IHG Signs Landmark Deal for 14 Kyoto Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a significant expansion in Japan, signing a landmark deal to convert 14 hotels in Kyoto over the next year. Kyoto is identified as one of Japan's most beloved tourist destinations, making this expansion strategically important for the hospitality group. The 1,063-room portfolio comprises 12 Garner hotels, which is IHG's midscale conversion brand, along with one Holiday Inn Express and one unbranded hotel. These properties are situated in "key districts in Kyoto," ensuring guests have convenient access to major transport hubs and popular cultural and tourism attractions. This agreement is noted as one of the largest hotel conversion deals in Japan in recent years and represents a significant step in the rapid growth of the Garner brand, which launched just three years ago and recently celebrated its 100th global hotel opening. The expansion further strengthens IHG's existing relationship with GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group, which has been appointed to manage the 14 newly acquired properties. IHG already maintains a diverse range of hotels in Kyoto, including budget-friendly options like Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, midscale properties such as Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, premium choices like ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, and ultra-luxurious accommodations under the Six Senses brand, including Six Senses Kyoto. The addition of these 14 hotels is expected to position IHG as a major international competitor in Kyoto's hotel market, which has traditionally been dominated by domestic operators. Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, stated that the deal reflects "growing interest from owners to rebrand hotels and benefit from quick access to IHG's leading enterprise." This enterprise includes IHG's marketing, technology, and distribution platforms, as well as the global reach of its IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Following renovations and rebranding, the 14 properties are scheduled for a phased opening. The IHG One Rewards program offers members additional incentives to visit destinations like Kyoto, with the conversion of these hotels set to increase the options available to its members in the region.