Starwood Accelerates Growth of Westin Portfolio in Japan with Ski Resort Signing

rwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the signing of a management agreement for The Westin Rusutsu Resort, a conversion property owned by Kamori Kanko Co., Ltd. The deal marks the first Starwood ski resort in Japan and the Westin brand's entry in the famed Rusutsu region of Hokkaido.

"We are excited to partner with Kamori Kanko to debut Westin in Rusutsu and are eager to introduce the region to the brand's signature wellness programs and amenities, which are perfect for this famed ski location," said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. "This signing demonstrates the success of our conversion-strategy that is helping to fuel the growth momentum of Starwood in the region."

The Westin Rusutsu Resort will feature 210 guestrooms, including suites that offer up to seven beds for large groups or families. The accommodations will come equipped with signature Westin services and amenities, such as the world-renowned Heavenly^® Bed and the reviving Heavenly^® Bath experience. The hotel will also consist of extensive leisure facilities, including a WestinWORKOUT® studio, a hot spring, a sauna, outdoor baths, and tennis courts.

The resort will also encompass three unique dining venues that will provide a variety of culinary options alongside the brand's nutrient-rich and delicious SuperFoodsRx™ menus. An ideal setting for functions, the resort offers more than 110 square meters of a meeting room.

"We look forward to a continued partnership with Starwood, a strategic move to elevate our existing hospitality and leisure business," said Kimihito Kamori, CEO, Kamori Kanko Co., Ltd. "We are confident that the globally-renowned Westin brand will further strengthen Rusutsu as one of the most popular resorts in Hokkaido and Asia Pacific."

Located in the northernmost region of Japan's main islands, Rusutsu serves as one of country's most popular year-round resorts and specifically offers a wealth of winter recreational activities. The Westin Rusutsu Resort—which will be conveniently situated near a number of mountain ranges, slopes and ski operations—is set to welcome an abundance of skiers and snowboarders amid the colder months.

The resort is less than a 90-minute drive from Sapporo's Chitose International Airport. Hokkaido is also connected to the island of Honshu by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort will be the seventh Westin in Japan, joining The Westin Tokyo, The Westin Osaka, The Westin Sendai, The Westin Miyako Kyoto, The Westin Nagoya and The Westin Awaji Island Resort & Conference Center. Each property offers guests the brand's distinctive positioning around well-being, with programs designed to help guests feel better than when they first arrive.

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