(Test) Historias Empresariales: Alma Hospitality
In this edition of Business Stories, we take a closer look at Alma Hospitality and its trajectory in the Japanese market. We speak with Carla Chacón, General Manager in Japan, about the company’s development, its experience in Japan, and the challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector.
1. To begin with, what is the company’s main line of business, and what products or services does it currently offer in the Japanese market?
Alma Hospitality focuses on boutique hotel management and hospitality consulting. In Japan, we operate lifestyle-oriented hotel concepts and provide advisory services to enhance guest experience, brand positioning, and operational performance.
2. When and why did Alma Hospitality decide to enter Japan? What factors made the Japanese market a strategic opportunity?
Japan has always been a highly attractive market for us due to its strong tourism appeal and its reputation for excellence in hospitality. We saw an opportunity to introduce international concepts while adapting them to the expectations of a very discerning and quality-driven market.
3. In which year was Alma Hospitality established in Japan, and what was the initial motivation for entering the Japanese market?
We established our presence in Japan in 2020 as part of our broader expansion strategy in Asia. The goal was to position ourselves in a market that values both innovation and high standards of service.
4. How is the company currently structured in Japan?
- Type of entity: Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)
- Employees: Around 20 professionals
- Main activities: Hotel management, consulting, and guest experience strategy
5. Looking back, how was the process of establishing or expanding in Japan?
The process required a strong commitment to understanding the local market. Building trusted relationships with local partners was essential, as well as adapting our approach to align with Japanese business practices and expectations.
6. From your experience, what have been the main challenges of operating in the Japanese market?
Maintaining consistently high service standards while scaling operations is one of the key challenges. Talent acquisition can also be demanding, particularly in a market where expectations around quality and service are exceptionally high.
7. In your sector, what challenges do you believe international companies operating in Japan tend to share?
Many international players face similar challenges when it comes to adapting their concepts to local expectations and navigating operational frameworks that are often more structured and detail-oriented than in other markets.
8. What differences would you highlight between the hospitality sector in Japan and in other markets such as Europe?
Japan places a much stronger emphasis on precision, consistency, and attention to detail. In contrast, European markets tend to allow for more flexibility and personalization in service delivery.
9. Are there any particularities of the Japanese market that influence the way business is conducted?
Yes, trust and long-term relationships are fundamental. There is also a strong focus on reputation, reliability, and delivering consistent value over time.
10. Finally, what advice would you give to companies considering entering or expanding in the Japanese market?
Take the time to understand the local culture and expectations, and invest in building strong, long-term partnerships. Having a long-term mindset is essential to succeed in Japan.