07:30 - 08:55Registration and Match & Meet

08:55 - 09:00Welcome Remarks from the ChairmanSpeaker: Eric Levy, Managing Director atTSI

Data Talks

09:00 - 09:20(KEYNOTE) Japan's Tourism RenaissanceRecuperating from post-pandemic concerns, Japanese inbound visitors rose to 2.07 million in June, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) said on early Jul 2023, clearing the 2 million mark for the first time since February 2020, which equivalent to 72.0% of the June 2019 figure.
Speaker:Shiori Sakurai, Business Development Manager at STR Japan

Property Owners' Track

09:20 - 10:10(PANEL) Foreign Capital Influx: Toward Customers' Novel Taste and Global Criteria
Panel Discussion:This industry has been a key driver in attracting $691 million in foreign investments in the country’s hotel sector, reflecting growing confidence in the market’s potential for returns. Overseas buyers were responsible for 47% of the ¥494.3 billion ($3.7 billion) invested in hotel deals that closed in the past 12 months — the highest proportion since 2014, according to data at the end of March from research firm MSCI Real Assets. How will this influence market trends and visitor preferences? In what way will the appearance of a number of major hotel brands alter the preferences of future travellers and shape the future of the hotel industry?
Moderator: Robert Hecker, Managing Director, APAC at Horwath HTL
Panellists:● Abe Hiro, Managing Director at H.A. Advisors Ltd.● Seth Sulkin, CEO at Pacifica Capital K.K. ● Philip Ryan, Director, Capital Investments & Transactions, APAC Development at IHG ● Glass Wu, CEO at Japan Hana Real Estate ● Amous Lee, CEO at FM Investment

10:10 - 10:50Morning Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

10:50 - 11:30(PANEL) Capitalizing on Opportunity in the Japanese Hotel Market: Navigating Limited Supply for High Rewards
Panel Discussion:Amidst a captivating backdrop, the Japanese hotel market reveals a remarkable narrative of scarcity. Post the 2020 Olympics, meager increments of just around 38,000 and 28,000 new accommodations marked the years 2021 and 2022 respectively, accentuating its limited growth. Moreover, predominant in major cities, the accommodations landscape offers only elementary services, even among traditional setups. This engaging session offers an in-depth panorama of Japan's hospitality industry, spotlighting the alluring potential for investments and the intricacies that attend those venturing into this dynamic market.
Panellist:● Hayafuji Yoshihiko, Head of Japan, Real Assets, AXA Real Estate Investment Managers Japan KK.

11:30 - 12:10(PANEL) Exploring the Future of Japan's Luxury Hotel Market
Panel Discussion:The discussion will focus on the future of the luxury hotel market in Japan. It will delve into the sources of demand, the emergence of new luxury hotel projects, markets that are suitable for luxury hotel ventures, and the challenges that the luxury sector is currently facing in the Japanese market
Moderator Eric Levy, Managing Director at TSI

Panellists:● Kou Sundberg, President and CEO at Kiraku● Jennifer Hashimoto, Project Manager at Dorchester Collection● Min Wu, Senior Vice President of Development, Construction and Asset Manager APAC at Club Med Shanghai

12:10 - 14:00Lunch Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Brand DNA Track

(PANEL) People, Places & Spaces: The Future of Brands
Panel Discussion:With ever-changing consumer preferences, the future of brands lies in their ability to effectively communicate with customers, adapt, utilize inherent qualities, and pursue innovative directions, regardless of the size of the brand. The panel will be a combination of interior designers, hotel operators, and property owners to discuss how to build long-lasting brands that resonate with today's guests.
Panellists:● Nikhil Manchharam, Managing Director at YOTEL● Krid Kusumawalee, Director of Development, Asia Region at Kempinski Hotels● Rie Kurokawa, Design Director at Gensler

14:40 - 15:20(PANEL) Soft Brands, White Label and Third Party Operators: Solution in a Post-COVID Recovery Market
Panel Discussion:This session will extensively cover the burgeoning significance of white label hotel management in the hospitality sector. The panelists will delve into key aspects, including market trends, flexible terms, operational benchmarks, and the value of co-branding. They will discuss how this approach meets evolving consumer behaviors, allowing customization of services. The session will highlight the role of consistent operating standards in guest satisfaction. Furthermore, insights will be shared on co-branding's impact on credibility, visibility, and marketing. Through real-world examples and industry insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic trend.
Moderator: Elena Orru, GM | Acting Managing Director at The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts

Panellists:● Harry Thaliwal, CEO at Cross Hotels & Resorts● Olivier Berrivin, VP Operations - APAC at BWH Hotels

15:20 - 16:00Afternoon Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Hotel Tech Track

16:00 - 16:20Reserved for Commercial Partner

16:20 - 16:40(KEYNOTE) IoT for Hotel Operations: Ensuring Cybersecurity and Optimising Building Administration
High labour costs and an increase in unsuitable elderly employees have a significant impact on hotel operations in Japan, considering the fact that hotels have only recently recovered their revenue after a protracted downturn. In light of dwindling budgets, this session will focus on finding long-term alternatives for optimal operation by employing technology.

Design Track

16:4 0 17:20(PANEL) Discover the New Wave: Pioneering Sustainability in Japan's Hospitality Landscape
Panel Discussion:Step into the heart of a transformative journey as we uncover the bold strides of sustainability in Japan's vibrant hotel industry. Amidst an era of heightened environmental consciousness, this exploration unearths the realm of eco-conscious operations, energy-efficient innovations, and responsible sourcing. Delve into the harmonious integration of renewable energy sources, ingenious waste reduction strategies, and green building practices. Beyond ecological stewardship, the session unveils how sustainability harmonizes profitability and the planet, elevating guest experiences and catalyzing long-term prosperity within Japan's evolving hospitality domain.
Panelists:● Caspar Schmidt, Managing Director at QCC Collection Group● Asao Nakayama, Founder & Design Director at W Design International● Clint Nagata, Founder at Blink Design Group

17:20 - 17:40Lucky Draws + Group Photo

07:30 - 08:55Registration and Match & Meet

08:55 - 09:00Welcome Remarks from the OrganizerSpeaker: Gloria Wong, Executive Director at Hospitality Asia

Data Talks

09:00 - 09:20Reserved for HotStatsSpeaker: Bousserind Comson, Business Development Manager at HotStats

Revenue Rebound Track

(PANEL) How to Sustain Hotel Rates amid a Volatile Return to Normalcy?
Panel Discussion:The hotel sector in Asia has experienced an increase in luxury hotel prices subsequent to the reopening of mainland China. However, there is also evidence suggesting that elevated daily hotel rates may be temporary in nature, or potentially exhibit a fluctuating pattern characterized by intermittent rises and falls. Hotels may encounter another potential challenge, which is the escalation of operational costs due to the growing overall demand. This session will delve into the strategies that operators can employ to establish a sustainable revenue stream, while also forecasting possible future volatility and outlining effective approaches to address them.
Panellist:● Ayako Klepal, Senior Manager - Hospitality at KPMG FAS (TBC)

10:00 - 10:40Morning Tea Break + 1-1 Business Matching

10:40 - 11:00Looking for Commercial Partner

Operation Optimizations Track

11:00 - 11:40(PANEL) How to Retain Well-trained Staff through Empowerment?
Panel Discussion:Even during the pre-Covid era, Japan's large hotel industry experienced an unprecedented decrease in personnel. The fact that this industry has a much higher turnover rate than others is primarily due to low wages, lengthy working hours, and few vacation days. This affects the calibre of human resources. Hospitality, including communication skills, manners, and consideration, is required of hotel and lodging employees. This session will delve deeper into strategies for retaining a high-quality workforce, establishing an effective training system, and delivering services with a high level of customer satisfaction.

11:40 - 12:20(PANEL) How Hotels are Responding to the Demand Diversification of the Luxury Segment?
Panel Discussion:In today's hotel industry, guest expectations have evolved significantly and become increasingly demanding compared to the past. The new basic essentials now include contactless services, stricter safety protocols, and a higher standard of operational excellence. In order to remain adaptable and competitive, hotels must develop offerings that instill trust and confidence in their ability to cater to guests' needs, considering the unique challenges of the current macro landscape. This session will explore the changing behavior of the luxury guest segment in Japan and discuss strategies that hotels can use to capitalize on these shifts.

12:20 - 14:00Lunch Break + 1-1 Business Matching

Guest Experience Track

14:00 - 14:40(PANEL) Harmonizing Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Hospitality: Balancing Personalized Service, Privacy, and Hygiene
Panel Discussion:The session focuses on optimizing the Japanese hospitality market by blending traditional warmth with modern needs. It explores strategies to enhance guest experiences while ensuring privacy and hygiene, particularly post-COVID. The goal is to strengthen the bond between hotels and guests, creating a uniquely Japanese and exceptional hospitality encounter.

Distribution & Marketing Innovation Track

14:40 - 15:20(PANEL) Leveraging Direct Booking Channels: Navigating the Dos and Don'ts for Hoteliers
Panel Discussion:The primary advantage offered by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) is heightened market visibility. Yet, in order to alleviate cost pressures, an increasing number of accommodations are prioritizing the establishment of direct distribution channels, notably through websites. What strategies can be employed to address this challenge and enable hoteliers to effectively compete against OTAs in terms of pricing, while also enticing guests to opt for direct bookings?
Panellist:● Sho Yasui, Commercial Director, Japan at Accor

16:00 - 16:40(PANEL) Elevating Hotel Booking Performance: A Look into the Evolving Preference and Behaviour of the Japanese
Panel Discussion:Some hoteliers may consider reducing their room rates significantly in an effort to increase guest bookings. Although this approach may initially appear to be effective, it often fails to achieve the intended outcomes. Lower rates do not inherently generate demand. It can possibly establish incorrect expectations for guests. They may interpret it as indicative of the caliber of the services and amenities, which results in a negative perception of the hotel. The key factor is to understand the genuine preferences and behaviors of guests across various segments and develop an appropriate sales and distribution strategy to enhance booking rates.

16:40 - 17:00Group Photo

17:00 - 18:00Post-event Networking