Minor sets sight on rapid expansion in India, to add 50 hotels within next decade, ET TravelWorld

Minor Hotels, a renowned global hospitality group with a vast portfolio of over 540 properties in 56 countries, is embarking on journey to strengthen its presence in the Indian hospitality market. The group has outlined plans to add 50 new properties in India within the next decade, signaling its robust commitment to the country’s burgeoning tourism landscape.

With a strategic focus on the upper-upscale and luxury hotel segments, Minor Hotels aims to leverage the popularity of its distinguished brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection in India. The group sees immense potential in diverse offerings, including Ayurvedic wellness retreats, wilderness lodges, historical palaces, lifestyle hotels, and upscale accommodations.

Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President for Middle East, Africa, and India, Minor Hotels, expressed confidence in India’s growth prospects and highlighted the group’s selective approach towards partnerships. “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,” he added.Minor Hotels’ journey in India began in 2017 with Oaks Bodhgaya in Bihar. However, the group is gearing up for a significant milestone with the upcoming opening of Anantara Jaipur Hotel, marking the debut of its luxury brand in India. To bolster its operations and expansion efforts, Minor Hotels has established a new office in Bengaluru and appointed Vijay Krishnan as Vice President of Operations for India.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels and Group CEO of its parent company Minor International, expressed strong belief in India’s potential as a top-tier travel destination. He highlighted Minor Hotels’ substantial investments in India, aiming to contribute significantly to the country’s tourism success story.

“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,” Rajakarier mentioned.

Anantara, one of Minor Hotels’ acclaimed brands, has witnessed remarkable growth in India as one of the fastest-growing international source markets.

Minor Hotels’ expansion strategy in India is part of its broader global expansion plan, targeting the addition of over 200 hotels worldwide in the next three years.