JAPAN | IHG will open a new Holiday Inn & Suites in the Japanese market later this year, partnering with Minami Nijo Operations.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced an agreement with Minami Nijo Operations, a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts, to open Japan’s second Holiday Inn & Suites later this year, which will be owned by a fund managed by Goldman Sachs.
The 195-room Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will open in late 2025 following an extensive renovation which includes all guest rooms, the addition of a new gym, and the introduction of a lobby café as part of Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept, a design-led and versatile space where guests can choose how they connect and relax.
When it opens, Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will join more than 1,200 Holiday Inn hotels and resorts around the world and eight Holiday Inn hotels in Japan. The brand has consistently evolved over the years, placing guests at the centre of its innovation and earning the reputation as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognised hotel brands.
“We’re excited to be working in partnership with World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts and Goldman Sachs to bring the Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the centre of Sapporo and lead this hotel into an exciting new chapter,” said Abhijay Sandilya, CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan and Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan and Micronesia.
“At IHG, we have developed the brands, enterprise platform and excellent capabilities needed to successfully attract conversion opportunities and have them open in short time frames offering guests new experiences and options whether they are travelling for leisure, business or blended travel.”
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a bustling metropolis surrounded by incredible nature. It is renowned for beautiful seasonal scenery, great food experiences including fresh seafood and a year-round calendar of events including the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
The Hokkaido area continues to grow in popularity with a 40% increase in international travellers in 2024 versus 2019. Also, international weekly flight numbers have continued to increase during the first quarter of 2025 exceeding 2019 levels for the first time.
“This agreement adds to what will be the biggest year ever for the Holiday Inn brand family in Japan. Since the start of 2025 we have returned the brand to Kyoto and are set to open three more hotels under the Holiday Inn brand this year, including in Tokyo.”
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