The Far East Asia edition of the popular Asia Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE), hosted by HM and Wayfarer magazines, is set to make its historic debut in Japan on Wednesday, September 5th, 2024, at The Tokyo EDITION hotel in Toranomon.

AHICE is the Asia-Pacific region’s premier series of hotel industry events, held in seven locations across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hawaii, Fiji, the Maldives and now, Japan.

With a focus on hotel and resort operations and investment, AHICE provides a platform for industry leaders to connect, learn, and collaborate.

The half-day Tokyo launch event this September, featuring industry presentations and panel sessions led by Japanese and international hotel industry leaders, along with a gala networking event, serves as a precursor to next year’s full two-day conference.

“The launch of AHICE Far East Asia marks a significant milestone for the Japanese hotel industry,” said James Wilkinson, AHICE Group President.

“This event will not only facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing but also showcase the tremendous potential of the Japanese market to a global audience.

“We are excited to welcome industry leaders from around the world to this landmark event.”

The full, two-day 2025 event is expected to draw over 600 global delegates and will be held in August 2025, marking Japan’s first full-scale international hotel industry operations and investment conference.

AHICE Far East Asia will unite leaders from the hotel, aviation, and tourism sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in this rapidly expanding market.

The event will feature influential keynote speakers, interactive Q&A sessions, and dynamic panel discussions, providing attendees with invaluable insights into the latest industry trends and investment opportunities.

Headlining the speaking program are some of Japan’s and the world’s leading hotel industry executives, including:
• Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan and Micronesia, IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer Asia, Accor
• Anshul Kaul, Managing Director, The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon and The Tokyo EDITION Ginza
• Benjamin Krieg, Global Vice President Strategic Accounts, FutureLog
• Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development – Asia Pacific, Hilton
• Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group
• Ian Lien, Managing Director, SC Capital
• Jeff Wagoner, President, Outrigger Hospitality Group
• Jerry Xu, Chief Executive Officer, La Vie Hotels
• Karl Hudson, Area Vice President – Japan and Guam, Marriott International
• Matthew Burke, Regional Director – Pacific, Japan and Central South Asia, STR
• Nathan Cook, Executive Vice President, Head of Asset Management, Japan, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group
• Nihat Ercan, CEO – Asia-Pacific, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group
• Rajeev Menon, APEC President, Marriott International
• Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer – APAC, Radisson Hotel Group
• Rohan Gopaldas, Partner and Asset Manager, Prospect Hotel Advisors
• Sam Sakamura, Vice President – Japan and Micronesia, Hyatt
• Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited
• Tsukasa Kuniya, Senior Director of Development – Japan and Micronesia, IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Yoshiki Kaneda, President, Representative Director and CEO, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide

The launch of AHICE in Japan comes at a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism industry. With the government aiming to attract 60 million inbound tourists by 2030, domestic and international hotel brands are recognizing the immense potential of the Japanese market.

“Japan’s hotel sector has defied expectations with a remarkable recovery, outstripping many global competitors,” said Matthew Burke, Regional Director – Pacific, Japan & Central South Asia at STR, the global leader in hospitality data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights,

“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.

“We look forward to exploring these trends and their implications in more detail at AHICE Far East Asia.”

AHICE Far East Asia will serve as a catalyst for this growth, showcasing Japan’s opportunities to a global audience and facilitating major hotel signings and opening announcements.

Japan’s renewed focus on international tourism, coupled with a weaker Yen and increased openness to foreign collaboration, has created an unprecedented opportunity for hotel brands to expand in this thriving market.

Bolstered by its reputation as a top-ranked global tourism destination , Japan is poised for significant growth and investment in the hospitality sector.

AHICE Far East Asia 2024 is poised to be a catalyst for the continued growth and development of the Japanese hotel industry.

By bringing together key stakeholders from Japan and around the world, the event will foster collaboration, innovation, and investment, paving the way for a thriving and sustainable tourism sector in Japan.

For more information on AHICE Far East Asia, including the latest program, visit the website at: https://ahiceconference.com/fareastasia/