Minor Hotels has set ambitious plans to open 50 new properties across India, focusing on the upper-upscale and luxury segments.
The group operates more than 540 hotels in 56 countries, but currently only one of these is located in India – Oaks Bodhgaya in the northeastern state of Bihar.
But it will debut its Anantara brand in the country later this year, with the opening of the 150-room Anantara Jaipur Hotel.
Minor said that Anantara would target opportunities in Ayurvedic wellness retreats, wilderness lodges and historical palaces, while its Avani brand “is well positioned to fill a significant gap in the lifestyle hotel space across India”.
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts will focus on upper-upscale conversion opportunities, and the group has also identified potential for its NH Hotels & Resorts brand in tier-two cities and airport locations.
Growth in India is part of Minor Hotels’ wider expansion plans, with the group targeting more than 200 new hotels in the next three years.
Minor recently announced plans to add three properties in Paris, and is in the process of rebranding subsidiary NH Hotel Group as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, with the aim of “fostering a single, recognizable corporate identity for stakeholders, accelerating Minor Hotels’ global growth”.
Commenting on the news 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.”
