AHICE Far East Asia debuts in Tokyo

The launch of AHICE Far East Asia – which attracted 23 local and global sponsors including IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, JLL, Outrigger, Wayfarer, FutureLog, Hilton, La Vie Hotels and Resorts, Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts, Travel + Leisure, Watson Farley and Williams, Accor, CBRE, Hyatt, Luxury Escapes, QCC Collection, Radisson Hotel Group, SC Capital Partners, STR, The Ascott Limited, THSA, Dandelion Vineyards and Peroni – comes on the back of significant demand for a hotel industry conference focused on investment and operations.

The AHICE Far East Asia launch event, held at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, wasn’t just a success it was a seismic shift, signalling a golden age for Japan’s hotel industry.

The event, a precursor to the full two-day conference in 2025, drew an impressive gathering of close to 200 key players, including Japanese and international hotel groups, investors, developers, owners, and asset managers.

The hotel industry’s leading players were all represented, creating a platform for industry collaboration and conversations that’s never been seen in Japan before. Amid an atmosphere of shared excitement, the overwhelming message was that Japan is the place to be.

Japan: a global magnet

The resounding sentiment echoed throughout the event was clear: Japan is the hottest destination in the world right now.

The country’s travel recovery has been remarkable, with inbound tourism experiencing a significant upswing. While international arrivals haven’t fully reached pre-pandemic levels, the slower recovery of outbound travel has created a unique advantage, boosting domestic demand and further fuelling the industry’s growth.

The market’s potential is undeniable, with a surge in Average Daily Rates (ADR) reflecting its attractiveness to hotel owners and operators.

According to Matthew Burke from STR, global leader in hospitality data benchmarking, the Big 3 cities (Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto) are leading the recovery, trading at a premium compared to other regions.

In fact, Tokyo’s ADR growth in local currency has doubled that of New York and London, and it boasts the hights Gross Operating Pfifit (GOP) in the APAC region, highlighting the market’s profitability.

The industry’s leading voices in one room

The event featured a dynamic program of short, engaging sessions, covering everything from Japan’s unique operational landscape to investment trends, development outlook, and keynote Q&As with industry heavyweights.

Seibu Prince Hotels’ CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda, emphasised the company’s commitment to Japanese hospitality and global expansion plans, including the recent opening of their first hotel under the Park Regis by Prince brand in Singapore.

JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group Managing Director – Head of Investment Sales Japan, James Yukio Abe, underscored the attractiveness of the Japanese hotel market, with Tokyo leading the way in profitability.

Patience Capital Group Founder Ken Chan spoke about the tremendous opportunities in the ski market, particularly with developments closer to major cities that will drive local and global travellers.

Two of Japan’s tourism leaders, Marriott International Area Vice President – Japan and Guam, Karl Hudson, and Delta Air Lines Managing Director and President – Japan, Victor K. Osumi, formerly of Marriott, had a lively and frank chat about the popular airline’s plans for Japan and expectations for the market.

Several panel discussions featuring the ‘who‘s who’ of the industry delved into the challenges and opportunities in the Japanese market, including the need for technology adoption, talent development, and the exciting future for diverse brands entering or expanding in Japan.

by James Wilkinson