Choice Hotels extends franchising agreement for growth in Japan

Choice Hotels International has signed a 10-year extension of its existing master franchising agreement with Choice Hotels Japan and expects to open more than 30 new Comfort properties in the market by 2033. 

Choice Hotels Japan has been the exclusive franchisor of the Comfort brand in the country since 2003 and has a portfolio of more than 60 hotels in key markets, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Sapporo.

The first seven of the Comfort hotels are slated to open over the next three years in large cities including Kyoto, Matsuyama and Nagoya, bringing the number of rooms in the portfolio to more than 15,000 by 2025 and positioning Choice Hotels Japan as one of the country's top five operators.

The signing ceremony for the extension was held this week in Tokyo, with Choice Hotels International President/CEO Patrick "Pat" Pacious and Choice Hotels Japan President/Representative Director Takeya Muraki attending.

"International growth is a major focus for us and Japan is one of the world's fastest-growing travel destinations, so we're thrilled to increase our presence in this highly sought-after global market," said Pacious ."We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with Choice Hotels Japan as we continue to grow Comfort's presence and further integrate our digital business delivery platforms."

In first half, Choice Hotels International grew its portfolio of rooms and hotels located outside the United States by 4.1 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively, from June 30, 2018.