In a groundbreaking move to redefine Japan’s luxury and lifestyle hospitality landscape, Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) and Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. (Royal) announced a strategic joint venture, marking Minor Hotels’ official entry into Japan. The collaboration will establish Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., a 50/50 partnership to develop and operate world-class properties under the Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli Hotels brands.
This ambitious venture will spearhead the creation of 21 hotels across Japan by 2035, targeting both business and leisure destinations to meet the rising demand for luxury accommodations in the region. The joint venture will officially commence operations in March 2025.
Strategic Synergy: Merging Global Expertise with Local Strength
The partnership brings together Minor Hotels’ internationally acclaimed expertise in luxury hospitality and Royal Holdings’ deep-rooted presence in Japan’s hospitality sector. Royal operates 43 Richmond Hotels across the country via its subsidiary, RNT HOTELS CO., Ltd., demonstrating its strong operational acumen and deep understanding of the Japanese market.
Masataka Abe, President and Representative Director of Royal Holdings, emphasized the significance of this alliance:
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to bring world-class hospitality to Japan, combining our deep understanding of the Japanese market with Minor Hotels’ proven expertise in luxury hospitality.”
Minor Hotels, known for its distinctive luxury and lifestyle accommodation approach, strategically positions itself in key gateway cities and leisure destinations across Japan. The partnership will integrate Minor Hotels’ renowned hospitality standards with Royal’s local market knowledge, ensuring a seamless fusion of Japanese elegance and international luxury.
A Long-Standing Relationship Cemented in Expansion
The collaboration between MINT and Royal is built on a solid foundation of trust and shared business goals. Their partnership began with a successful franchise agreement for the Sizzler restaurant brand in Japan, demonstrating their ability to navigate and thrive within the Japanese market. This joint venture marks the next evolution of their cooperation, shifting focus from dining to hospitality on a large scale.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed excitement about the venture:
“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the vibrant Japanese market, a key growth area for our company. Through our partnership with Royal, we aim to deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences that authentically reflect Japan’s unique culture while showcasing the global excellence of our renowned brands.”
Growth Strategy: Management & Lease Agreements
The development pipeline for Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. will consist of properties acquired through a combination of management agreements and lease arrangements. This flexible model will allow the joint venture to collaborate with top Japanese real estate developers in crafting bespoke luxury experiences.
The primary focus will be delivering authentic, high-end hospitality that appeals to domestic and international travellers. The brands under the joint venture—Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli—are well-positioned to cater to a broad spectrum of guests, from ultra-luxury seekers to modern, lifestyle-conscious travellers.
Loyalty & Market Impact
A key driver of success for this venture will be Minor Hotels’ GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program. This award-winning initiative will build a strong customer base and drive repeat business. With over 24 million members worldwide, the program will offer exclusive benefits and tailored experiences to guests staying at the new properties in Japan.
This joint venture is poised to make a substantial economic and industry impact by capitalising on Japan’s booming travel and hospitality sector. With the 2025 Osaka Expo and the continued rise of high-end tourism in Japan, the timing of this expansion aligns perfectly with market trends.
Conclusion: A New Era of Luxury Hospitality in Japan
The launch of Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. is more than just a business venture—it’s a bold statement on the future of Japan’s hospitality landscape. As Minor Hotels enters the Japanese market with Royal Holdings’ local expertise and operational strength, the two industry powerhouses are set to redefine luxury travel experiences in Japan.
With the first properties set to open in the coming years, this joint venture is positioned to deliver a new standard of excellence in Japanese hospitality. As global travel demand rebounds, this partnership is primed to capture the attention of discerning travellers worldwide, making Japan an even more alluring destination for luxury and lifestyle hospitality.
Written by: Yves Thomas