IHG Hotels & Resorts Marks Significant Expansion in Japan with Dual ANA Holiday Inn Openings

Tokyo, Japan – May 15, 2026 – IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, has celebrated a landmark moment in its Japanese expansion strategy with the simultaneous unveiling of two ANA Holiday Inn properties. The ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, located in Hyogo Prefecture, commenced operations on April 27, 2026, followed by the ANA Holiday Inn Tosu in Saga Prefecture on April 28, 2026. These openings are particularly significant as they introduce the first international full-service hotels to both Sanda City and Tosu City, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the hospitality infrastructure and offerings in these growing regions.

Managed by Select Hotels Group, a key partner in this venture, both hotels aim to bring the globally recognized standards of comfort, service, and value synonymous with the Holiday Inn brand to a new demographic of travelers. The strategic placement of these hotels underscores IHG’s commitment to broadening its reach across Japan, catering to both domestic and international visitors seeking reliable and quality accommodation options.

A Dual Debut: Bringing International Full-Service Hospitality to Underserved Markets

The inauguration of ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu represents a considerable development for their respective locales. Previously, Sanda City and Tosu City, while possessing their own unique charms and economic activities, lacked the presence of international full-service hotel brands. This absence meant that visitors, whether for business or leisure, had limited choices for accommodation that offered a comprehensive suite of amenities and services.

The arrival of ANA Holiday Inn aims to bridge this gap, providing a consistent and high-quality hospitality experience. This expansion is expected to stimulate local economies by attracting a wider range of tourists and business travelers, fostering greater engagement with local attractions and services. Furthermore, it provides residents with a convenient and reputable option for hosting visiting friends, family, or business associates.

ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda: A Gateway to Nature and Urban Convenience

Nestled in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and accessible urban living. The hotel itself boasts 130 guestrooms, thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs. Travelers can choose from comfortable double rooms, spacious twin rooms, and a unique Japanese-style room featuring traditional tatami flooring, offering an authentic cultural experience.

A cornerstone of the ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda experience is its innovative "open lobby" design. This concept reimagines the traditional hotel lobby as a dynamic, multi-functional space that seamlessly integrates reception, dining, co-working, and relaxation areas. This flexible environment is intended to foster a sense of community and provide guests with a fluid and personalized experience, allowing them to dine, work, or unwind in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

The hotel’s strategic location is a significant draw. Situated near Woody Town Chuo Station, it offers excellent connectivity to the wider Kansai region, a major economic and cultural hub in Japan. This proximity makes it an ideal base for exploring the attractions of Kobe and its surrounding areas. Guests will find themselves within easy reach of significant landmarks and amenities, including the Hokusettsu Sanda Technopark, a hub for innovation and business; the popular Kobe Sanda Premium Outlet, offering a premier shopping experience; and the scenic riverside paths of the Hiratanigawa Greenway, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the natural landscape.

Eiji Baba, General Manager of ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, expressed his enthusiasm for the hotel’s debut. "Sanda is a place where a deep connection with nature and the warmth of community life come together in a very special way," he stated. "It is our privilege to bring the warm, genuine hospitality that defines Holiday Inn to this city, and we look forward to welcoming guests – whether here for business, leisure, or simply a moment of calm – and making them feel genuinely at home." His sentiments highlight the brand’s commitment to integrating local charm with global standards of service.

ANA Holiday Inn Tosu: A Strategic Hub in Kyushu

ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, located in Saga Prefecture, is strategically positioned to serve as a vital hospitality node in the Kyushu region. Its location at the intersection of major expressways provides unparalleled accessibility. The hotel is a mere five minutes from JR Tosu Station, offering convenient rail connections, and just a 40-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport, a major gateway for both domestic and international flights. This prime location makes it an attractive option for business travelers and tourists alike who are exploring Kyushu.

The hotel features 127 guestrooms and suites, meticulously designed to accommodate a variety of guest profiles, from families to solo travelers. The accommodation options include single rooms for individual comfort, twin rooms for shared stays, and spacious suites offering enhanced amenities and living areas.

Both ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu are equipped with "Apple Road" restaurants, a culinary concept designed to offer a diverse range of local and international cuisine. These dining establishments aim to provide guests with a delightful gastronomic journey, showcasing both regional specialties and familiar global flavors.

In addition to comfortable accommodations and appealing dining options, the hotels are outfitted with comprehensive meetings and events facilities. Each property offers six adaptable spaces, capable of hosting events for up to 250 guests. These versatile venues are equipped to support a range of corporate functions, conferences, and social gatherings, further solidifying the hotels’ role as key business and event destinations in their respective cities.

Chronology of Expansion: A Swift and Strategic Rollout

The opening of these two ANA Holiday Inn properties is part of a broader, strategic expansion by IHG Hotels & Resorts in Japan and the wider Asia Pacific region. The brand has been actively seeking opportunities to diversify its portfolio and introduce its popular brands to new markets.

• April 27, 2026: ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda officially opens its doors, marking the first international full-service hotel in Sanda City.
• April 28, 2026: ANA Holiday Inn Tosu commences operations, becoming the first international full-service hotel in Tosu City.

These consecutive openings, occurring just one day apart, underscore the efficiency and meticulous planning involved in IHG’s development pipeline. This swift execution allows for a concentrated impact on the market and maximizes the momentum of the brand’s expansion.

This recent development follows closely on the heels of other significant moves by IHG in Japan. Earlier in April 2026, the company announced a strategic partnership with Fuji Kyuko to convert Hotel Mount Fuji into the third Vignette Collection hotel in Japan. This demonstrates a multi-brand approach to growth, catering to different segments of the travel market with distinct luxury and lifestyle offerings alongside its mainstream brands.

Supporting Data and Market Context

The Japanese hospitality market is a dynamic and increasingly attractive landscape for international hotel groups. With a growing inbound tourism sector, driven by both leisure and business travel, there is a consistent demand for quality accommodation. Japan’s unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity continues to draw visitors from across the globe.

The decision to focus on cities like Sanda and Tosu, which are perhaps less established as major tourist hubs compared to Tokyo or Kyoto, speaks to IHG’s strategy of identifying and developing markets with significant untapped potential. These cities, while not major metropolises, are often strategically located within economic corridors or possess unique regional attractions that can support a robust hospitality sector.

The "ANA" prefix in the hotel names signifies a partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline. This collaboration is a common and effective strategy in the Japanese market, leveraging the airline’s extensive customer base and brand recognition to drive bookings and enhance the guest experience through integrated travel services. This partnership further strengthens the hotels’ appeal to both domestic and international travelers.

The Holiday Inn brand, in particular, is known for its broad appeal, offering a familiar and dependable experience that resonates with a wide range of travelers. Its focus on comfort, value, and family-friendly amenities makes it a popular choice for both leisure and business trips. The brand’s "open lobby" concept is a modern adaptation designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers who often seek more flexible and integrated living spaces within their hotel stays.

The inclusion of comprehensive meeting and event facilities at both properties is a strategic move to capture the corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments. As these cities grow economically, the demand for professional event spaces is likely to increase, positioning the ANA Holiday Inns as key facilitators of business and community events.

Official Responses and Brand Philosophy

The sentiment from IHG Hotels & Resorts leadership and the respective hotel general managers underscores a clear vision for these new properties. The emphasis is on delivering genuine hospitality, integrating local character with global standards, and creating welcoming environments for all guests.

The partnership with Select Hotels Group is crucial to the operational success of these new ventures. Select Hotels Group’s expertise in managing properties within the Japanese market provides a vital bridge, ensuring that the operational nuances and cultural expectations of the local market are met while upholding IHG’s brand promises.

"These openings are a testament to our commitment to expanding our presence in Japan and offering our guests more choices in diverse and exciting destinations," stated a representative from IHG Hotels & Resorts. "The ANA Holiday Inn brand is synonymous with approachable comfort and reliable service, and we are confident that these new hotels will become beloved destinations for travelers exploring Sanda and Tosu."

The general managers’ quotes highlight a dedication to making guests feel "genuinely at home," a core tenet of the Holiday Inn brand philosophy. This focus on emotional connection and personalized service aims to differentiate the hotels beyond their physical amenities. The integration of local elements, such as the Japanese-style room at Kobe Sanda and the emphasis on local cuisine, further reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing an authentic and enriching travel experience.

Implications and Future Outlook

The successful launch of ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu carries several significant implications for IHG Hotels & Resorts and the broader Japanese hospitality landscape:

• Market Penetration: IHG has effectively penetrated two new markets in Japan, establishing a strong foothold in regions that were previously underserved by international full-service hotels. This strategic move diversifies their geographical presence and reduces reliance on established tourist hotspots.
• Brand Recognition: The introduction of the globally recognized Holiday Inn brand, enhanced by the ANA partnership, will significantly boost brand awareness in Sanda and Tosu. This can pave the way for future IHG brand introductions or expansions in similar markets.
• Economic Impact: The presence of full-service hotels is expected to stimulate local economies by attracting more tourists and business travelers, leading to increased spending on local services, dining, and attractions. It also creates employment opportunities within the hospitality sector.
• Competitive Landscape: These openings will likely influence the competitive landscape in Sanda and Tosu, potentially encouraging other hotel groups to explore opportunities in these or similar emerging markets. It sets a new benchmark for accommodation standards.
• IHG’s Growth Trajectory: This dual opening is a clear indicator of IHG’s ambitious growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region. It reinforces their position as a key player in the Japanese market and signals their intent to continue expanding their portfolio across various brands and locations.
• Customer Choice: For travelers visiting or transiting through Sanda and Tosu, the availability of well-appointed, internationally managed hotels offers greater choice and assurance of quality, catering to both leisure and business needs.

As Japan continues to be a highly sought-after destination, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ strategic investments in markets like Sanda and Tosu are poised to yield significant returns. The combination of strong brand equity, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to delivering authentic hospitality experiences positions these new ANA Holiday Inn properties for success and contributes to the evolving narrative of Japan’s dynamic tourism industry. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal the full impact of these welcome additions to the Japanese hospitality scene.