Interview
Regards Croisés – Luxury Hospitality in Japan: What Evolutions, What Challenges?

In this new episode of our series Business: Cross Perspectives, David Collas, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, shares his insights on the profound transformations taking place in Japan’s luxury hospitality sector.
And his observation is clear:
“Guest expectations are evolving: luxury is no longer limited to comfort or refinement, it now lies in experience and personalization.”
Throughout this exchange, he offers a nuanced analysis of the sector’s contemporary challenges and the specific issues of the Japanese market:
- The expectations of an increasingly diverse and connected international clientele
- The rise of post-COVID luxury tourism, driven by visitors from Asia, Europe, and North America
- The growing importance of a tailor-made guest experience, going beyond the traditional hotel product
- The cultural specificities of Japan in service, hospitality, and team management
- The integration of sustainability and well-being into the strategy of high-end establishments
A must-read interview for tourism professionals, premium brands, and anyone interested in the evolution of luxury in Asia, at the crossroads of tradition, innovation, and operational excellence.