IHG Makes Japan a Focus with Launch of New Reservation Page

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced the launch of its new English-language landing page targeted at outbound travel into Japan.

Titled “Visit Japan”, the webpage provides a comprehensive guide, by season, for travellers looking to plan a holiday to Japan. From exploring the natural wonders of the Sagano Bamboo Forest in spring, to taking an eye-opening drive down the mountainous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route during winter, visitors are also given recommendations on which of the 32 IHG hotels they can stay at for the easiest access to each attraction.

Japan recently announced that it exceeded its target of attracting 10 million inbound travellers to the country in 2013. This was achieved in part due to the relaxation of tourist visas to a number of ASEAN countries, as well as the increase in the number of low cost carriers serving Japan. With the growing number of tourist arrivals into the country, IHG is launching the destination-focused landing page in support of Japan's aim to attract 20 million tourists by the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Fergus Stewart, Head of Japan, IHG said, “E-commerce has become a default activity in our everyday lives and it is no exception with hotel reservations.

Our statistics show an increase in online bookings and just last year our IHG website and mobile booking sites reached 300 million visitors – an increase of nearly 20 percent from 2011."

"With the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in view, the Japanese government is pushing for strong increase in inbound travel. 

Part of how we are supporting this is by offering content-rich channels to motivate travellers to book their holidays to Japan.

With our strong presence in the country we are also keen to act as Japan’s tourism ambassador and encourage travel through every season to enjoy the nature, history, culture and great food Japan has to offer.”

The “Visit Japan” landing page serves as a direct channel for visitors looking to stay with IHG when they travel to Japan and highlights attractions and sightseeing spots across the country during each season.

An all new “Experience Japan” section will also feature attractions close-by when visitors select any IHG hotel. The landing page is currently available in English.

IHG is the largest international hotel operator in Japan with 32 hotels across four brands, including 7 InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, 17 Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and 4 Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts.