Minor International and Royal Holdings will enter into an equal-share joint venture – Royal Minor Hotels – in March 2025, which will see the organisation collaborating with leading Japanese real estate developers to operate hotels under three Minor Hotels brands: Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli.
The hotels will be developed through a combination of management agreements and lease arrangements, with a target of 21 hotels by 2035.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the vibrant Japanese market, a key growth area for our company. 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,” said Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels.
The joint venture aims to create a unique blend of Japanese and international luxury and lifestyle that resonates with both domestic and international travellers.
Minor Hotels will focus on key gateway business and leisure destinations. Catering to the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle travel, the joint venture will integrate Minor Hotels’ global expertise with local market insights to create properties that appeal to a diverse range of discerning travellers. Royal will contribute its strong operational support and market knowledge.
“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.
Minor Hotels plans to leverage its loyalty programme, GHA Discovery, to drive guest loyalty with exclusive benefits and personalised experiences.
