IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a significant expansion of its footprint in Japan with the rebranding of two existing properties into ANA Holiday Inn hotels, marking the first international hotel presence in both Sanda and Tosu City. The move comes through a deepened partnership with FET SYSTEM INC and continues IHG’s strategy of quick-to-market conversions to meet growing domestic and global travel demand.

Currently operating as The Celecton Premier Kobe Sanda Hotel and Hotel Bientos, the two properties — which will be renamed ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu — will undergo full renovations ahead of their relaunch under the Holiday Inn banner in 2026. The brand’s signature elements, including the Open Lobby concept, will be introduced, delivering a consistent and comfortable experience that Holiday Inn guests have come to expect around the world.

Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for Japan & Micronesia and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, described the development as “another wonderful milestone” in IHG’s growth strategy. He emphasized the strength of the IHG brand platform in enabling fast conversions and highlighted that conversions made up about 60% of the group’s openings and 40% of signings globally in Q1 of 2025.

Hiroshi Nakamura, President and CEO of FET SYSTEM INC, echoed the enthusiasm: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration with IHG and bring the much-loved Holiday Inn brand to Sanda and Tosu. These will be the first internationally branded hotels in each city, offering a trusted option to both leisure and business travelers.”

The ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, with 130 rooms, is located approximately 40 kilometers north of Kobe City, offering panoramic views and close access to hiking, cycling, and golf. The hotel is expected to be a hub for both corporate meetings and local leisure travel.

Meanwhile, the 126-room ANA Holiday Inn Tosu is situated just 30 kilometers from Fukuoka City in Saga Prefecture. With strong corporate demand driven by the region’s manufacturing industry, the hotel will benefit from its prime location just five minutes from Tosu Station and close proximity to shopping, dining, and local attractions.

With these additions, IHG will have 15 Holiday Inn hotels either operating or in the pipeline across Japan, further solidifying its commitment to the region. Globally, the Holiday Inn brand boasts over 1,240 open hotels and nearly 275 more on the way — and now, Sanda and Tosu are joining that story.