Minor International, the global hotel group based in Thailand, has revealed plans to launch three of its brands in Japan. It is forming a joint venture with local partner Royal Holdings, in order to build a portfolio of Anantara, Avani and Tivoli hotels there.
Minor currently has more than 560 hotels and resorts across 65 countries, as well as an even larger portfolio of restaurants. In Europe, it has Spanish subsidiary NH Hotels, which it acquired in recent years. But it has, to date, made little progress in Japan, with no hotels in the country to date.
Finding the right partner
The company’s partner is Royal Holdings, a Tokyo listed hotel and restaurant operator. With a structure not dissimilar to Minor, Royal also has interests in food service, restaurants and hotels. It operates the Richmond Hotel brand with 43 hotels across Japan, under management contracts and leases.
The pair are establishing a formal joint venture, Royal Minor Hotels, which will expand Minor’s presence in Japan by building a portfolio of Anantara, Avani and Tivoli hotels, setting a target of reaching 21 hotels open by 2035. The aim will be to grow via an asset light route, partnering with Japanese landlords and real estate developers who either already have, or will construct, hotel properties.
The two groups already have a successful track record of working together, having jointly established and grown the presence of the Sizzler food brand in Japan. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to bring world-class hospitality to Japan, combining our deep understanding of the Japanese market with Minor Hotels’ proven expertise in luxury hospitality,” said Masataka Abe, president and representative director of Royal.
The five star Anantara brand is already expanding fast around the globe, with many developments under way in the Middle East and China. Anantara hotels and resorts are under construction in NEOM, Muscat and Diriyah; and also in Qiaodao Lake, Zhuhai and Shaoxing. In Europe, two Portuguese projects are under way – Anantara Royal Vila Vicosa, and the Anantara Palacio do Carmo which will open in Porto later in 2025.
Avani is currently represented as a brand at 44 properties in 25 countries, with a strong presence in Minor’s home market, Thailand. New developments include Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in Australia, a resort in Ho Tram, Vietnam and a new urban hotel in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.
Tivoli, originally a Portuguese brand, is expanding its portfolio of luxury hotels internationally. Currently there are new Tivoli hotels under construction in Muscat, Bahrain and in Belem, Brazil.
Growth in gateway cities
When considering hotel sites, the partners will be looking for key gateway destinations with a strong mix of both business and leisure demand. Minor has opted to grow its luxury and lifestyle brands in the country, focusing on upscale segments of the market. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “Through our partnership with Royal, we aim to deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences that authentically reflect Japan’s unique culture while showcasing the global excellence of our renowned brands.”
