Accor, a leading name in the global hospitality industry, is making a significant move in Japan, aiming to double its presence in the country. This ambitious plan is driven by the booming travel and tourism sector, both domestically and internationally, with Japan, along with its neighboring countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and China, witnessing a surge in visitor numbers.
This expansion is not just about adding more properties; it’s about enriching the travel experience. Accor is partnering with JHRA to revamp the Daiwa Resorts portfolio, transforming them into Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels. These hotels will offer a unique blend of local charm and Accor’s signature hospitality, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
A New Era for Daiwa Resorts
This strategic partnership will add 23 properties and over 6,000 rooms to Accor’s Japanese portfolio. The conversion process will take place throughout 2024, with the rebranded hotels ready to welcome guests under the Accor banner.
“We are excited to welcome these remarkable hotels into our family,” says Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO and CEO Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to offering diverse and engaging hospitality experiences across Asia. Accor has evolved significantly over the past decade, becoming a nimble and asset-light company, expanding our hotel network by 50% and tripling our brand portfolio. This surge in demand is our driving force, propelling us to new heights with increased presence and reach.”
Koji Mayanagi, Daiwa Resort Co., Ltd. President & CEO, shares the company’s excitement: “We are grateful for the support we’ve received over the years. Our 23 hotels, nestled in stunning locations across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, will be reborn as Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels. This rebranding allows us to offer guests an array of unique experiences and unforgettable travel memories. We’re committed to ensuring guests enjoy comfortable stays while immersing themselves in local cuisine, attractions, and the serenity of our hot springs. We look forward to collaborating even more closely with local communities, sharing the beauty of each region with travelers from Japan and around the world.”
Beyond Japan: A Global Network of Hospitality
Accor’s growth goes beyond Japan. The company is expanding its presence across Asia Pacific, launching a series of flagship properties in key destinations:
- Pullman Singapore Hill Street, an architectural masterpiece with smart technology and a rooftop bar, is scheduled to open later this year.
- ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers, set to open in 2024, will be the world’s largest ibis Styles property, showcasing the brand’s playful and family-friendly approach.
- Novotel Nara, also slated to open in 2024, will bring the popular midscale brand to this historic area, offering multi-sensory experiences for business and leisure travelers.
- Fairmont Hanoi, set to welcome guests in 2024, will blend the luxurious Fairmont brand with authentic Indochinese style and the vibrant local culture of the city.
- Mondrian Singapore Duxton, opening this year, will bring the brand’s signature blend of art, glamour, and culinary excellence to one of Singapore’s most desirable neighborhoods.
- Fairmont Tokyo, set to open in 2025, will feature stunning views of Tokyo Bay and offer 219 guestrooms.
Continuing Growth and Partnerships
Accor’s strategy focuses on expanding its presence in key markets like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan. The company is actively seeking conversion opportunities, allowing it to efficiently enhance existing hotels and boost its brand portfolio.
Independent hotel owners have long been drawn to Accor’s conversion programs. The Group’s adaptability, smooth transition process, and diverse range of brands, including Pullman, Novotel, ibis, ibis Styles, Mercure, Grand Mercure, Mövenpick, greet, and the newest addition – Handwritten Collection, make them ideal for conversion. These brands offer a quick path to revenue growth for hotel owners, providing access to Accor’s powerful sales, distribution, and loyalty platforms. Owners also benefit from Accor’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Accor: A Global Hospitality Leader
Accor is a global hospitality powerhouse, offering exceptional experiences across 110 countries with over 5,400 properties, 10,000 food and beverage venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. The Group boasts one of the industry’s most diverse portfolios, encompassing over 40 hotel brands, ranging from luxury to economy, as well as the Lifestyle brand Ennismore.
Accor is committed to ethical business practices, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and is publicly listed on Euronext Paris and the OTC Market.
Accor’s strategic expansion in Japan and across Asia Pacific is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and enriching the travel experience for guests worldwide.
