Minor Hotels has ambitious plans for its expansion in India, with a goal to open 50 properties in the country over the next decade. The company made its entry into the Indian market in 2017 with Oaks Bodhgaya in Bihar, catering to spiritual tourism. They are now preparing to open Anantara Jaipur Hotel. With plans for over 200 new openings globally in the next three years, Minor Hotels aims to add over 30,000 rooms to its inventory.
Minor Hotels is focusing on emerging destinations in India with untapped demand for upscale and luxury experiences. They see potential in cities in Southern India due to increased connectivity and investments. Their strategy in India revolves around upper-upscale and luxury segments, featuring brands like Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection. They are also interested in exploring wildlife tourism and wilderness lodges.
In India, Minor Hotels plans to initially lean towards management agreements to establish their presence in the market. They stress the importance of adaptability and a ‘local-first’ mentality when entering the Indian market. They believe in the potential of the market and the demand for luxury and lifestyle offerings, especially in tier two cities and airport locations. They also see a rise in mixed-use developments including branded residences.
The CEO of Minor Hotels, Dillip Rajakarier, expressed belief in India’s potential as a world-class inbound destination. He mentioned the company’s substantial investments in India and its plans for continued growth in the country. India is noted as one of the fastest-growing international source markets for Anantara, with significant room nights growth. To support its expansion plans, Minor has established an office in Bengaluru and appointed a new vice president of operations for India.
In 2018, Minor Hotels and Trinity White City Ventures considered a bid of $350 million for India’s Leela Hotels. The company is focusing on the performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200 index, which includes publicly traded companies across global markets. Minor Hotels aims to align its expansion plans with the surge in domestic demand post-Covid and enhance air travel experiences in India. They believe in the potential of the Indian market and are committed to long-term presence in the country.
Overall, Minor Hotels has big aspirations for its expansion in the Indian hospitality scene. With a focus on emerging destinations, luxury offerings, and a ‘local-first’ mentality, the company aims to establish a strong presence in the country. Their commitment to India’s potential as an inbound destination and their investments in the market reflect their confidence in the growth opportunities that lie ahead.
