IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a significant expansion in Japan through a partnership with GCP Hospitality to convert 14 hotels in Kyoto. The deal, which adds 1,063 rooms to IHG's portfolio, is one of the largest hotel conversion projects in the country. The properties will be rebranded and renovated over the next 12 months, with 12 becoming Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one remaining unbranded.
This move positions IHG as one of the largest international hotel operators in Kyoto, a city that continues to attract both domestic and international travelers. The hotels are strategically located near key districts such as Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Gojo, offering easy access to transport hubs and cultural landmarks.
Strategic partnership with GCP Hospitality
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts in Japan and Micronesia, called the agreement a "true milestone signing" for IHG in Japan, highlighting the long-term relationship with GCP Hospitality. Erwann Mahé, CEO of GCP Hospitality, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that GCP has been appointed to lead the management team across the 14-hotel portfolio, supported by IHG's global scale, brand strength, and distribution capabilities.
The Garner brand, launched in Japan in 2025, is IHG's fastest-growing midscale conversion brand, offering affordable, high-quality stays for business and leisure travelers. The rapid expansion of Garner underscores growing interest from hotel owners to rebrand and leverage IHG's global marketing and distribution platforms.
This deal follows other recent hospitality expansions in the region, such as Imperial Hotel Kyoto's role in preserving Gion's heritage, highlighting the competitive yet culturally rich hotel landscape in Kyoto.
For travel professionals, this conversion signals a robust demand for midscale offerings in Japan's key tourist destinations. IHG's aggressive growth strategy in the region is likely to influence other international hotel groups to seek similar conversion opportunities.
GCP Hospitality, with its expertise in managing diverse properties, is expected to ensure a smooth transition for the hotels, maintaining service quality while integrating IHG's systems and standards. The partnership also reflects a broader trend of asset-light expansion, where hotel groups partner with management companies to grow their footprint without heavy capital investment.
Kyoto remains a top destination in Japan, and the addition of these 14 hotels will provide more options for travelers, particularly those seeking midscale accommodations. The strategic locations around major transport hubs and cultural attractions are likely to appeal to both leisure and business visitors.
IHG's expansion in Kyoto is part of a larger push in Japan, where the company has been growing its presence across various segments. The success of this conversion project could pave the way for similar deals in other Japanese cities, as the country continues to see a rebound in tourism.
For hotel owners, converting to an IHG brand offers access to a global reservation system, loyalty program, and marketing reach, which can be particularly valuable in a competitive market like Kyoto. The Garner brand, with its focus on affordability and quality, is well-suited to the growing demand for midscale accommodations in Japan.
As the travel industry continues to recover, such large-scale conversions are a positive sign for the hospitality sector, indicating confidence in the long-term prospects of Japan's tourism market. IHG's partnership with GCP Hospitality is a clear example of how strategic alliances can drive growth and enhance brand presence in key destinations.
