Minor Hotels Expands Global Hospitality Empire Across 66 Countries with Over 640 Properties as It Officially Enters Japan Market Through Avani Kyoto Development, Marking a Historic Milestone in Long-Term Asia Growth Strategy
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Minor Hotels, a global hospitality operator with over 640 properties spanning 66 countries, has confirmed a major expansion into Japan with the launch of Avani Kyoto. The project marks the brand’s first footprint in the country and is scheduled to open in 2030. It is being developed through a strategic partnership with Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., with Minor Hotels taking on both investment and operational responsibilities.
Positioned in the heart of Kyoto along Karasuma Street, the new hotel will rise on the former site of the Kyoto Shimbun headquarters. The location offers strong transport connectivity, with direct access to Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, ensuring seamless mobility across the city. Its setting places it within easy reach of some of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural attractions, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, making it a highly accessible base for leisure and business travellers exploring Japan’s historic capital.
The development plan includes the refurbishment of the existing North Building alongside the construction of a newly designed South Building. Once completed, the property will feature around 240 guest rooms. The architectural concept is designed to blend Kyoto’s traditional aesthetic influences with modern hospitality requirements, creating a balanced urban retreat. The layout prioritises functional comfort for both short-stay visitors and long-stay guests.
The hotel will also incorporate multiple dining venues and communal spaces aimed at enhancing guest interaction and lifestyle convenience. The Avani brand’s core positioning—focused on contemporary, flexible, and experience-driven urban hospitality—will be embedded throughout the property, aligning modern travel expectations with Kyoto’s cultural depth.
“Avani Kyoto represents an important step in Minor Hotels’ long term expansion strategy, bringing the brand into one of Asia’s most culturally significant destinations,” said William E. Heinecke, Founder & Chairman of Minor International. “Through our local partners, we are creating a hotel that is aligned with the character of Kyoto while delivering a contemporary experience for guests.”
Minor Hotels is accelerating its international expansion strategy with a focused push into Japan, marking a significant step in its long-term Asia growth roadmap. The expansion is being delivered through a strategic joint venture with Royal Holdings Co., Ltd., a partnership designed to strengthen the group’s operational base in one of the world’s most competitive and high-value hospitality markets.
Under this collaboration, Minor Hotels is preparing to establish a more substantial presence across Japan by developing a diversified portfolio of properties under its key global brands, including Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli. The development strategy is designed to capture demand across both primary urban gateways such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as high-potential leisure destinations that continue to attract strong domestic and international tourism flows. This dual-market approach reflects the group’s intention to balance business travel demand in major cities with the growing appeal of experiential and leisure-driven stays in resort and cultural destinations.
The expansion into Japan is aligned with broader trends in the global hospitality sector, where operators are increasingly focusing on experience-led travel, brand differentiation, and location-specific offerings. By leveraging its multi-brand structure, Minor Hotels aims to position itself competitively across multiple market segments, ranging from luxury and upper-upscale to lifestyle-oriented hospitality. Each brand within the portfolio is expected to serve a distinct traveller profile, ensuring broader market penetration and stronger resilience across tourism cycles.
Avani Hotels & Resorts plays a central role in this global growth strategy. As one of the twelve brands under Minor Hotels, Avani has built a strong international footprint with more than 40 operational properties spread across five continents. The brand’s portfolio includes contemporary city hotels in major business hubs, beachfront resorts in tropical destinations, and nature-inspired retreats designed for relaxation and wellness-focused travel.
Avani’s positioning is anchored in modern design sensibilities, efficient yet personalised service, and a value-driven hospitality model that appeals strongly to millennial and Gen Z travellers as well as business guests seeking functional comfort. The brand emphasises smart simplicity, offering stylish spaces without unnecessary complexity, which has allowed it to remain competitive in both mature and emerging tourism markets.
In recent years, Avani has accelerated its global expansion strategy, with a clear pipeline of upcoming properties across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This expansion reflects rising demand for lifestyle hotel experiences that combine affordability with contemporary aesthetics and practical amenities. The brand is increasingly targeting key gateway cities and fast-growing leisure destinations, aligning its growth with shifting travel patterns and the resurgence of international tourism across multiple regions.
The entry into Japan through the Minor Hotels–Royal Holdings partnership is expected to further strengthen Avani’s global positioning, offering opportunities to introduce its signature hospitality style to one of the most sophisticated travel markets in the world. Japan’s tourism sector continues to attract strong inbound demand, supported by cultural appeal, infrastructure development, and growing international connectivity.
Overall, the strategic move signals Minor Hotels’ long-term commitment to deepening its presence in Asia while reinforcing its global brand portfolio. By combining established international brands with locally informed partnerships, the group is positioning itself to capture new growth opportunities and strengthen its competitive advantage in the evolving global hospitality landscape.
