Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Announces Strategic Expansion into Japan with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts

The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced a significant expansion of its footprint in Asia. In a move that will delight fans of Japanese hospitality, GHA has signed a strategic agreement with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts (THR), bringing over 40 properties across Japan into the GHA DISCOVERY ecosystem.

Photo Credit: The Captiol Hotel Tokyu

This partnership marks a major milestone for GHA, providing its 34 million global members with vastly increased options in one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Japan continues to see a sustained tourism boom, welcoming a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025. The agreement covers a diverse range of properties operated by Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, from luxury flagship hotels to premium business stays and beach resorts. Members can expect to earn and burn DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) at iconic locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa.

The portfolio includes several well-known sub-brands under the Tokyu umbrella:

• The Capitol Hotel Tokyu (Flagship luxury)

• Tokyu Hotel & Tokyu Resort Hotel

• Excel Hotel Tokyu

• Tokyu REI Hotel

• Distinctive Selection: Featuring unique lifestyle brands like STREAM HOTEL and STORYLINE.

Photo Credit: Shibuya Stream Hotel

While this is a new era for the alliance, the connection between Tokyu and GHA's roots runs deep. Tokyu Hotels & Resorts were the founders and previous owners of the Pan Pacific brand back in 1989. To this day, they maintain a marketing agreement for four hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, making this homecoming to an international alliance a natural strategic step.

For GHA DISCOVERY members, this expansion is excellent news. Japan has traditionally been a market where independent brands struggle for visibility against major global chains. By joining GHA, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts gains access to a massive international audience, while members gain high-quality, authentic Japanese accommodation options where they can enjoy tier benefits and spend their hard-earned D$. Whether you are planning a ski trip to Hokkaido, a cultural immersion in Kyoto, or a business trip to the heart of Shibuya, the addition of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts makes the GHA DISCOVERY programme significantly more relevant for your next trip to Japan.