AHICE Far East Asia debuts in Tokyo in front of leading investors and operators
The launch of AHICE Far East Asia – which attracted 23 local and global sponsors including IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, JLL, Outrigger, Wayfarer, FutureLog, Hilton, La Vie Hotels and Resorts, Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts, Travel + Leisure, Watson Farley and Williams, Accor, CBRE, Hyatt, Luxury Escapes, QCC Collection, Radisson Hotel Group, SC Capital Partners, STR, The Ascott Limited, THSA, Dandelion Vineyards and Peroni – comes on the back of significant demand for a hotel industry conference focused on investment and operations.
The AHICE Far East Asia launch event, held at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, wasn’t just a success it was a seismic shift, signalling a golden age for Japan’s hotel industry.
The event, a precursor to the full two-day conference in 2025, drew an impressive gathering of close to 200 key players, including Japanese and international hotel groups, investors, developers, owners, and asset managers.
The hotel industry’s leading players were all represented, creating a platform for industry collaboration and conversations that’s never been seen in Japan before. Amid an atmosphere of shared excitement, the overwhelming message was that Japan is the place to be.
The resounding sentiment echoed throughout the event was clear: Japan is the hottest destination in the world right now.
The country’s travel recovery has been remarkable, with inbound tourism experiencing a significant upswing. While international arrivals haven’t fully reached pre-pandemic levels, the slower recovery of outbound travel has created a unique advantage, boosting domestic demand and further fuelling the industry’s growth.
The market’s potential is undeniable, with a surge in Average Daily Rates (ADR) reflecting its attractiveness to hotel owners and operators.
According to Matthew Burke from STR, global leader in hospitality data benchmarking, the Big 3 cities (Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto) are leading the recovery, trading at a premium compared to other regions.
In fact, Tokyo’s ADR growth in local currency has doubled that of New York and London, and it boasts the hights Gross Operating Pfifit (GOP) in the APAC region, highlighting the market’s profitability.
“Japan’s hotel sector has defied expectations with a remarkable recovery, outstripping many global competitors,” Burke said.
“While occupancy levels are within 10 points of 2019 levels, it’s the sharp increase in average daily rates that truly demonstrates the market’s strength.
In Japanese Yen, ADR for the 12 months to June compared with 2019 is up 32%. The equivalent for USD is down 2%.
“The weakening of the yen has further boosted international demand, creating a dynamic and evolving landscape for hoteliers.”
The event featured a dynamic program of short, engaging sessions, covering everything from Japan’s unique operational landscape to investment trends, development outlook, and keynote Q&As with industry heavyweights.
Seibu Prince Hotels’ CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda, emphasised the company’s commitment to Japanese hospitality and global expansion plans, including the recent opening of their first hotel under the Park Regis by Prince brand in Singapore.
JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group Managing Director – Head of Investment Sales Japan, James Yukio Abe, underscored the attractiveness of the Japanese hotel market, with Tokyo leading the way in profitability.
Patience Capital Group Founder Ken Chan spoke about the tremendous opportunities in the ski market, particularly with developments closer to major cities that will drive local and global travellers.
Two of Japan’s tourism leaders, Marriott International Area Vice President – Japan and Guam, Karl Hudson, and Delta Air Lines Managing Director and President – Japan, Victor K. Osumi, formerly of Marriott, had a lively and frank chat about the popular airline’s plans for Japan and expectations for the market.
Several panel discussions featuring the ‘who‘s who’ of the industry delved into the challenges and opportunities in the Japanese market, including the need for technology adoption, talent development, and the exciting future for diverse brands entering or expanding in Japan.
Industry leaders and experts, including Marriott International APEC President Rajeev Menon, hailed Japan as an “incredible opportunity” and one of the most aspirational destinations in the region.
As testament to this, Menon highlighted Marriott’s impending achievement of reaching 100 hotels in Japan, a testament to the growth in the market and underscoring the growing presence of international brands in Japan and their pivotal role in shaping the industry’s trajectory.
IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director of Japan and Guam, Abhijay Sandilya, aptly described the current landscape as a “once-in-a-lifetime change.”
The convergence of factors, including a tourism boom, the Government’s 2030 ambition, a weaker yen, and increased openness to foreign investment, has created an unparalleled environment for growth and innovation.
Sandilya added that the magnetic effect of loyalty programs offered by global hotel companies is growing number of travellers to Japan, and with less than five per cent penetration of international brands in Japan’s hotel landscape, there’s a big opportunity for global companies to grow their footprint.
He evidenced this by highlighting the significant growth IHG has seen in this market in recent years, and signalled that he expects this growth to accelerate in coming years.
AHICE Far East Asia 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a movement that will shape the future of Japan’s hotel industry, distinguishing itself from other industry events by focusing on bridging the gap between Japan and the international market.
It aims to educate and facilitate collaboration, addressing key challenges such as cultural nuances and guest experiences.
With its unique focus on collaboration, education, and innovation, it is uniquely positioned to chart a course for sustainable and inclusive tourism development in Japan.
The 2024 launch served as a teaser for the highly anticipated annual event, which will be held in Tokyo in September 2025 and then in Kyoto in September 2026.
With more than 500 attendees expected, next year’s full, two-day conference will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on an unprecedented scale, promising to be the unmissable highlight of Japan’s hospitality calendar.
“AHICE has rapidly become the premier forum for operations and investment in the hotel industry, uniting the region’s top hospitality, aviation, travel operators and other stakeholders,” Marriott’s Hudson said.
“Together we will learn, inspire and map the exciting future of the travel landscape in Japan and beyond.
“We look forward to welcoming attendees from around the world to connect, network and contribute to the expansion of the travel and hospitality sector in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.”
IHG’s Sandilya added: “This event will create an environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst industry peers and will provide another avenue to support the continued development of a growing sustainable and thriving industry.”
AHICE and Design Inn Global Conferences Group President and Chair, James Wilkinson, shared his enthusiasm.
“The overwhelming success of the AHICE Far East Asia launch event is a testament to the vibrancy and potential of Japan’s hotel industry,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to provide a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of hospitality in this remarkable market.
“The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and we can’t wait to build on this momentum at the full conference in 2025.”
Attendees can look forward to keynote presentations and in-depth panel discussions by leading industry, government and tourism leaders, on market trends, investment strategies, and development opportunities, sitting alongside a program of site tours, media roundtable and gala networking events.