#Japan #Tokyo #Mori Trust #Hotel LaForet #Suiran Hotel

The Rise of Mori Trust's Hotel and Resort Ventures

Mori Trust Group is a prominent player in Japan's hotel and resort industry, actively working to enhance local economies and preserve cultural heritage across various regions. Their strategic focus involves developing and managing hotels that reflect the unique characteristics of each location, aiming to be preferred destinations for travelers both domestically and internationally.

Commitment to Cultural and Economic Growth

Since its inception in 1976 with the development of the Hotel Laforet Shuzenji, Mori Trust has expanded its portfolio to include a variety of hotel and resort operations. The group operates numerous facilities within the Laforet Resort Shuzenji, which spans about 500,000 tsubo (approximately 1.65 million square meters).

Mori Trust's commitment to the hotel and resort sector coincides with national tourism policies and growing inbound travel demand, which have propelled their initiatives to bolster Japan's international competitiveness, bolster tourism-related industries, and stimulate local economies. Notably, in 2024, the number of inbound visitors is projected to hit a record high, with total tourism revenue, including domestic travelers, surpassing 34 trillion yen. The expansion of the inbound market serves as a crucial driver for domestic tourism growth.

According to the government's “Basic Plan for Promoting a Tourism Nation” introduced in 2017, Japan aims to attract 60 million inbound visitors and achieve an inbound consumption target of 15 trillion yen by 2030. This figure is comparable to the nation's automotive export revenue, indicating that the tourism sector has extensive economic ripple effects, potentially doubling the impact of inbound consumption alone.

Current Hotel and Future Development Projects

Mori Trust currently operates 33 lodging facilities and has 16 new projects underway, emphasizing hotel development that maximizes the appeal of their geographic locations. In the past decade leading up to 2024, revenues from the hotel business have more than tripled, with an ambitious mid-to-long term vision targeting 100 billion yen in sales by 2030.

Recent Developments

Over the past two decades, Mori Trust has focused on hotel development centered around foreign-owned brands to enhance the functionality of Tokyo as an international city while revitalizing regional tourism. This includes hotels like the Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel in Kyoto and the Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel in Nara, where historical buildings have been transformed into luxurious accommodations that highlight their unique cultural and architectural significance.

• - Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto: This hotel features a restaurant and café within a restored historical building over 100 years old, complete with a private spa that incorporates the beauty of nature in the Arashiyama area. Recognized for six consecutive years as Japan's top hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, it is a favorite among both local and international visitors.

• - Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara: Set in Nara Park, this venue utilizes the former governor's residence, preserving the room where the Emperor Showa ratified the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The site includes a Japanese garden and a cafe renovated from a historic temple, offering luxurious facilities and refined service to guests worldwide.

• - Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street: Located in a culturally rich area of Nagasaki, this hotel revives a traditional building over 120 years old. It retains key architectural features while integrating modern local culture, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Nagasaki's unique “Wakan” cultural blend.

Renovating Existing Hotels

Mori Trust recognizes the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and has been renewing existing hotels to meet contemporary demands. Over the last decade, more than 1,700 rooms have been refurbished. Some older hotels have undergone major revitalization, including rebranding with foreign hotel chains to create an environment welcoming diverse clientele.

One notable example of a recent major renovation is the Manpei Hotel in Karuizawa, which will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2024. To embrace its motto, “A hotel is its people; hospitality comes from the heart,” the hotel undertook a comprehensive renovation to evolve and maintain its charm for new and returning guests.

Conclusion

Through its commitment to enhancing the hotel and resort industry, Mori Trust Group continues to generate social value while promoting regional tourism and economic growth across Japan. With exciting projects on the horizon and a solid base of successful hotel operations, Mori Trust is poised for significant contributions to the nation's tourism landscape in the upcoming years.