Tokyo-based Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, a subsidiary of Seibu Holdings, opened Prince Smart Inn Hakata near JR Hakata Station. This is the Seibu Group's first accommodation-only hotel, and its first hotel in Kyushu. The hotel has 14 floors and 190 guest rooms. By making use of ICT, everything from making reservations to hotel entry and checking out can be completed via smartphone. The company aims to attract young people from the so-called digital generation as well as foreign visitors to Japan.