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Indonesia Interweaves With Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam and Others Countries as Confirmed Asian Hospitality Markets Relevant to Midscale or Broader Mainstream Growth Whereas Maldives, China, Thailand Strengthing Global Appeal in 2026 Among Luxury Hotel Rankings, Here’s an Exclusive Research For Travelers.
Asia’s hospitality race is accelerating. Indonesia and Malaysia are attracting attention through expanding mainstream hotel demand, while Japan and Vietnam benefit from powerful visitor growth. At the same time, the Maldives, China and Thailand are strengthening Asia’s international luxury appeal through highly ranked island resorts, heritage hotels and landmark urban properties. This exclusive report explains which markets are growing, what is driving investment and how the region’s changing hotel landscape could offer travellers greater choice across different budgets.
Minor Hotels is accelerating its Asian expansion as stronger visitor demand creates new opportunities across India, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other regional markets. The Bangkok-based hotel group is pursuing a broader mix of luxury, lifestyle, premium, upscale and selected midscale properties.
Minor Hotels is strengthening its position in Malaysia and Indonesia, with a focus on midscale and upper-midscale properties. An interview with Travel and Tour World at HMC 2026, Kevin Shortt, Director of Development, Indonesia & Malaysia, Minor Hotels explained that the group brings the perspective of both a hotel owner and an operator to its regional expansion.
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Minor Hotels began as an owner and has operated properties under brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. It later developed and acquired its own portfolio, including Anantara, NH Hotels and Oaks. This background helps the company understand the financial and operational priorities of property owners.
The group believes a hotel brand should offer more than a name above the entrance. Its support includes revenue generation, efficient use of space and operational expertise. Minor Hotels also helps owners assess whether an asset is suitable for a particular brand and choose between managed and franchised operating models.
Shaw said Minor Hotels currently owns or leases about two-thirds of its hotel inventory. However, the company aims to diversify further towards an asset-light growth model while retaining its owner-focused approach.
Technology also forms part of the group’s strategy, but it does not replace human hospitality. Minor Hotels aims to combine modern systems with meaningful guest contact and Malaysia’s traditional welcome to create efficient yet personal hotel experiences.
The company’s strategy is not identical in every country. Malaysia and Indonesia offer clear potential for midscale and upper-midscale development. India presents opportunities across several categories, including NH Hotels in tier-two cities and airport locations. Japan, meanwhile, forms part of a separate luxury and lifestyle push.
Minor Hotels is also pursuing an asset-light model. This means that more growth can come through hotel-management agreements and franchises instead of direct property ownership. However, the company says its history as a hotel owner continues to influence how it evaluates costs, revenue and long-term asset performance.
Malaysia stands at the centre of Minor Hotels’ Southeast Asian growth discussion. The company sees room for expansion in the country’s midscale and upper-midscale sectors, where owners need more than an international name above the entrance.
Its offering can include revenue management, operational support, distribution, space planning and technology. Minor Hotels also provides different operating structures, including management and franchise arrangements.
Malaysia’s wider tourism recovery supports this opportunity. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reported that the country received 24.5 million international visitors between January and July 2025. This represented growth of 16.8% from the corresponding period in 2024. It was also 16% higher than the same period in 2019.
Visit Malaysia 2026 is expected to maintain attention on tourism, aviation partnerships and destination promotion. Rising visitor numbers could strengthen demand for dependable, moderately priced accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, secondary cities, transport centres and leisure destinations.
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Indonesia is another important target for Minor Hotels, particularly as the group looks to expand its presence through different brands and operating models.
The country has a powerful advantage. It serves international visitors while also benefiting from an enormous domestic tourism market. This gives hotel operators several sources of demand instead of making them entirely dependent on overseas travellers.
Statistics Indonesia recorded 1.41 million international arrivals in December 2025. This was an increase of 14.43% from December 2024. Domestic travellers completed 105.98 million trips during the month, while occupancy at star-rated hotels reached 56.12%.
Indonesia’s opportunities extend beyond established destinations such as Bali and Jakarta. Secondary cities, regional commercial centres and emerging leisure areas could support properties designed for value-conscious business and leisure guests.
Minor Hotels can use its experience as both an owner and operator to assess which brand and commercial model suits each location. Image generated with Ai
India is the clearest additional Asian market where Minor Hotels’ strategy includes opportunities relevant to the mainstream and midscale-to-upscale hotel sectors.
The company announced an ambition to add 50 properties in India within a decade. Its plan covers several brands rather than one price category. Anantara serves the luxury market. NH Collection operates in the upper-upscale segment. Avani addresses premium lifestyle demand, while NH Hotels can serve broader business and leisure markets.
Minor Hotels has identified particular potential for NH Hotels in rapidly developing tier-two cities and around airports. These areas frequently need consistent accommodation that combines reliable service, practical facilities and international distribution without depending entirely on luxury demand.
India’s Ministry of Tourism reported 20.57 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, an increase of 8.9% over 2023. India also recorded approximately 3.04 billion domestic tourist visits by August 2025.
Minor Hotels’ January 2026 strategy update described India as a priority market with more than a dozen projects in its pipeline. This makes India a major long-term expansion market, although its complete programme should not be labelled exclusively midscale.
Japan has become one of Minor Hotels’ most clearly defined Asian growth markets. However, the company’s Japanese plan focuses on luxury and lifestyle accommodation rather than midscale hotels.
Minor Hotels formed a joint venture with Japan’s Royal Holdings. The partnership aims to establish 21 properties by 2035 under the Anantara, Avani and Tivoli brands. The proposed hotels will target important business gateways and leisure destinations.
Anantara and Tivoli operate in the luxury sector, while Avani focuses on contemporary lifestyle stays. Therefore, Japan should be described as a strategic portfolio-expansion market, not as a confirmed midscale campaign.
Japan’s tourism demand provides a strong commercial foundation. Japan’s official tourism authorities estimated that the country welcomed approximately 42.68 million international visitors in 2025. This represented annual growth of about 16%.
Such demand supports new accommodation, but it also places pressure on major tourism centres. Expansion into regional destinations could help distribute visitors more widely while opening fresh opportunities for international hotel operators.
China has previously formed part of Minor Hotels’ Asian expansion plan for NH Hotels and NH Collection.
The company announced three NH Hotels and two NH Collection properties for China as part of a wider programme to take brands traditionally associated with Europe into Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
The distinction between the two brands remains important. NH Hotels covers the midscale and upscale space, while NH Collection belongs to the upper-upscale category. Consequently, only part of Minor Hotels’ Chinese development can accurately be connected to midscale expansion.
China offers a vast domestic travel market, established commercial centres and a growing range of leisure destinations. These conditions allow hotel groups to develop properties for different customer groups, from cost-conscious business travellers to guests seeking higher-end experiences. Image generated with Ai
Thailand remains central to Minor Hotels’ identity and Asian operations. The group began as a hotel owner in the country before developing and acquiring a much wider international brand portfolio.
Minor Hotels has introduced NH Hotels to Thailand through NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. It has also announced NH Collection developments in destinations including Chiang Mai and Rayong.
This represents portfolio diversification rather than a purely midscale drive. NH Hotels provides a route into the mainstream market, while NH Collection serves upper-upscale travellers.
Thailand also gives Minor Hotels an established operating base, local knowledge and brand recognition. These advantages can support expansion elsewhere in Asia.
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Vietnam has not been identified publicly as a dedicated Minor Hotels midscale target, but it remains one of Asia’s strengthening hospitality markets.
The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism reported nearly 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025, up 20.4% year on year. This created a new national record.
Rising demand can support city hotels, beach resorts, lifestyle accommodation and professionally managed properties in emerging destinations. Vietnam’s performance also strengthens the wider regional environment in which Minor Hotels operates.
Any claim that the company has launched a specific Vietnamese midscale programme would require a separate formal announcement. For now, Vietnam should be viewed as a strong hospitality market within Minor Hotels’ broader Asian footprint. Image generated with Ai
Singapore’s hotel industry maintained an average occupancy rate of 81.9% in 2025, compared with 81.4% in 2024. The Singapore Tourism Board also reported that 644 rooms were added to the country’s accommodation supply during the year.
Minor Hotels is entering Singapore with a 200-room Avani property in Tanjong Pagar. Avani is a premium lifestyle brand rather than a conventional midscale offering.
Singapore therefore represents a confirmed strategic entry for Minor Hotels, supported by strong hotel performance and tourism spending. However, it should not be grouped with the company’s midscale plans in Malaysia or opportunities for NH Hotels in India and China.
Minor Hotels is also exploring opportunities in Nepal and Bangladesh. In 2025, it appointed a development executive with responsibility for India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The appointment confirms active interest in identifying projects, partnerships and suitable sites across South Asia. It does not, however, confirm the number, location or category of future hotels in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Until individual agreements are announced, these countries should be described as prospective development markets rather than confirmed midscale expansion destinations.
Minor Hotels expects Asia to make a larger contribution to its global portfolio. Its 2026 growth agenda indicated that more than 60% of the deals anticipated during the first quarter would come from Asia and the Middle East.
The strategy remains deliberately varied. Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China and Thailand provide opportunities connected to mainstream, midscale or upscale accommodation. Japan and Singapore support luxury, premium and lifestyle growth. Nepal and Bangladesh remain markets under exploration.
This country-by-country approach allows Minor Hotels to match each property with local demand. It also prevents a misleading assumption that one brand or price category will drive its entire Asian expansion.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, India and many countries in Asia is becoming the confirm markets relevant to midscale or broader mainstream growth. On the other hand, there are more Asian countries which is leading luxury hotel rankings and strengthening global appeal in 2026 as Travel and Tour World highlights top 100 Luxury Hotels in the World for 2026 including Asia.
Japan leads Asia’s representation in the supplied Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the World for 2026, followed by the United Arab Emirates, China and the Maldives. The ranking highlights Asia’s growing influence across city hotels, private-island resorts, heritage properties and culturally inspired retreats.
The Asian selection contains 28 entries when Türkiye is included. However, The Peninsula Istanbul stands on Istanbul’s European side. A strict geographical count would therefore leave 27 hotels in Asia.
Japan records five entries, more than any other Asian country in the list. Aman Tokyo takes the region’s highest position at number 36. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto follows at number 37, while Bulgari Hotel Tokyo ranks 38th.
Aman Kyoto appears at number 87. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is also listed again at number 70. This appears to be a duplicate in the supplied ranking and should be checked before publication.
Tokyo’s modern luxury and Kyoto’s cultural character give Japan a strong mix. The results underline the country’s ability to serve travellers seeking urban sophistication, traditional design and highly personalised hospitality. Image generated with Ai
The United Arab Emirates places three hotels inside the global top 41. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai ranks 39th. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi follows at number 40, while Bulgari Resort Dubai takes 41st place.
These properties reflect the UAE’s position as a major luxury tourism centre. Dubai combines resort experiences with shopping, entertainment and international aviation connectivity. Abu Dhabi adds cultural attractions, beachfront accommodation and high-end urban hospitality.
Three Maldivian resorts appear in the ranking. Cheval Blanc Randheli in Noonu Atoll ranks 53rd. One&Only Reethi Rah in North Malé Atoll stands at number 67, while Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll ranks 95th.
The Maldives remains one of Asia’s leading destinations for private-island travel. Its luxury sector focuses on space, privacy, overwater accommodation, wellness and marine experiences.
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China has three listed properties when Hong Kong is included. Aman Summer Palace Beijing ranks 44th, The Peninsula Shanghai holds 45th place, and The Peninsula Hong Kong appears at number 79.
Singapore contributes two properties. Raffles Singapore ranks 42nd, followed immediately by Capella Singapore at number 43. Their positions demonstrate the city-state’s strength in heritage hospitality and resort-style urban stays.
Thailand also claims two places. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok ranks 58th, while Capella Bangkok takes 77th position. Both reinforce Bangkok’s status as a leading Asian destination for riverside luxury.
India places two hotels in the ranking. The Leela Palace Udaipur holds the 71st position, while The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra completes the global list at number 100. Both properties connect luxury accommodation with India’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Elsewhere, Amanoi in Vietnam ranks 56th. Capella Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, takes 59th place. Amangalla in Sri Lanka stands at number 64, while The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia ranks 68th.
Qatar and Oman also secure recognition. Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay ranks 72nd, and The Chedi Muscat appears at number 78.
The supplied results show that Asian luxury hospitality is no longer concentrated in a few gateway cities. Its strongest properties now extend across islands, heritage centres, coastal retreats and fast-growing capitals.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Vietnam demonstrate how stronger tourism demand is supporting broader hospitality growth across Asia. Meanwhile, the Maldives, China and Thailand highlight the region’s ability to compete at the highest level of global luxury travel.
The findings reveal a diverse market rather than one single growth story. Mainstream hotels can answer rising demand for reliable and accessible stays, while luxury properties strengthen destination prestige and attract higher-spending guests. Travellers can expect greater accommodation choice, modern hotel experiences and stronger competition as Asian destinations expand their international presence in 2026.
Japan has five listed positions, although one is an apparent duplicate because The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto appears at both numbers 37 and 70. If that duplication is corrected, Japan still retains four distinct properties and remains strongly represented.
The Maldives holds the clearest position in the supplied ranking, with Cheval Blanc Randheli, One&Only Reethi Rah and Soneva Fushi included. Indonesia and Malaysia also offer nature-led resort experiences through Bali and Langkawi.
No, Minor Hotels’ confirmed Japanese programme concentrates on Anantara, Avani and Tivoli, which serve luxury and lifestyle markets. India provides clearer evidence of midscale-to-upscale opportunity through the NH Hotels brand.
Both countries combine international arrivals with substantial regional or domestic travel, creating demand beyond the luxury sector. Their capitals, secondary cities, airports and leisure destinations offer opportunities for practical, professionally operated accommodation.
No recognised awarding organisation or methodology was supplied with the list, so it should not be presented as independently verified without identifying and checking its publisher. The duplicate Kyoto entry makes source verification especially important before publication.
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Tags: asia-pacific, china, east asia, indonesia, japan
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