First established in 2006, the IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan joint venture currently operates 32 hotels combining IHG’s three international brands – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn – with the local ANA brand power.
SINGAPORE – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced an extension to its strategic partnership with Japan’s leading aviation group, ANA HOLDINGS (ANA HD). First established in 2006, the IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan joint venture currently operates 32 hotels combining IHG’s three international brands – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn – with the local ANA brand power.
As the largest international hotel group in Japan, IHG ANA combines the power of IHG’s global brands and distribution reach with fully localised booking platforms and a substantial local presence to support hotel operations. With a combined rewards programme membership of 120 million (92 million IHG Rewards Club, and 29 million ANA Mileage Club), IHG ANA has established a loyal global clientele, securing a strong distribution and marketing channel for the network.
IHG ANA hotels have long appealed to both domestic and international travellers, especially with the recent surge in inbound tourism which saw record numbers reaching 19.7 million in 2015. The brand recognition from the global presence of both companies presents further opportunities to accommodate travellers from around the world during the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games events and beyond.
Jan Smits, IHG Chief Executive Officer Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), commented: “We are proud of the successful partnership held with ANA HD this past decade. Capitalising on our combined brand power to appeal both domestically and internationally has helped us build our presence in Japan, a key market for us. Japan’s positive tourism outlook both domestically and internationally provides an excellent platform to enhance our strategic partnership in the coming years.”
Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO, ANA HD, said: “A decade ago, ANA made a bold decision in establishing a joint venture with IHG, creating a successful hotel partnership. Because of the synergy of our brands, IHG ANA is now positioned as the leading international hotel company in Japan and we look forward to further growth opportunities.”
The IHG ANA network of hotels provides employment for over 5,000 people, and offers industry-leading talent development programmes such as the IHG Academy, and an intensive ANA educational programme run via several local colleges.
Photo caption (left to right): Tadahiro Uematsu, Vice President, Business Development Corporate Strategy, ANA Holdings, Toyoyuki Nagamine, Executive Vice President, ANA Holdings, Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO, ANA Holdings, Jan Smits, CEO, AMEA, IHG, Alan Watts, COO, AMEA, IHG, Hans Heijligers, Head of Japan, IHG
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