What's Happening?
IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to open a triple-branded hotel near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka by 2029. This project, in collaboration with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, will be IHG's largest new-build hotel in Japan. The development will feature
InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort properties, offering a total of 817 rooms. The hotel complex will be strategically located in Konohana-ku, Osaka, providing easy access to Universal Studios Japan and the upcoming Integrated Resort in Yumeshima. The InterContinental Hotel will include 244 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and meeting spaces, while the Kimpton Hotel will offer 246 rooms and a rooftop specialty restaurant. The Holiday Inn Resort will have 327 rooms and indoor swimming facilities. This marks IHG's first triple-branded hotel project in Japan, expanding its presence as an official hotel partner to Universal Studios Japan.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of a triple-branded hotel near Universal Studios Japan signifies a major expansion for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Japanese market. This development is expected to enhance the hospitality offerings in Osaka, a city known for its vibrant tourism industry. By providing internationally branded accommodations, IHG aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, potentially boosting local tourism and economic activity. The project aligns with IHG's strategy to expand its footprint in Japan, where it currently operates 57 hotels across 10 brands. The new hotels will complement existing properties in Osaka, such as InterContinental Osaka and voco Osaka Central. Additionally, the development is poised to benefit from infrastructure improvements, including the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and new ferry terminals, further enhancing accessibility to the area.
