Minor Hotels Plans to Expand in India with 50 New Hotels
Minor Hotels, an international hotel operator with over 540 properties across 56 countries, plans to expand significantly in India’s thriving hospitality market by opening 50 new hotels over the next ten years. The company will concentrate on the upper-upscale and luxury segments, expecting high demand for its established brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection.
Anantara Hotels & Resorts will enhance its unique offerings by focusing on Ayurvedic wellness retreats, wilderness lodges, and historical palaces. Avani Hotels & Resorts aims to capture the lifestyle hotel niche throughout India, and NH Collection Hotels & Resorts sees potential in upper-upscale conversion projects. Furthermore, Minor Hotels sees growth opportunities for NH Hotels & Resorts, especially in fast-growing tier two cities and near airports.
The group intends to pursue hotel management contracts and greenfield developments, maintaining its long-standing strategy of creating new destinations, a cornerstone of its 46-year legacy. Amir Golbarg, SVP for Middle East, Africa and India for Minor Hotels, said: “We are bullish on the potential of India, and have already been overwhelmed with owner interest, but are proceeding with a ‘partnerships over properties’ approach. It means we are being very selective in the hotels that we add to our portfolio, with our focus on cultivating meaningful alliances with partners who align with our values and vision. Minor’s strength has always been in our ability to think globally while acting locally, meaning we are well versed at adapting our standards and operations to suit the unique characteristics of each market we operate in – a trait we believe will give us a strong advantage in India.”
Minor Hotels entered the Indian market in 2017 with the launch of Oaks Bodhgaya in Bihar. This year, the company will achieve a significant milestone by opening the Anantara Jaipur Hotel, marking the introduction of its premier luxury brand in India. To facilitate its growth, Minor Hotels has established a new office in Bengaluru, highlighting its dedication to a sustained presence in India. The company recently named Vijay Krishnan as the Vice President of Operations for India, who will lead an expanding local team. With its strategic base in Bengaluru, Minor Hotels is well-placed to tap into the burgeoning opportunities in southern India and expects substantial growth in the area.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of its parent company Minor International (SET:MINT), said: “We believe in India. We believe in its potential as a world-class inbound destination. And we believe in the enormous opportunities that lie in its surging domestic market. It’s why we have made substantial investments in establishing our operations there, and will continue to invest there to realise our growth ambitions. With our extensive experience in managing world-class hotels in emerging destinations, coupled with the strong recognition of our existing hotel brands within the Indian market, we are confident in our ability to play a significant role in India’s ongoing tourism success story.”
Minor Hotels’ brands have gained substantial recognition among Indian travelers. Notably, Anantara has seen India become one of its quickest growing international markets. In 2023, room nights from Indian guests at its properties in Asia and the Middle East surged by 72% compared to 2022. This upward trend persisted into the first quarter of 2024, with a 36% increase over the previous year. Additionally, Minor Hotels is part of the GHA DISCOVERY, the largest global alliance of independent hotel brands. In 2023, GHA hotels in India generated a record-breaking revenue of US$68 million. The number of GHA loyalty members in India also reached a new high of over 500,000, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, these members spent more than ever at GHA hotels, with revenues hitting a record US$60 million, up 46% from the year prior. GHA research indicates that its Indian members are planning an average of four leisure trips, three staycations, and five business trips in 2024. The most popular destinations are Europe, Thailand, and the Maldives. Minor Hotels is a major player in these regions, boasting over 300 properties in Europe, 25 in Thailand, and seven in the Maldives.
As part of a bold global expansion, the Bangkok-based Minor Hotels aims to add over 200 hotels in the next three years, underlining its growth strategy in India.
