TOKYO – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced that the company entered into a franchise agreement with GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Sapporo Park in 2023 as a part of reconstruction project for the current Sapporo Park Hotel. This is the second Hilton property in Hokkaido, following Hilton Niseko Village. The hotel will be managed by GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd.

Sapporo is the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, where people can enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons throughout the year. The number of inbound travellers visiting Sapporo has been growing and hit a record high in 2017. With the Hokkaido Shinkansen set to be extended to Sapporo in 2030, and the bid for the Winter Olympic Games, it is an international tourist destination that is attracting much attention both at home and abroad in terms of tourism and MICE demand.

“We are pleased to conclude this agreement between Hilton and GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts,” Guy Phillips, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia & Australasia, Hilton. “In Sapporo city, the inbound market has grown significantly, with an increasing number of tourists from Asian countries. Our strong partnership will enable us to offer world-class services for guests visiting Sapporo for business and leisure.”

“Hilton celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and we are proud of our 56-year history in Japan, with 16 hotels from Hokkaido to Okinawa,” said Timothy Soper, Vice President, Operations, Japan, Korea and Micronesia, Hilton. "We are aiming to further develop our business in Japan and are delighted to open our second Hilton hotel in Hokkaido. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world.”

The approximately 350-room new hotel will offer guest facilities including restaurants, banquet rooms, chapel, swimming pool and fitness. Located in the center of Sapporo city, it is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of the main business, entertainment and shopping districts. The hotel is adjacent to Nakajima Park, which is listed as one of “100 Most Popular Urban Parks in Japan.” The park has a historically significant building, a concert hall and a shrine inside that is one of the main attractions in the city.

“Sapporo Park Hotel celebrates its 55th anniversary this year,” said Sadanori Suda, President of GRANVISTA Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. “Inheriting the history and tradition of this long-established hotel, the new hotel will offer more global services through Hilton’s well-established global network offered by the agreement with this international hotel brand. We are confident that we will contribute to the increased demand for MICE and tourism in the international city of Sapporo.”

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