IHG Strengthens Kyoto Portfolio With One of Japan’s Largest Hotel Conversion Deals
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark 14-hotel portfolio agreement with long-term partner GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group, covering 1,063 rooms in Kyoto, Japan. The deal includes 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express hotel and one unbranded hotel, all of which will be converted, renovated and rebranded in phases over the next 12 months. The agreement represents one of Japan’s largest hotel conversion portfolio deals in recent years and strengthens IHG’s position as one of the largest international hotel companies in Kyoto, complementing its existing city portfolio that includes Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. The signing also highlights the growth of Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand and fastest-ever brand to scale globally, while expanding IHG’s presence in Japan’s business hotel segment, which the company says remains underpenetrated by international brands.
(PRESS RELEASE) TOKYO, Japan, 2026-Aug-24 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark portfolio agreement with long-term partner GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group, covering 14 hotels in Kyoto.
The deal includes a total of 1,063 rooms and represents one of the largest hotel conversion portfolio agreements in Japan in recent years.
The portfolio comprises 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express hotel and one unbranded hotel.
All 14 properties will be converted, renovated and rebranded in phases over the next 12 months, incorporating the brand standards and guest experience elements of Garner and Holiday Inn Express.
The agreement strengthens IHG’s position in Kyoto and supports the company’s expansion in Japan’s mainstream hotel segment.
It also marks another step in IHG’s long-term partnership with GCP Hospitality.
The signing highlights the rapid momentum of Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand.
Garner is IHG’s fastest-ever brand to scale globally and recently reached 100 open hotels following its launch in August 2023.
The agreement also marks the signing of IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express in Japan, following Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.
With the additional Kyoto properties, IHG will further expand a local portfolio that already includes brands across the Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials segments.
IHG’s existing Kyoto presence includes Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
The expanded portfolio positions IHG as one of the largest international hotel companies in Kyoto.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said the agreement is a major milestone for IHG in Japan and reflects the strength of its long-term partnership with GCP Hospitality.
He said the deal allows IHG to grow its mainstream presence quickly in Japan, supported by the strength of its brands, rising owner confidence and the capabilities of its in-market team.
Sandilya said Garner’s launch in Japan about 18 months ago in Osaka has helped demonstrate growing interest from owners in rebranding hotels and gaining rapid access to IHG’s enterprise platform.
He added that this includes IHG’s marketing, technology and distribution platforms, as well as the global scale of IHG One Rewards.
Sandilya said IHG is only beginning to realise Garner’s full growth potential in Japan, where the business hotel segment remains underpenetrated by international brands.
He said the company sees opportunities to expand further across the country and is ready to work on more portfolio opportunities.
Erwann Mahé, CEO of GCP Hospitality, said the agreement builds on GCP Hospitality’s track record in Japan and expands its partnership with IHG through a historic portfolio deal.
He said GCP Hospitality has been appointed to lead the management team across the 14-hotel portfolio.
The repositioning of the portfolio will be supported by IHG’s global scale, brand strength and distribution capabilities.
Kyoto remains one of Japan’s most important and sought-after tourism destinations, attracting strong domestic and international demand throughout the year.
The hotels included in the portfolio are located across key districts in Kyoto, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo.
These locations will provide guests with access to major transport links as well as some of Kyoto’s best-known cultural and tourism attractions.
IHG first introduced Garner in Japan in 2025 with the opening of three Garner hotels in Osaka.
The brand is designed to offer an affordable, high-quality stay for both business and leisure travellers.
Japan’s established business hotel segment is known for efficient, functional properties and consistent service standards.
The segment has traditionally been led by domestic operators, making IHG’s growing presence in this category distinctive for an international hospitality company.
Through the new 14-hotel agreement, IHG is expanding its conversion-led growth strategy in Japan, strengthening its Kyoto footprint and widening access to its mainstream brands for owners and travellers.
About IHG®
IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 21 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 160 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms across 7,000 hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of a further 2,400 properties.
- Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo
- Premium: Noted Collection, voco, Ruby, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, EVEN
- Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner, avid
- Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
- Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
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About Garner hotels
Garner hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ new midscale conversion brand, was designed for travelers seeking a high-quality and relaxed stay, whether staying for business or leisure. With a promise to deliver ‘easy going stays that get you on your way,’ Garner provides the essentials that matter most to value-driven guests – convenient locations, a sound night’s sleep and a great hot breakfast all at an affordable price point. To learn more about the Garner hotels brand, visit https://www.ihg.com/garner-hotels, and find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/garnerhotels and https://www.instagram.com/garnerhotels.
About Holiday Inn Express
For travelers on the go, Holiday Inn Express provides more where it matters most – a great night’s sleep with our Express Recharge program, focused service from genuine people, and the Express Start Breakfast™ included in the rate, all designed to help guests feel more than ready for their day. As the fastest growing brand for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express aims to enable real, human connections for our guests by providing a simple, smart travel experience. For more information, visit www.holidayinnexpress.com, and connect with us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
SOURCE: InterContinental Hotels Group
