Leveraging on the country’s tourism boom and burgeoning demand for travel among a growing global middle class and millennials, Wyndham Hotel Group has announced the return of its Ramada brand to Japan with the opening of the 300-room Ramada Hotel Niigata.
Franchised through an agreement between Wyndham Hotel Group and Benten Plaza Co., Ltd., the midscale Ramada Hotel Niigata Japan offers accommodations targeting both business and leisure travellers. A three-minute walk from the Niigata train station, the hotel boasts an excellent locale in a coastal city renowned for its natural beauty, fresh seafood, national parks and traditional hot springs.
“Ramada’s return to Japan strengthens our foothold in Asia and further our global agenda to transform travel by making it more accessible for the masses,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and the Pacific Rim.
“Modern Japanese travellers today are seeking full serviced hotels to suit their evolving lifestyle needs and Ramada Hotel Niigata is well poised to meet their demands with its affordable prices, excellent location and quality accommodation inspired by local flavours.”
Japan’s tourism market has experienced year-on-year growth with a phenomenal 19.7 million tourist arrivals in 2015, which is nearly 50 per cent more than 2014.
Robinson said he sees a strong potential in Japan’s tourism industry and the Niigata Prefecture has the potential to become a major part of Japan’s tourism portfolio with its superb leisure facilities and close proximity to Tokyo.
“The presence and strength of an international brand such as Ramada will boost Niigata’s tourism appeal and attract more domestic and international guests into the city,” said Mr Robinson.
Formerly the Niigata Tokyu REI hotel, extensive renovations were completed over the past year to revitalise its 300 guestrooms and hotel facilities.
The full-service hotel is equipped with five food and beverage outlets and a bar, including El Dorado restaurant, which serves Japanese-fusion cuisine, accommodating up to 105 diners. To boost its star appeal, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Kazhushige Yamagishi, who comes from an illustrious background with several stints in Michelin-starred French restaurants including Guy Savoy and La Tour d’argent. Guests can savour his culinary finesse through creations that use locally sourced produce prepared with a gentle hand to retain their natural flavours.
Catering to business travellers, the hotel also offers six meeting rooms, complimentary WiFi and an on-site laundromat.
Ramada Hotel Niigata Japan is situated close to the city’s various attractions including Toki Messe Convention Centre and the Niigata City Aquarium. Niigata is the coastal capital of the Niigata Prefecture and lies on the northwest coast of Honshu, the largest island in Japan.