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Minor Hotels ‘reimagines’ its brand with a new identity
NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Minor Hotels has unveiled its evolution into a guest-facing masterbrand and reinforced its commitment to creating innovative and insightful hospitality experiences that deliver what matters most to its guests. The brand refresh marks a significant milestone for the global hospitality group as it paves the way to add nearly 300 properties to its portfolio by the end of 2027. It also follows the 2018 acquisition of NH Hotel Group, now operating as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, which tripled the group’s global footprint. Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, commented: “The reimagined Minor Hotels brand represents more than just a new identity. Our value-driven evolution, powered by enhanced digital platforms, a streamlined loyalty program, and a strong distribution strategy, reflects our ambition to deliver extraordinary hospitality experiences to our guests and be the partner of choice for owners and investors. By uniting our brands under the Minor Hotels masterbrand, we’re excited to enter a new era of growth where Minor Hotels will resonate as powerfully with travellers as it already does with our partners.” The guiding principle behind the brand evolution is to deliver what matters most to guests, team members, investors, owners and partners. Minor Hotels’ new masterbrand strategy brings its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and travel experience brands together under the Minor Hotels banner, highlighting the group’s offerings and solidifying Minor Hotels’ perception among its stakeholders. New brand identity The first thing guests will notice is Minor Hotels’ fresh new look. The arrowhead within the ‘M’ of the Minor Hotels logo represents direction and guidance, pointing the way to discovery, connection and adventure, and reflects Minor's role in shaping meaningful guest journeys. The visual identity is completed with a refreshed colour palette, signature brand fonts and eye-catching photography. The new brand essence – What Matters Most – and voice will share Minor Hotels’ stories in tune with the needs and desires of today’s consumers, stakeholders and team members. Guests will interact with the Minor Hotels brand through all consumer touchpoints, starting with digital and mobile platforms and other changes involving marketing and sales channels and at Minor Hotels’ properties. They can also expect to see Minor Hotels more frequently and prominently through multi-brand communications and advertising, utilising the power of its hotel brands to drive awareness of the umbrella brand. Minor Hotels’ hotel brands, each with a unique character and offering, will retain their brand identity, websites and marketing. They will also benefit from the development of the overarching Minor Hotels brand, done in tandem with the hotel brands. Coinciding with the Minor Hotels rebrand, the group has updated its brand architecture to categorise its hotel brands into three segments – Luxury, Premium and Select – to guide guests’ decisions on selecting the right brand for their travel needs. The group also plans to expand its hotel brand portfolio to fulfil guest and owner needs, with at least two additional brands launching later this year. Upgraded digital experience The group has relaunched minorhotels.com as a consumer site, shifting its focus from a corporate and development-centric site. For the first time, guests can book any of Minor Hotels’ over 560 properties on one Minor Hotels website as well as find destination information. Minor Hotels has also launched a new mobile app, creating a single go-to app for all its brands and moving away from hotel brand-specific apps. Travellers can use the Minor Hotels app to book stays, manage bookings and gather destination information. During their stay, guests can enhance their experience by using the app to interact with hotel team members and request services. The group will continuously increase functionality and personalisation on minorhotels.com and the Minor Hotels app, including integration of the group’s restaurants and spa and wellness offerings, drawing from user preferences and incorporating guest feedback. Simplified loyalty programme under Minor DISCOVERY Minor Hotels will continue to recognise its guests through the Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, under a new name: Minor DISCOVERY. Minor DISCOVERY will replace hotel brand-specific monikers – Anantara DISCOVERY, Avani DISCOVERY, NH DISCOVERY, Oaks DISCOVERY, Elewana DISCOVERY, Tivoli DISCOVERY – to streamline member access to one of the most transparent and rewarding hotel loyalty programmes. Rewards and benefits for members of Minor DISCOVERY are unchanged, including earning 4-7% back in DISCOVERY DOLLARS (D$1=US$1), exclusive member rates, live local offers, and elite perks all conveniently accessible within the app. To mark the new programme’s launch, new Minor DISCOVERY members can unlock $100 in DISCOVERY DOLLARS by completing two stays at Minor Hotels properties. Refreshed B2B customer proposition Businesses, professionals, event planners and travel agents will have a dedicated space in the newly created Minor PRO. The programme encompasses all the products, services and communications for B2B audiences, including existing programmes under hotel brand-specific names, such as NH PRO, Anantara Journeys and Oaks Professionals. Minor PRO will offer its professional customers solutions that meet their needs. Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, added: “The Minor Hotels rebrand is a natural progression for us, building on a success story spanning more than five decades. It isn’t just about driving revenue and profitability; it’s also about harnessing the strength of our diversity, our knowledge and team members to achieve long-term sustainable growth and invest in the guest experience. Unifying all our hotel brands and travel experiences under the Minor Hotels umbrella will help us strengthen our positioning in the hospitality industry and help us deliver on our growth ambitions.” .
‘Memories by Minor Hotels’: Destination weddings across Asia
Minor Hotels announces the launch of Memories by Minor Hotels, a curated Indian wedding programme designed to elevate destination weddings with unparalleled luxury, cultural authenticity, and world-class service. Memories by Minor Hotels allows couples to celebrate their occasion in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations across Asia. A destination wedding experience like no other Understanding the grandeur and intricacy of Indian weddings, Minor Hotels creates celebrations that are as unique as each couple. The hotel’s dedicated Indian wedding specialist ensures every detail aligns with the couple’s vision, seamlessly incorporating timeless Indian traditions with modern elegance. Couples can choose from over 30 hotels and resorts across Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and the Maldives that offer venues from lush gardens and elegant ballrooms to picturesque beaches and intimate spaces, all providing the perfect backdrop for a dreamy celebration. Minor Hotels’ brands, including Anantara, Avani, NH Collection and NH, offer a range of accommodations to meet the varied needs of the couple and their guests. Food is at the heart of every celebration. Minor Hotels provides expert chefs to craft authentic Indian fare or allows couples to bring in their preferred chef or caterer. Minor Hotels’ team is experienced in crafting comprehensive, bespoke wedding packages, including all-inclusive and buyout options, and special packages for pre-wedding celebrations and wedding nights. Couples also have an array of add-ons such as spa treatments, bridal party services and bespoke décor and entertainment sourced from Minor Hotels’ preferred vendors to ensure a flawless event. Destination weddings The launch of Memories by Minor Hotels comes as the demand for destination weddings is soaring, and couples are increasingly seeking destinations that offer bespoke services tailored to their cultural traditions. Minor Hotels properties in Asia successfully hosted 125 Indian weddings in the past 14 months, a significant increase from prior years. The recent opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, the launch of Minor Hotels’ luxury brand in the country, further solidifies the group’s commitment to serve the Indian wedding market and become the preferred choice for hosting Indian weddings. A Global Stage Indian couples looking to celebrate their wedding in an extraordinary way can now explore Memories by Minor Hotels across Asia’s most sought-after destinations. Whether a beachfront ceremony in Thailand, a lavish palatial celebration in Jaipur, or an intimate affair in the Maldives, Minor Hotels promises an unforgettable way to start your happily ever after. Until 30 June 2025, couples who reserve their Memories by Minor Hotels wedding package can enjoy additional benefits, including a complimentary suite for the bride and groom on the wedding night and one complimentary room night for their wedding planner.
Minor Hotels expands partnership with HBX Group
Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group (Left) and Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas (Right) at MarketHub Asia 2025 in Macau, China Minor Hotels and HBX Group have announced the global expansion of their preferred distribution partnership. The announcement was unveiled at MarketHub Asia 2025 in Macau, China. The expanded partnership builds on the success of Minor Hotels and HBX Group’s existing collaboration in Europe and the Americas. Under the agreement, Minor Hotels will add 181 properties from Asia, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East to its distribution partnership. The group will also designate HBX Group as a preferred B2B distribution partner, enabling streamlined distribution, optimised operational costs, and greater control over rates and inventory. HBX Group’s global network, which connects 60,000 travel distributors across over 190 source markets, will now have access to over 560 Minor Hotels properties across 58 countries. These include renowned brands such as Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow and Oaks. Looking ahead, Minor Hotels announced its intent to add nearly 300 properties to its portfolio over the next three years, which will also join the preferred distribution partnership. Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at HBX Group, commented: "This global partnership represents a significant milestone in our collaboration with Minor Hotels. By consolidating distribution efforts and reducing operational complexity, we are enabling Minor to streamline its strategy and focus on reaching high-value markets where we can add real value. HBX Group becomes an extension of Minor’s commercial arm, bringing their brands to markets and customers that would otherwise be out of reach. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for what a true partnership between a hospitality group and a distribution tech platform should look like." Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, added: “Our partnership with HBX Group has been instrumental in maintaining our agility and efficiency, allowing us to leverage best practices and insights from their network. This collaboration in Europe and the Americas has been invaluable in accelerating our growth and expanding our distribution. We look forward to broadening this successful relationship to encompass our global portfolio, ultimately delivering superior value to our customers.” Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, reinforced: “Our collaboration with HBX Group has accelerated our growth in Europe and the Americas and provided us with the insights to refine our approach in the markets. As we expand our partnership globally, we are excited to build on this momentum and deliver greater value to our guests.” This announcement also underscores Minor Hotels’ longstanding support for MarketHub, HBX Group’s flagship event series for the travel industry. A dedicated partner, the hotel group hosted MarketHub Europe 2023 at the nhow Amsterdam RAI and will welcome the European edition of the event at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort from 1-4 April 2025.
Minor Hotels brings NH Collection Hotel on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments Signing Ceremony Minor Hotels is bringing its NH Collection brand to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Slated to launch in early 2028. The announcement about the 156-key NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments was made during a ceremony at THINC Middle East. The new hotel will be located on Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the premier and rapidly growing travel destinations in the UAE. Just one hour from Dubai International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the property will feature 120 beach-facing guest rooms and suites, in addition to 36 branded serviced apartments. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, a kids club and games room, a retail shop and a co-working space. The property is owned by RRS International Development FZ-LLC, a premier real estate developer with over two decades of experience in the UAE’s high-end real estate market. RRS has a dedicated focus on Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing real estate sector and with Minor Hotels plans to develop this new NH Collection property on Al Marjan Island, one of the hottest destinations in the region, with major upcoming developments including the UAE’s first integrated resort. As one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, this latest announcement by Minor Hotels demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to growing through mixed use properties with a residential component. It also showcases Minor Hotels continued commitment to growth in the region, including in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, where it already operates the Anantara in Mina Al Arab and the upcoming Anantara Residences. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented, “We are excited to announce the continued expansion of our NH Collection brand, both within the Middle East region and also as part of the brand’s overall growth beyond its traditional areas of operation in Europe and the Americas. RRS International Development have a deep understanding of the nuances of real estate within the region and we look forward to working with them as valued partners during the development of this exciting new property.” “We are incredibly proud to announce our first boutique hotel on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development branded by NH Collection will seamlessly blend style, functionality, and exceptional value, setting new standards. We are thrilled to be part of the Minor Hotels family and to align with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to contributing to the growth and prestige of this incredible destination,” commented Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, RRS International Development FZ-LLC. “With Al Marjan Island set to become a premier destination for five-star resort hotels, our mission goes beyond. We are committed to creating exclusive, world-class developments in the UAE offering excellence at an attainable value,” commented Mr. Rakesh Mirchandani, RRS International Development FZ-LLC. Commenting on Minor Hotels’ upcoming debut on Al Marjan Island, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, said, “Our vision to transform Al Marjan Island into a vibrant branded tourism destination gets a further boost with the upcoming launch of the exclusive NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments. Their focus on elevating hospitality standards of service and comfort matches our commitment to curating premier lifestyle offerings that add to the overall appeal of Ras Al Khaimah. We are confident RRS International Development FZ-LLC’s expertise in the regional high-end real estate market will serve to enhance it further.” Minor Hotels currently operates 17 properties in the UAE across four of its brands, including Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort which launched in the emirate at the start of 2024. The NH Collection brand made its debut in the country with the opening of NH Collection Dubai The Palm in February 2023, which also represented the brand’s first property outside of Europe and the Americas. NH Collection has since launched in Asia and the Indian Ocean, with further properties under development including in Africa.
Minor Hotels and Fliggy join forces for Global Discovery booking platform
Global hospitality firm Minor Hotels officially became the first major international hotel company to partner with Fliggy’s brand-new booking platform Global Discovery. Online travel platform and Alibaba Group subsidiary Fliggy is known for its extensive catalogue of accommodation options and experiences. The agreement will allow Minor Hotels to feature over 80,000 rooms across its eight brands (Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks, and Tivoli) on the new Global Discovery platform at the same rates as on its websites. The agreement will also tap into Fliggy’s digital ecosystem in the Chinese market by leveraging its vast digital marketing capabilities, innovative products, and extensive member base to enhance the reach of Minor Hotels’ brands in China. A promising partnership According to Minor Hotels’ chief commercial officer Ian Di Tullio: “Our enhanced relationship with Fliggy allows Minor Hotels to more efficiently reach our target audience by getting in front of millions of Chinese consumers. Di Tullio added that this partnership will also help the hospitality firm drive bookings to its properties across the globe and increase brand awareness in the market, supporting the future development needs of its hotel brands. Fliggy chief executive Zhuoran Zhuang added: “As a leading platform for outbound independent travel in China, Fliggy is committed to supporting Minor's distinctive hotel brands connect with customers in a more efficient and engaging manner through our platform and technical capacities, providing them with personalized and high-quality experiences for their global travel journeys.” Minor Hotels currently operates four hotels in China in partnership with Funyard Hotels & Resorts, with another 12 in the pipeline.
Minor Hotels on track to surpass 850 properties by 2027
Minor Hotels is stepping into 2025 on a strong growth trajectory, underpinned by a robust pipeline of almost 300 new hotels slated to open over the next three years. This expansion puts the international hotel owner and operator on track to pass a milestone of 850 properties by the end of 2027, positioning it among the world’s largest hospitality groups. With more than 560 properties and 81,000 keys already in operation worldwide, Minor’s latest figures show a three-year pipeline of over 285 new hotels and almost 47,000 keys, underscoring the group’s ambitious global strategy and revealing a focus on global market diversification. While more than 50% of Minor’s existing portfolio is currently concentrated in Europe, the addition of more than 100 properties in Asia, more than 60 in the Middle East & Africa, and 40 in Australia and New Zealand will lead to a more balanced global portfolio distribution. Minor Hotels is also looking to expand its presence in several priority markets, especially in North America and North Asia. Markets such as Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey have also been identified as priority destinations for entry, while efforts continue to accelerate momentum in the priority market of India following the recent opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel. Leveraging global brand strength Luxury and upscale remains a driving force in Minor Hotels’ expansion, with one-third of the three-year pipeline categorised in the Luxury segment, encompassing the Anantara, Tivoli, and Elewana Collection brands, and a further third in the Premium segment across NH Collection, Avani and nhow. The group is also investing heavily in uplifting many of its luxury properties, including significant renovation works at the original Anantara property in Hua Hin, Thailand. Minor Hotels has also been undertaking an in-depth optimisation of its brand architecture as part of a new-look masterbrand strategy, with the outcomes set to roll out in 2025. These include the upcoming planned launch of two new hotel brands, broadening the group’s scope and creating fresh opportunities for owners seeking distinctive brand options—particularly for conversion properties. Conversions and brownfield developments make up a significant portion of the pipeline at 38%, with the remainder consisting of greenfield projects. Minor is also focusing on wellbeing as a cross-brand strategic priority, highlighted by the recent opening of destinations such as Layan Life by Anantara in Phuket. It will continue to emphasise hotel projects that take an integrative approach to wellbeing that combines medical technology and local cultural insight to deliver maximum benefits to guests. "We remain committed to strategic growth across a diverse range of regions, always striving to provide innovative hospitality experiences that deliver value for our owners and partners. As well as leveraging our experiential luxury expertise, our evolving brand architecture, asset-right strategy, and focus on branded residence opportunities are the mainstays of our ambitious plans, and we look forward to bringing them to life in the coming years." Said, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International. Branded residences in focus Branded residences will also be an important element of the group’s future, with pipeline projects in more than a dozen countries featuring a residential component. Having been an early pioneer of branded residences in the late 1990s with developments such as Layan Residences by Anantara in Phuket, Thailand—well before many other operators entered this space—Minor Hotels plans to accelerate residential growth across both resort and urban destinations, including the potential for standalone branded residence projects in major cities. The recent opening of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, which includes an upcoming residential component, demonstrates the appeal of integrated living experiences that blend upscale hospitality with private ownership. Upcoming residential projects in Europe, Asia as well as Middle East & Africa – where projects are confirmed in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Oman, and Tanzania – will further strengthen Minor Hotels’ presence in those regions. Globally, the group sees strong growth prospects for residential property under the Anantara and NH Collection brands in the Middle East and Europe in particular. 2025 opening highlights The year ahead is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Minor Hotels, with a range of new openings across the globe. A small selection of highlights include: Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel. Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel (February) - Set on the hillside of Gaia, Portugal, in a historic Port Wine cellar that forms part of the overall guest experience. nhow Rome (Q2) - The 10th property under the design-forward nhow brand, further enhancing Minor Hotels’ lifestyle portfolio in Europe. Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Resort (Q3) - A major refurbishment will position this property as a flagship resort for Avani, elevating the brand’s footprint in the Indian Ocean. Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp. Anantara Kafue River Zambia Tented Camp (Q3) - Anantara’s debut in the luxury tented camp segment, offering guests an exclusive safari experience in a stunning natural setting. NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort (Q4) - After closing for a six-month renovation, one of the Maldives’ most storied resorts will open with a brand new look and plant the second NH Collection flag on the archipelago. "As we chart new pathways for global expansion, preserving the integrity of our brands remains paramount. We’re committed to elevating our luxury portfolio while ensuring each brand’s unique identity delivers authentic, experience-led stays. Our pipeline showcases confidence in both established and emerging markets, grounded in the understanding that robust brand resonance and uncompromising quality are central to our success—and to our promise of exceptional value for guests and owners alike." Said, Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer at Minor Hotels. The latest pipeline figures underscore Minor Hotels’ ambitious global strategy. A core element of this vision is the group’s “asset-right” approach, balancing owned, leased, managed, and franchised properties to ensure sustainable and diversified growth. While approximately 70% of the current portfolio is owned or leased, the group aims to bring this ratio closer to 50-50 by 2027. Out of the pipeline projects, more than 90% will be under hotel management agreements (HMAs) or franchise deals, placing the group on track to meet that goal.
Gonzalo Aguilar takes office as CEO at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Gonzalo Aguilar has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, effective 1 January 2025. Aguilar joined Minor Hotels in October 2024 and succeeds former CEO Ramón Aragonés, who retired at the end of 2024 and continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors and Non-Executive Vice President. With over 30 years of hospitality experience—including his most recent senior leadership role as Chief Operating Officer for Europe at Marriott International—Aguilar brings a proven track record in driving growth and profitability to the Minor Hotels team. His leadership was instrumental in integrating the AC Hotels brand into Marriott and achieving significant corporate milestones throughout a career, which has seen him rapidly rise through the ranks from his start as a restaurant manager in Colorado. At Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, Aguilar will focus on strengthening international integration of Minor’s brand portfolio and accelerating hotel openings in key markets, particularly in the luxury and resort segments, under the company’s ‘asset right’ strategy which drives sustainable growth through an optimised balance of ownership, management and franchise models. “Gonzalo’s expertise, leadership, and deep knowledge of the multi-brand, asset-light hotel landscape make him the ideal choice to guide Minor Hotels Europe & Americas through our next phase of strategic growth in this high-value region,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Chairman of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas. Aguilar expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Joining this forward-thinking hospitality group is an opportunity I embrace with great enthusiasm. I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to build on the company’s excellent performance. With our globally recognised brand portfolio and ambitious expansion plans, we are well-positioned to achieve continued success in the most profitable segments of the market.” Aguilar’s appointment will be formalised at the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, scheduled before June 30, 2025. During his onboarding, he worked closely with Aragonés to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Minor Hotels Europe & Americas to debut in the heart of the Alps with NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso
Foto: Lorenzo Lucca, Elisa Piemontesi - PLUME storytelling, visual storytelling e digital marketing Minor Hotels Europe & Americas announces the upcoming addition of NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso to the portfolio of the upper-upscale NH Collection Hotels & Resorts brand in Italy. Located in the heart of the Pennine Alps, the four-star property will undergo a renovation process and officially open its doors under the new brand in March 2025. NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso, located in the town of Alagna Valsesia, at the foot of Monte Rosa, caters to all travellers but is ideal for families and perfect for ski lovers. The hotel is just a few minutes from the Alagna, a cable car, which takes visitors to the Monte Rosa Ski ski hotel, an area that links three valleys– Valsesia Valley, Gressoney Valley and Champoluc Valley, where ski enthusiasts can enjoy 150 kilometres of slopes between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. This hotel has 56 guest rooms, a wellness centre with spa divided into an adult-only area of 300 square metres with an indoor and outdoor pool, a salt flotation pool, a whirlpool, two saunas, a Turkish bath, experiential showers and four treatment rooms; and another area of 400 square metres for families with an indoor and outdoor pool. In addition, guests can enjoy the spacious garden, which has a children's play area and sun loungers. The hotel offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in its restaurant, with the option of a full board and a la carte menu. Lara Ponti, owner of Hotel Mirtillo Rosso, commented: “The collaboration with Minor Hotels is a great opportunity for Mirtillo Rosso, the people who work here and all of Valsesia. Being part of such a relevant international group is an opportunity for development, but also a recognition of the value and beauty of this side of Monte Rosa. With the Minor group, I share the search for a sustainable business model, with strong values and deep local roots, through a focus on people and respect for the environment.” “We are very pleased to announce that such a special property, in the heart of the Alps, will become part of our portfolio, in a country as important to us as Italy, the European country with the second largest number of Minor Hotels properties” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels. This acquisition strengthens the portfolio of the NH Collection brand, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary and is present in Italy with 17 hotels in the country's main cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Taormina, Genoa, Verona and Turin, among others. The brand is also present in the Piedmont region, specifically in Turin, with NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina and NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano. In total, Minor Hotels Europe & Americas has 60 properties in Italy under the Anantara, Tivoli, Avani, NH Collection, nhow and NH brands.
Minor Hotels welcomes Omar Romero as chief development and luxury officer
Romero is the latest addition to the hospitality group’s senior leadership team as it accelerates its global expansion plans. Leading global hospitality group Minor Hotels has named industry veteran Omar Romero as its chief development and luxury officer, a newly-created position, as the group continues its rapid global expansion. In his new role, Romero will drive the global development strategy of Minor Hotels, identifying new business opportunities, overseeing the planning and execution of projects, and managing relationships with key stakeholders. He will also play a pivotal part in shaping and supporting the curation of Minor Hotels' luxury brands, ensuring the delivery of exceptional experiences in every project. Based in Bangkok, Romero will report to Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, and work closely with Minor Hotels’ senior leadership team. Romero brings over two decades of experience to Minor Hotels. He most recently served as Chief Development Officer at Six Senses, leading the global development team for over half his tenure. During his career, Romero spearheaded the signing of more than 50 Hotel Management Agreements and multiple branded residence projects. His extensive global expertise will drive Minor Hotels' expansion and strengthen its prestigious footprint worldwide. Rajakarier commented on the appointment saying, "At Minor Hotels, creating iconic destinations is at the heart of our success, especially for our experiential luxury brand, Anantara. Omar’s extensive experience in identifying exceptional locations and his dedication to building lasting partnerships make him the perfect leader to drive our global development ambitions. We are confident that with his expertise, Minor Hotels will continue expanding its footprint and creating inspiring, memorable experiences for our guests around the world." Romero added, “I’m thrilled to be joining Minor Hotels, an organisation that delivers exceptional value to owners, guests, investors and our team. I’m particularly excited about the potential to grow our branded residential offerings alongside our hotel and resort portfolio, a space where I’ve seen incredible opportunities for value creation. I look forward to working with the team to develop iconic destinations and build strong partnerships that will shape the future of our brands." Romero holds a degree from the renowned Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and Les Roches Hotel Management School, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to his work. A true globetrotter, he thrives on finding exciting development opportunities across the globe and delivering exceptional guest experiences in every completed project. Romero’s appointment as Minor Hotels’ Chief Development and Luxury Officer follows a string of senior hires as the hospitality group ramps up its expansion. In recent months, Puneet Dhawan joined Minor Hotels in Bangkok as Head of Asia, and the group announced the appointment of Gonzalo Aguilar to replace current Europe & Americas CEO Ramón Aragonés following his retirement in January 2025. Dhawan and Aguilar bring a wealth of experience from major hospitality players to spearhead the group’s growth in their respective regions.
Minor Hotels clinches win at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for Thai restaurant
Hotel chain Minor Hotels secured the win as the Dining Concept of the Year at the sought-after TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 - Thailand for its modern Thai restaurant Dara Cuisine Phuket that offers a singular experience blending fine dining, mixology, cooking classes, and stargazing. Nestled within Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Dara Cuisine Phuket features a unique concept that allows guests to enjoy a variety of experiences in one location. Its dining space overlooks the Andaman Sea, whilst references to the night sky are found inside in antique mirrors, black burnt wood, and high-polish antique copper. Phuket’s rugged nature is celebrated with weather-worn wood, flamed stone, seashells, and local clay. Woven textiles, rattan baskets, wooden sculptures, and ceramics from across the country forge a connection to Thailand's cultural legacy. A glassed-in show kitchen on the ground floor offers a glimpse into the heart of the restaurant during dinner service and hosts cooking classes with Dara chefs during the day. As Thailand’s first dining and sky observatory, Dara Cuisine Phuket offers a dedicated Stargazing Guru and an Observatory Deck with a custom-built Ash dome, equipped with Phuket’s most powerful state-of-the-art telescope. This feature transforms the venue into a destination for celestial exploration, and allows guests to learn about the wonders of the night sky from an expert storyteller, who explains how Andaman seafarers used stars for navigation. Apart from the carefully curated environment for stargazing, including a specialised telescope, the cocktails are inspired by constellations. The concept of “Celestial Mixology” introduces craft cocktails based on celestial themes, utilising local Thai spirits and ingredients like coconut, pandan, jasmine, and hibiscus. This creative mixology experience complements the fine dining aspect, offering guests a novel and immersive experience. The restaurant also boasts an on-site fermentation kitchen, a barrel-aged fish sauce cellar, and an herb garden, showcasing a commitment to innovative culinary techniques and sustainable practices. Since its opening, Dara Cuisine Phuket has quickly become a standout destination for both locals and international guests due to its unique and innovative concept of blending fine dining with stargazing. The educational sessions enrich the guest experience, merging culinary excellence with cultural and celestial exploration. Its partnership with eco-conscious local farms and fisheries also underscores a commitment to sustainability, aligning with Anantara's consciousness of preserving the beautiful location and its surrounding communities. The on-site fermentation kitchen and herb garden further reinforce the brand's dedication to sustainable and responsible practices. “There is no greater impact than the awareness of our place in the universe than by directly gazing into the night sky. This intimate experience leaves a lasting impression on guests, fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet and the universe,” Minor Hotels said. TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Thailand celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences. The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.
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