Minor Hotels will adopt a more focused growth approach in 2026, following a year of increased development activity, with emphasis on portfolio diversification, geographic balance and capital efficiency.
The group signed 40 hotel contracts and master agreements in 2025, its highest annual total to date, and expects to complete a further 25 signings in 1Q2026. The company’s development pipeline now exceeds 640 properties globally, with future growth expected to rely primarily on managed and franchised models.
In 2026, Minor Hotels plans to concentrate investment in markets where long-term demand is strongest. More than 60 per cent of expected signings in early 2026 are located in the Middle East and Asia, increasing their contribution alongside Europe, which currently represents more than half of the portfolio.
Expansion is planned across North America, including New York and Miami, as well as the Caribbean, with selected brands entering these markets. Growth is also expected in Australia, where the group already operates more than 60 properties, and in London, supported by The Wolseley Hospitality Group, acquired in 2022.
In North Africa, development activity will focus on Egypt and Morocco, supported by European source markets. In Asia, Japan and India remain priorities, with projects underway following joint ventures and recent hotel openings. In Europe, Minor Hotels intends to increase its presence in resort destinations alongside its city hotel portfolio.
Franchising will form a larger share of future development, particularly in Europe, the US and Africa. Asset-light projects now account for 87 per cent of the group’s extended pipeline, compared with 70 per cent a year earlier.
The group also plans to introduce several new brands in 2026, including collection brands aimed at conversion opportunities and a limited number of luxury projects under The Wolseley Hotels name. Branded residences remain part of the growth strategy, with around 20 per cent of the pipeline incorporating residential elements. The first standalone branded residence project is scheduled to launch in 2026.
Minor International is also progressing plans for a hotel real estate investment trust, expected to list in mid-2026, comprising selected assets in Europe and Asia.
“The pace of recent signings reflects strong owner confidence in our brands and platform,” said Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International. “As we add depth to our brand portfolio in 2026, this combination of global reach and an owner’s mindset gives us the insight needed to really tailor solutions to different assets and owner ambitions.”
