Minor Hotels, a Thailand-based hotel company, has ambitious plans for its expansion in India, aiming to open 50 properties over the next decade. The company entered the Indian market in 2017 with the opening of Oaks Bodhgaya in Bihar, which caters to the growing spiritual tourism sector.
Minor Hotels is also preparing to launch Anantara Jaipur Hotel, its first Anantara establishment in India, later this year. As part of its global expansion plans, the company aims to open over 200 new properties worldwide within three years, adding more than 30,000 rooms to its existing inventory of 80,000.
While major cities in India remain a focus, Minor is also targeting emerging destinations with potential for upscale and luxury experiences. The company’s strategy in India revolves around upper-upscale and luxury segments, featuring brands like Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection.
The company also sees potential in exploring wildlife tourism and wilderness lodges, particularly for brands like Anantara. Initially, Minor Hotels’ operating model in India will lean towards management agreements, with potential for franchise agreements in the future.
Minor Hotels believes there is a significant shortage of experiential luxury hotels in the Indian market and plans to align its expansion with the surge in domestic demand post-Covid and the emphasis on enhancing air travel experiences. The company also believes mixed-use developments including branded residences will see a rise across India and are definitely part of their strategic growth plan.
Minor Hotels has expressed strong belief in India’s potential as a world-class inbound destination and in the enormous opportunities that lie in its surging domestic market. To support its expansion plans, Minor has opened a new office in Bengaluru, India and recently appointed Vijay Krishnan as vice president of operations for India.
Source: skift.com