Hong Kong, China, 4 March 2016 – Today Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and Japan’s leading real estate development company Mori Trust Group, announced they plan to open JW Marriott Hotel Nara, Japan in the spring of 2020 – the same year as the Tokyo Olympics. The new hotel will mark the JW Marriott brand’s debut in Japan, Nara's first luxury property and the continuation of a successful partnership between Marriott International and Mori Trust Group. Marriott International will operate the hotel under a long-term management agreement with Mori Trust Group.
The agreement is part of a long-term relationship between Marriott International and Mori Trust Group, which began with the signing of three hotels in 2013 and an additional five hotels earlier this year. Construction of the 150-room JW Marriott Nara is scheduled to begin in 2017 and the hotel is expected to open its doors to guests in the spring of 2020.
“Having collaborated with us on nine hotels in Japan, Mori Trust Group has become a significant and strategic partner for Marriott International,” said Arne Sorenson, President & Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International. “Introducing the JW Marriott brand to the country, and in particular to the historic and culturally rich city of Nara, is an exciting milestone and we very much look forward to working closely with Mori Trust Group on the project.”
“It is our great pleasure to introduce Japan to the JW Marriott brand, which is the pinnacle of our trusted partner Marriott International’s luxury portfolio – facilitating the success of the Nara’s continued growth and expansion in the tourism industry, ” said Akira Mori, President & CEO of Mori Trust Co., Ltd. “JW Marriott Hotel Nara will shine a light on Nara’s best amenities – such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a collection of National Treasures – providing today’s travelers a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture.”
“Tourism is booming in Japan and the market has seen an unprecedented increase in demand from both domestic and international travelers. We expect this trend to continue through the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo,” said Craig S. Smith, President & Managing Director of Marriott International, Asia Pacific. “Mori Trust Group’s commitment to high-quality design and their in-depth knowledge of local culture make them the ideal partner to execute the country’s first JW Marriott property – a global brand known for offering highly crafted, enriching guest experiences to today’s luxury traveler.”
The new property will be located in the capital city of Nara, known for its embodiment and preservation of traditional Japanese history and culture. Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Nara is home to many of the country’s oldest surviving palaces, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines while also boasting several Michelin-rated restaurants and a world-renowned culinary scene. Nara has the enviable distinction of having more UNESCO World Heritage listings than any other prefecture in the country.
The hotel will also cater to the conference and events sector, located nearby several amenities including a large convention hall, NHK Broadcasting Hall, and an extensive food and beverage and retail complex.
Mori Trust Group is a leading real estate company in Japan. The owner and operator of Laforet Hotels & Resorts, Mori currently has 32 properties offering 7,200 rooms in prime city sites and carefully selected resort areas throughout the country. The company runs a diversified hospitality business encompassing development, management, operations, investment, consulting and partnerships.
Marriott International currently has 15 hotels in Japan spanning five brands –The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance, Courtyard, and Autograph Collection Hotels.
