambition and plans to continue expanding in this vibrant market. The year 2025 promises further growth milestones for IHG in Japan, including the return of the Holiday Inn brand to Tokyo and Kyoto, and the opening of new ANA Crowne Plaza hotels and the first InterContinental in Sapporo.
