GIC Snaps Up 16 Marriott Hotels in Japan Amid Tourism Surge

Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC has made a significant move in Japan's hospitality sector by acquiring 16 hotels operated by Marriott International.

The acquisition, valued at approximately 125 billion yen (S$1 billion), includes the Four Points Flex by Sheraton chain, which operates in 11 cities across Japan, including popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

GIC's purchase follows a trend of increasing investment in Japan's real estate market, with the weak yen making the country an attractive destination for tourists. The number of foreign visitors to Japan exceeded 40 million for the first time in 2025, reaching around 42.7 million people.

Hospitals are considered relatively resilient to inflation due to their ability to raise room rates in response to rising expenses and demand. This allows hotels to maintain profitability even during periods of high inflation.