InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced an extension to its strategic partnership with Japan’s leading aviation group, ANA Holdings (ANA).
First established in 2006, the IHGANA 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, IHGANA 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.
“We are proud of the successful partnership held with ANA this past decade,” said Jan Smits, IHG Chief Executive Officer Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA).
“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.”
With a combined rewards programme membership of 120 million (92 million IHG Rewards Club, and 29 million ANA Mileage Club), IHGANA has established a loyal global clientele, securing a strong distribution and marketing channel for the network.
IHGANA 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.
“A decade ago, ANA made a bold decision in establishing a joint venture with IHG, creating a successful hotel partnership,” said Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO, ANA HD.
“Because of the synergy of our brands, IHGANA is now positioned as the leading international hotel company in Japan and we look forward to further growth opportunities.”
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 and Paralympic Games events and beyond.
The IHGANA 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.
Pictured above are: Tadahiro Uematsu, Vice President, Business Development Corporate Strategy; Toyoyuki Nagamine, Executive Vice President; Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO, ANA Holdings; Jan Smits CEO Asia, Middle East & Africa IHG; Alan Watts COO, Asia Middle East & Africa IHG; and Hans Heijligers, Head of Japan IHG