IHG Hotels & Resorts will add 14 hotels and 1,063 rooms in Kyoto through a portfolio conversion agreement with GCP Hospitality.
IHG Kyoto hotel portfolio expansion will accelerate as IHG Hotels & Resorts signs a 14-hotel conversion agreement with GCP Hospitality in Japan.
The portfolio deal includes 1,063 rooms across Kyoto and represents one of the largest hotel conversion agreements in Japan in recent years. The properties will join IHG’s system through phased openings over the next 12 months following renovation and rebranding works.
IHG expands Kyoto presence with 14 converted hotels
The agreement includes 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express hotel and one unbranded property. The hotels will adopt IHG brand standards, including the Garner and Holiday Inn Express concepts.
The deal strengthens IHG’s position in Kyoto, where the company already operates hotels across luxury, premium and essentials segments.
IHG’s existing Kyoto portfolio includes Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
Garner growth continues in Japan
The portfolio expansion highlights the continued growth of Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand. Garner recently reached 100 open hotels globally after launching in August 2023.
The Kyoto agreement also marks the signing of IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express property in Japan, following Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said, “This is a true milestone signing for IHG in Japan with one of our long-term partners, GCP Hospitality. With this agreement, we are expanding our mainstream presence quickly in Japan, reflecting both the strength of our brands and the growing confidence of owners in our business and our strong in-market team.”
He added that the agreement reflects growing owner interest in rebranding hotels and accessing IHG’s marketing, technology and distribution platforms, as well as the IHG One Rewards programme.
Partnership with GCP Hospitality expands
The portfolio deal strengthens the long-term relationship between IHG and GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group.
Erwann Mahé, CEO of GCP Hospitality, said, “Building on GCP Hospitality’s successful track record in Japan, we are pleased to expand our partnership with IHG through this historic portfolio agreement. GCP Hospitality has been appointed to lead the management team across the 14-hotel portfolio, supported by IHG’s global scale, brand strength and distribution capabilities as we reposition the portfolio in one of Japan’s most important tourism markets.”
Kyoto locations target tourism and business demand
The 14 hotels are located across key Kyoto districts, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo.
The locations provide access to major transport connections and cultural attractions that attract domestic and international visitors year-round.
IHG said the expansion supports its strategy to grow in Japan’s mainstream hotel segment, where international brands have traditionally had limited presence compared with domestic operators.
Garner entered Japan in 2025 with the opening of three hotels in Osaka. The brand provides an affordable, high-quality accommodation option for business and leisure travellers.
Source: https://www.traveldailynews.asia/hotels-lodging/ihg-signs-14-hotel-portfolio-deal-in-kyoto-japan/