#Japan #Sapporo #Holiday Inn #IHG Hotels #Sapporo Hotel

IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a premier global hospitality company headquartered in the UK and operating in Japan through IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, has announced plans to launch its second "Holiday Inn & Suites" in Hokkaido's Sapporo City by the fall of 2025. This new establishment, the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park, will undergo a substantial renovation of a former hotel, transforming it into a modern, comfortable haven for travelers.

The new hotel will feature 195 rooms, all of which will be fully renovated. The redesign will aim to enhance the guest experience with a newly established gym and a lobby café inspired by the unique "Open Lobby" concept characteristic of Holiday Inn. This design allows guests to choose their preferred way to relax and unwind in an open, functional space.

With over 1,200 properties worldwide and eight located in Japan, the Holiday Inn brand is celebrated for its focus on innovation and guest satisfaction. It is widely recognized as one of the most loved and trusted hotel brands globally.

Abhijeet Sundar, the Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan and the CEO of IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, shared his enthusiasm regarding this new venture. He stated, "We are thrilled to partner with World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts and Goldman Sachs to introduce the Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the heart of Sapporo. This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding the brand's presence in Japan, especially during a year projected for significant growth."

He also emphasized that 2025 will see the re-entry of the Holiday Inn brand into Kyoto and the opening of three new Holiday Inn hotels, including locations in Tokyo, throughout the year.

Sapporo is renowned for its vibrant urban culture nestled in stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking seasonal scenery, delightful culinary experiences — particularly fresh seafood — and numerous events such as the famous "Sapporo Snow Festival."

The appeal of Hokkaido has escalated recently, with a 40% increase in foreign visitors anticipated for 2024 compared to 2019. Notably, the number of international flights operating to Japan has exceeded pre-pandemic levels as of early 2025.

Hiroshi Komoto, President of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts, remarked on the successful collaboration with IHG, stating, "Following our successful partnership with IHG when we introduced the Six Senses brand in Japan, we are excited to expand into new segments and destinations." He added that the Holiday Inn brand offers familiarity and trust, making it an attractive option for guests seeking a memorable experience in Sapporo.

The Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will feature both standard guest rooms and spacious suites, along with a range of amenities, including a gym, meeting spaces, a restaurant, and a large public bath on the upper floors.

Strategically located near the famous entertainment district of Susukino and within walking distance to Odori Park — which hosts a variety of events throughout the year — this hotel will cater to the diverse needs of both domestic and international travelers.

Currently, IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 10 brands with a total of 52 hotels across Japan, with 14 additional properties in development. In Hokkaido, IHG is present with three brands (Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn), operating five hotels and set to open the region's first InterContinental Hotel, the InterContinental Sapporo, later this year.

IHG Hotels & Resorts is committed to continuing its expansion in Japan, providing guests with more choices and opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences.

To learn more about IHG Hotels & Resorts, visit their global site or check out their extensive loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which boasts a membership base of over 145 million.