IHG Hotels & Resorts expands in Kyoto with 14-hotel deal

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is expanding its presence in Japan through a portfolio agreement with GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group. The deal involves 14 hotels in Kyoto, totaling 1,063 rooms.

Under the agreement, 12 of the properties will be converted to the Garner brand, one will become a Holiday Inn Express, and one will remain unbranded. The conversion process, which includes renovations and rebranding to meet specific brand standards, is expected to take place gradually over the next 12 months. This represents one of IHG’s largest portfolio conversions in Japan in recent years.

The expansion comes amid rising tourism in Japan. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) indicates that Indonesian tourist arrivals to Japan reached 379,700 in the first half of 2026, a 13 percent increase compared to the previous year. Kyoto remains a primary destination for both international and domestic travelers.