IHG reignites relationship with Berjaya Land Berhad with first hotel agreement in Japan

17 December 2024 – Tokyo, Japan: IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan (IHG) today announces a management agreement with BHR Okinawa Management GK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berjaya Land Berhad, which in turn a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad – one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates – to return the ANA Crowne Plaza brand to Okinawa.

The 123-room ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills will join the IHG system early in 2025 and undertake a thoughtful renovation to embed Crowne Plaza brand hallmarks throughout.

Its rebrand from ANSA Okinawa Resort follows the reigniting of the long-term relationship between IHG and Berjaya, who are building on their successful collaboration in Vietnam with their first joint project in Japan.

Abhijay Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia, said: "With plans to double our portfolio in Japan, this signing with Berjaya Land Berhad is another important milestone for IHG in realising our ambition. It’s wonderful to be reigniting our relationship with the Berjaya team with our first hotel agreement in Japan.

“Joining the portfolio of one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands and the largest international premium brand in Japan, ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills will benefit from IHG’s powerful global enterprise which will enable it to attract new guests and deliver stronger returns.

“We look forward to working with the Berjaya team to return the ANA Crowne Plaza brand to Okinawa and grow our partnership in the years ahead.”

Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Group Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Land Berhad, said: "We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the globally renowned IHG brand through this partnership in Japan. The rebranding of ANSA Okinawa Resort to ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills marks an exciting milestone, aligning with IHG’s exceptional standards and international network.

"This strategic move is poised to unlock new opportunities, elevate guest experiences, and deliver substantial benefits as the property integrates into the IHG system. With our extensive expansion plans in Japan, we are committed to strengthening our footprint across the country and further solidifying our successful partnership with IHG."

Located on the main island of Okinawa, ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills will offer guests panoramic views of the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean as well as easy access to a nearby golf course and cultural sites including Zakimi Gusuku Castle and Onna-son Community Centre.

A 45-minute drive from Okinawa’s main hub Naha Airport, facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, karaoke room, restaurant, bar, meeting space, ballroom and car park.

ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills will become the third IHG hotel in Okinawa, joining ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort and ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort.

As one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands, Crowne Plaza has properties located in gateway cities, airports, resorts and suburban destinations around the world. There are 20 open ANA Crowne Plaza hotels and three pipeline properties in Japan, and 413 open Crowne Plaza hotels and 146 in the brand’s pipeline globally.