Spread the love

Post Views: 38

In an era where global travel is rebounding with vigour, Minor Hotels, the esteemed Bangkok-based hotel owner and operator, has announced a groundbreaking expansion plan. Propelled by a year of record-breaking financial performance, the group targets more than 200 new hotel openings worldwide within the next three years. This strategic move is expected to catapult the group’s global portfolio by nearly 40%, from its current count of 540 properties to an impressive total, adding over 30,000 rooms to its existing inventory of almost 80,000.

Minor Hotels’ expansion strategy is not just about quantity; it’s a testament to the brand’s dynamic vision and commitment to diversifying its global presence. About half of the over 200 planned openings are slated for the Asia region, highlighting a strategic pivot towards a more balanced geographic mix. Europe and the Middle East are expected to welcome over 50 new properties each, while other regions like Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Africa are also set to witness significant growth.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm Pool View Evening.

The driving force behind this ambitious global venture is a multifaceted commercial strategy, pivoting towards a more balanced mix of management and franchise operating models. Currently, Minor Hotels owns or leases almost 70% of its portfolio. However, in a bold move, the group plans to reduce this to around 50%, focusing instead on expanding through more than 150 new management agreements and numerous franchise deals. This shift signals a strategic transformation, aiming to grow Minor’s share of the overall operating model mix from 19% in 2023 to 38% by 2026.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and Minor Hotels, asserts, “2023 has been a record year, both financially and in terms of expansion. We’re setting a new pace in the hospitality industry, spreading our footprint into uncharted territories and enhancing our global presence.”

At the heart of this expansion are Minor Hotels’ flagship brands: Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, and NH Hotels. Avani, in particular, is expected to more than double its property count to nearly 100. The group also plans to introduce multiple new brands in 2024 and 2025 to address unmet consumer demands and offer tailored options to hotel owners, further cementing its competitive edge.

Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, emphasizes the strategic shift towards a lighter, more flexible operating model. “We’re adapting to modern trends, focusing on a mix of direct ownership, management, and franchised contracts. This approach will not only expand our global footprint but also retain our commitment to excellence across all management categories,” he notes.

2024 will be a hallmark year for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, with critical openings including the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel and Anantara Jaipur Resort, marking its debut in India. Avani Hotels & Resorts will add new properties in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Seychelles and its inaugural hotel in China. NH Collection Hotels & Resorts celebrates its 10th anniversary with expansions in Thailand, Qatar, Finland, and Portugal. Furthermore, Elewana Collection recently announced the new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale safari lodges, with the first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, set to open in March.

This ambitious expansion underscores Minor Hotels’ commitment to growing its culinary and non-hotel brands, including the Anantara Kafue River Zambia Tented Camp launch and the new Vietage by Anantara rail experience in Vietnam.

In a world where travel and hospitality constantly evolve, Minor Hotels is a beacon of innovation and growth, promising an exciting future for the global hospitality industry.