IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, marking a further step in the company’s expansion strategy in Japan. The 223-key property is scheduled to open in July 2026 following an extensive renovation, reinforcing IHG’s presence in Hokkaido and introducing the brand’s second Holiday Inn Express hotel in the country.
The new hotel will be developed through a partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and a consortium comprising Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., and The Sankei Building Co., Ltd. The collaboration brings together international hospitality expertise and local development capabilities, supporting the delivery of a project aligned with market demand in Sapporo.
Situated in Susukino, the city’s central entertainment and dining district, the hotel is positioned to serve a growing number of domestic and international visitors traveling to Sapporo. The location offers proximity to key attractions such as the Susukino Intersection and Ramen Alley, as well as convenient access to public transportation. The property is within a five-minute walk of Susukino Subway Station and a three-minute walk from Shiseikan Shogakkō-mae Streetcar Station, enabling efficient connectivity across the city.
The development responds to increasing tourism activity in Sapporo, where demand continues to grow across both leisure and business segments. By introducing a Holiday Inn Express property in this location, IHG aims to provide a streamlined and accessible accommodation option tailored to a broad range of travelers.
Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino will also be the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Japan to feature the brand’s Generation 5 design concept. This updated design focuses on enhancing guest efficiency and comfort, aligning with evolving expectations for modern travel. The hotel will include facilities such as the Express Café, a fitness center, and guest laundry, designed to support short and extended stays.
Globally, Holiday Inn Express remains IHG’s fastest-growing Essentials brand, with 3,292 hotels currently operating and 655 additional properties in development. The brand is built around a model of simple and efficient travel, offering standardized services including a complimentary hot breakfast for guests. Its positioning continues to appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking reliability and convenience.
The Sapporo project also highlights IHG’s ongoing focus on conversion-led growth. The property, currently undergoing renovation, demonstrates how existing buildings can be repositioned under an international brand to meet current hospitality standards. According to IHG, all hotel openings in Japan in 2026 will be conversions, reflecting strong owner interest in leveraging the company’s global platform.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, stated that the signing represents both a new partnership and a strategic milestone. It marks IHG’s first collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development and The Sankei Building, while also strengthening its relationship with Tokyo Tatemono.
He noted that the agreement reflects a shared objective to create long-term value in a destination that plays an important role in Japan’s tourism landscape. The project is also aligned with broader industry trends, where owners are increasingly seeking access to established systems in marketing, technology, and distribution, as well as large-scale loyalty programs such as IHG One Rewards, which has more than 160 million members globally.
From the ownership perspective, the consortium expressed confidence in the partnership, emphasizing IHG’s global reputation and its experience in executing conversion projects. The partners highlighted the company’s understanding of the local market and its ability to deliver a clear value proposition as key factors supporting the development.
IHG currently operates 59 hotels across 10 brands in Japan and has an additional 24 properties in the pipeline. The signing of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino contributes to this growth, particularly within the Essentials segment, which continues to see expansion in response to evolving traveler preferences.
As the project progresses toward its planned opening in July 2026, the hotel is expected to enhance accommodation options in Sapporo’s central district while supporting the city’s capacity to accommodate rising visitor numbers. Through its location, design, and operational model, the property reflects IHG’s approach to delivering consistent and efficient hospitality solutions in key urban markets.