Here’s the current situation of existing business hotels in Kobe City as of February 2024.
Distribution of Existing Business Hotels in Kobe City
According to Metro Engines Research, the distribution of existing business hotels in Kobe City is concentrated in the Chuo Ward, with 104 out of a total of 242 facilities, accounting for approximately 51% of all hotels in the city.
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
| Kobe City | Number of Facilities | Number of Rooms |
| Chuo Ward | 104 facilities | 11,340 rooms |
| Kita Ward | 67 facilities | 2,505 rooms |
| Hyogo Ward | 17 facilities | 1,137 rooms |
| Nada Ward | 15 facilities | 298 rooms |
| Nishi Ward | 11 facilities | 428 rooms |
| Higashinada Ward | 10 facilities | 633 rooms |
| Tarumi Ward | 9 facilities | 408 rooms |
| Suma Ward | 6 facilities | 164 rooms |
| Nagata Ward | 3 facilities | 143 rooms |
| Total | 242 facilities | 17,056 rooms |
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
Trend in the Number of Existing Business Hotel Facilities in Kobe City
The number of existing business hotel facilities in Kobe City has increased by 15%
From 47 facilities in January 2019 to 54 facilities in February 2024, there has been an increase of 7 facilities over five years.
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
Was There an Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Trend in the Number of Facilities?
Considering the period under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to May 2022 (when it was almost settled), let’s examine the effect during different periods.
In conclusion, the impact seems to have been minimal. There was an increase of 3 facilities from January 2019 to January 2020, before the pandemic. During the pandemic, from January 2020 to May 2022, there was an increase of 5 facilities. After the pandemic settled, from May 2022 to February 2024, there was a decrease of 1 facility.
This indicates that the trend in the number of business hotel facilities in Kobe City was largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing at almost the same pace of increase. However, the decrease from May 2022 to February 2024 requires further investigation.
| Date of Count | Number of Facilities | Change |
|---|---|---|
| January 2019 | 47 facilities | |
| January 2020 (During COVID-19) | 50 facilities | +3 facilities |
| May 2022 (After calming down) | 55 facilities | +5 facilities |
| February 2024 | 54 facilities | -1 facility |
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
Trend in the Number of Rooms in Existing Business Hotels in Kobe City
The number of rooms in existing business hotels in Kobe City has increased by 32%
The number of rooms in existing business hotels in Kobe City has increased by 32%, with an addition of 1,760 rooms. The pace of increase in the number of rooms exceeded that of the increase in the number of facilities. The average number of rooms per facility increased by 14%, from 119 rooms in January 2019 to 136 rooms in July 2023.
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
Was There an Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Trend in the Number of Rooms?
Similar to the trend in the number of facilities, the impact on the trend in the number of rooms was also minimal. There was an increase of 548 rooms from January 2019 to January 2020, before the pandemic. During the pandemic, from January 2020 to May 2022, there was an increase of 1,394 rooms. After the pandemic settled, from May 2022 to July 2023, there was a decrease of 182 rooms.
Like the trend in the number of facilities, the decrease in the number of rooms after the pandemic suggests that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have manifested later.
| Date of Count | Number of Rooms | Change |
|---|---|---|
| January 2019 | 5,580 rooms | |
| January 2020 (During COVID-19) | 6,128 rooms | +548 rooms |
| May 2022 (After calming down) | 7,522 rooms | +1,394 rooms |
| July 2023 | 7,340 rooms | -182 rooms |
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
Occupancy Rate Trend of Existing Business Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture
(Source:Metro Engines Research)
The occupancy rate of existing business hotels in Hyogo Prefecture, where Kobe City is located, has shown a trend similar to the national occupancy rate. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 to May 2022) is evident from the graph, with a recovery trend observed from May 2022 onwards.
Before the pandemic, Hyogo Prefecture’s occupancy rate was below the national rate, except in August, November, and December. However, from May 2022 onwards, it has been surpassing the national rate, especially in November 2023, with an occupancy rate 3.2% higher than the national rate, indicating a smoother recovery trend than before the pandemic.
As with other cities popular among international tourists like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Kobe City faced a significant impact during the pandemic due to the halt in international tourist arrivals. However, the occupancy rate since May 2022 suggests a steady recovery.
Summary
The current situation of business hotels in Kobe City shows that while the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was minimal on the increase in the number of facilities and rooms, some effects were observed after the pandemic subsided. The occupancy rate, like the national average, was significantly affected by the pandemic but has shown robust recovery since May 2022.
Looking ahead, the ‘Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025’ to be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is expected to attract a large number of tourists from around the world and across Japan. Although the expo will be held in Osaka Prefecture, its proximity makes it easy to envisage travelers visiting Kobe for the event, potentially serving as a significant catalyst.