TUI unveils expansion into Japan with the signing of TUI Suneo Otaru
TUI’s hotel division is expanding to Japan.
In a landmark move for its global growth, the group has signed its first hotel management agreement in the country, introducing TUI’s leisure hotel brands to the Japanese market for the very first time.
Planned for opening in 2029, the newly built TUI Suneo Otaru will be easily accessible from Sapporo, just 35 minutes away by train.
Guests will be within walking distance of Otaru’s landmarks, including the Otaru Steam Clock Tower, the Sakaimachi Shopping Street known for its handcrafted glassworks and local sweets, and the Otaru Canal.
A picturesque port city in northern Japan, Otaru combines cultural heritage with year-round appeal.
As one gateway to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition journeys, one of TUI’s cruise lines, the port occasionally serves as both the point of departure and return.
“TUI Hotels & Resort’s entry into Japan underscores our long-term commitment to expanding holiday experiences in new destinations, particularly across Asia,” says Sebastian Ebel, TUI Group CEO.
“With increasing demand for travel to Japan among our tour operator and cruise guests, expanding into the hotel sector represents a natural evolution.”
TUI Suneo Otaru will feature 50 rooms with a lobby lounge, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.
Plans are already in place for future expansion, including additional rooms and public spaces to meet growing demand.
The hotel will join TUI’s portfolio of over 400 leisure hotels and resorts worldwide.
In Asia, the group has established 25 hotels across eight countries, with plans to more than double that number in the coming years.
By the end of 2025, TUI will open new hotels in Vietnam and China.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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