Minor Hotels plans massive global expansion with 200+ new openings

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Minor Hotels targets over 200 new global openings in 3 years, expanding its portfolio by 40% and enhancing its brand presence worldwide.

Minor Hotels, a prominent hotel owner and operator based in Bangkok, is embarking on an ambitious plan to open over 200 new properties globally in the next three years. This initiative is part of Minor Hotels’ strategic vision for 2024 and beyond, aimed at significantly expanding the group’s portfolio by nearly 40% from its current 540 properties, along with adding over 30,000 rooms to its existing inventory of almost 80,000.

This expansion marks a significant phase in Minor Hotels’ growth, driven by the company’s impressive financial performance in 2023. The strategy involves a multi-faceted approach, including diversifying Minor Hotels’ brand portfolio, modernizing its digital strategy, and adopting a balanced mix of management and franchise operating models.

Currently, under its ‘asset right’ strategy, Minor Hotels owns or leases about 70% of its global portfolio of 540 hotels. However, Minor Hotels plans to adjust this figure to approximately 50% as it aggressively seeks a mix of management and franchise agreements. Minor Hotels is targeting over 150 new management agreements within the next three years, aiming to increase its share in the operating model mix from 19% in 2023 to 38% by 2026. Additionally, Minor Hotels is focusing on new franchise agreements and expanding its hotel investment portfolio.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “2023 has been a record year and the figures, both financial and regarding the group’s expansion, confirm this. Looking ahead, we intend to increase this pace of openings, expanding our brands within our existing areas of operation and growing our global footprint into new regions in which we are not yet present.”

In its quest for global diversification, Minor Hotels is targeting a more balanced distribution of hotels and resorts worldwide. By the end of 2026, Minor Hotels aims to have half of the over 200 planned openings in Asia, while Europe and the Middle East are each expected to contribute over 50 properties. Other regions, such as Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Africa, will also see new openings under the Minor Hotels brand portfolio. This strategy aims to adjust the global balance, with significant growth expected in Asia and the Middle East & Africa, while Europe’s share will decrease due to the expansion in other regions.

Minor Hotels’ growth is expected to be driven by key brands like Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, and NH Hotels. For instance, Avani is projected to more than double its property count to nearly 100. Minor Hotels also anticipates introducing several new brands in 2024 and 2025, aiming to meet untapped consumer demand and offer diverse options for hotel owners, thus enhancing Minor Hotels’ competitive edge in the market.

Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, said: “We’re focused on cross-developing our brands to create a harmonious blend of luxury and accessibility in diverse locations. We’re also moving towards a lighter ‘asset-right’ model. While we will always retain direct ownership of key flagship assets, embracing modern trends we’re shifting towards an increased focus on management and also franchised contracts. This strategic move is set to organically expand our global footprint while retaining our strict owner-driven mindset across all management categories.” 

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, a luxury brand under Minor Hotels, will continue its strategic expansion in 2024 with key openings in Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Bali, and Jaipur, marking Anantara’s entry into India. Avani Hotels & Resorts, another brand under Minor Hotels, plans to launch new properties in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, the Seychelles, and China in 2024. NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Minor Hotels, will grow its global presence with new openings in Thailand, Qatar, Finland, and Portugal. NH Hotels & Resorts, also under Minor Hotels, has introduced the group’s first properties in Paris, with more to come in Mexico and China. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and nhow Hotels, both part of Minor Hotels, will continue their expansion in Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

The Elewana Collection, a subsidiary of Minor Hotels, recently announced the new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale safari lodges, with the first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, set to open in March.

Amidst this rapid growth, Minor Hotels remains committed to expanding into new experience categories and growing its culinary and non-hotel brands. The upcoming Anantara Kafue River Zambia Tented Camp, part of the Anantara brand under Minor Hotels, will offer a new luxury experience, while The Vietage by Anantara, a luxury rail experience in Vietnam, will introduce a new route as part of Minor Hotels’ diverse offerings.

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