Cross Hotels & Resorts announced its expansion in regional footprint with entry into the Japanese market in a master franchise agreement with AB Accommo Company Limited. The company anticipates a rewarding future initially with seven properties with a total of 844 keys within four years stretching across Okinawa in the far south to Hokkaido.
The inaugural property, located on Kouri Island, will be called Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort and seamlessly matches the Away brand’s “Escape Everyday Life” philosophy. Kouri is a tranquil island connected to the main Okinawa island by a two-kilometre sea bridge and is recognized as the gateway between mainland Japan and the tropics. Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort is a boutique beachfront paradise that will offer guests jaw-dropping views over the East China Sea and is sure to become an Instagram-favourite with social media influencers and those seeking to get away from the urban sprawl when it opens in July 2021.
“Taking our business and brands into the prized Japanese hospitality marketplace is a watershed moment for Cross Hotels & Resorts. This agreement to franchise our brands into the Japanese market speaks volumes for the work we have done to define our branding and distribution value proposition and the manner in which our partners have embraced it. This partnership has been made possible by our ability to curate a product for our partners specific needs. I have a deep respect for our colleagues in the enterprise and I see a long and prosperous future with AB Accommo,” said Kent Davidson, Managing Director, Cross Hotels & Resorts.
Commenting on the new partnership, Yuji Abe, Chief Executive Officer of AB Accommo, said, “Franchising with Cross Hotels & Resorts gives us the opportunity to have our products sold under the best brands and distribution channel in the region. While this agreement opens up a world of opportunities for us, it also opens up Kouri Island and the other 150 islands that form the Okinawa archipelago to the Cross Hotels & Resorts family of global travellers.”
“With the signing of Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort we have brought to fruition our stated aspiration to grow our brands in the best markets in the Asia region. I would like to congratulate my colleagues here and in Japan for their hard work in making this a reality. The Away brand emphasizes the strength of our capabilities, our growth and our commitment to help our owners identify their product position in the marketplace,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.
“Japan is another milestone in our international expansion. Japan has one of the largest increases in international tourist arrivals in addition to very strong domestic travel. AB Accommo brings not only a strong operating platform with an existing 26 hotels but also a proven track record of cooperation with some of the leading investors and developers in Japan. Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort is owned by Nikken Housing Co., Ltd. We are extremely excited to introduce our brands to Japan and about this strategic partnership with AB Accommo,” said Jens O. Reichert, Chief Development Officer, Cross Hotels & Resorts.
