Japan’s Mori Trust buys Osaka Hotel as preparation for World Expo, casino opening

Jenny Ortiz March 5, 2024

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Japan’s Mori Trust buys Osaka Hotel as preparation for World Expo, casino opening

Mori Trust, a Tokyo-based real estate investment fund, has recently acquired the Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba hotel from investment firm PAG.  

This strategic move is aimed at capitalizing on the projected tourism surge in Osaka, especially with the city set to host the World Expo in 2025 and Japan’s first casino opening in 2030. 

The acquisition underscores Mori Trust’s forward-thinking approach in anticipation of Osaka’s increasing prominence in the tourism sector.  

Osaka’s hospitality sector growing 

With a portfolio already valued at JPY470 billion (€2.87 billion), Mori Trust recognizes the growing appeal of Osaka’s hospitality market among investors.  

The city’s status as a favoured destination for both domestic and international travellers is expected to fuel substantial growth, leading to a surge in hotel investments in the Greater Osaka area. 

Mori Trust’s additional asset 

The Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba was built in 2020. 

It offers a significant addition to Mori Trust’s assets, boasting a gross floor area of 10,362 square meters spread over 14 floors. 

Its strategic location, within a 10-minute walk from three major rail stations, and a mere 20-minute drive from Yumeshima, the designated site for the 2025 Expo and the future home of an anticipated $8.6 billion (€7.9 billion) casino resort, adds to its appeal for investors. 

Moreover, the hotel stands to benefit from the forthcoming completion of Osaka’s Naniwasuji line, an underground railway slated to begin operations in 2031.  

This line will link JR Namba station with Osaka station and Kansai International Airport, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for visitors to the area. 

SiGMA Africa – less than one week away!   

Just less than a week away until the highly anticipated SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa toward a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town. 

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