Japan is once again drawing global attention as one of Asia’s most active hospitality markets. In this episode of Hospitality Investor News Desk, Abhijay Sandilya, managing director for Japan and Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, discusses how the country’s post-pandemic tourism boom is fueling record investment and development. With visitor arrivals projected to reach 40 million by 2025, strong economic fundamentals and government support are driving growth across both major and emerging destinations — from Tokyo and Osaka to Karuizawa and Sapporo.
Sandilya says IHG is capitalizing on the momentum with a mix of new builds and conversions, including luxury properties such as Six Senses Kyoto and Regent Karuizawa, along with the renewed expansion of the Holiday Inn brand. As international capital flows back into Japan and investors look beyond traditional markets, the country is entering a new era of hospitality growth.
Listen to the full interview to hear how IHG is shaping the next chapter of Japan’s hotel landscape.