Ramada returns to Japan after 2013 exit

ramada-hotel-niigata

Wyndham Hotel Group’s Ramada brand has returned to Japan with the opening of 300-key Ramada Hotel Niigata in the peninsula’s west coast.

It takes over the site of former Niigata Tokyu REI Hotel after having undergone a year-long refurbishment. Franchise operator Benten Plaza Co. expects to open more Ramada properties in Japan in the future.

“We had two franchised hotels in Japan and exited the country in late 2013,” said Barry Robinson, president and managing director for Wyndham in South-east Asia and the Pacific Rim.

“There were a couple of unfortunate factors which severely impacted the tourism sector and prompted the property owners to cease operations, such as the global financial crisis in 2008-2009, followed by the Tohoku earthquake in 2011.

“Ramada’s return to Japan strengthens our foothold in Asia and furthers our global agenda to transform travel by making it more accessible for the masses,” he added.

Arrivals in Japan have experienced rapid growth in recent years, including nearly 50 per cent year-on-year growth from 2014 to 2015. Benten aims to tap into that growing demand.

Said Robinson: “Our Ramada brand, in particular, is a familiar and well-loved brand in the neighbouring regions of China as well as South Korea, where we will be the largest international hotel operator.

“We were approached by the owners of the hotel and it was the international strength of our brand that made it a clear choice for them to work with Wyndham, under the Ramada brand.”

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