Minor Hotels Targets Major Expansion in India with 50 New Properties

Minor Hotels Targets Major Expansion in India with 50 New Properties

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 6, 2024

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality player with a portfolio exceeding 540 properties in 56 countries, has announced a significant expansion plan in India. The group aims to open 50 new properties over the next ten years, marking a major boost in its operations within the dynamic Indian market.

The expansion strategy will focus on the upper-upscale and luxury segments, capitalizing on the strong brand recognition of Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection. Anantara Hotels & Resorts will emphasize Ayurvedic wellness retreats, wilderness lodges, and historical palaces, tapping into India’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Meanwhile, Avani Hotels & Resorts is set to target the lifestyle hotel sector, and NH Collection Hotels & Resorts will look for upper-upscale conversion opportunities.

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The plan also includes strengthening the presence of NH Hotels & Resorts in rapidly developing tier-two cities and strategic locations such as airports. Minor Hotels’ approach is to foster destination creation, a strategy that has been foundational over its 46-year history.

Amir Golbarg, SVP for Middle East, Africa, and India at Minor Hotels, expressed optimism about the Indian market: “We have seen overwhelming owner interest in India and are proceeding with a partnerships-over-properties approach. This strategy ensures we form meaningful alliances with partners who share our values and vision, allowing us to adapt our global standards to local market characteristics effectively.”

The expansion drive is further supported by the upcoming launch of the Anantara Jaipur Hotel, slated to open later in 2024. This marks the debut of Minor Hotels' flagship luxury brand in India, adding a significant milestone to its growing portfolio.

To bolster its commitment to the Indian market, Minor Hotels has recently established a new office in Bengaluru. This strategic move is led by Vijay Krishnan, newly appointed Vice President of Operations for India, who will oversee the expanding on-ground team.

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Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, emphasized the group's commitment: “With substantial investments already made to establish our operations, we are poised to significantly impact India’s tourism industry. Our experience managing world-class hotels in emerging destinations positions us well to capitalize on India’s growing domestic and international travel sectors.”

As part of its global strategy, Minor Hotels plans to add over 200 hotels globally in the next three years, with India playing a crucial role in this ambitious expansion. The group’s strong performance in the Indian market is backed by robust growth figures from Indian travelers and the success of GHA DISCOVERY, indicating a bright future for Minor Hotels in India.


ROHL Expands in Maharashtra with Regenta Central Shivani in Solapur

ROHL Expands in Maharashtra with Regenta Central Shivani in Solapur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) continues to build on its growth momentum in Maharashtra with the launch of Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur. Strategically located in the MIDC area on the scenic Bhima and Seena river basins, the new property marks ROHL’s 13th hotel in the state and the fourth launch this year.

Regenta Central Shivani features 65 well-appointed rooms, including three accessible rooms, designed with a Rajasthani theme that blends local character with modern comfort. Thoughtfully crafted to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel offers a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and gym.

The property stands out with the largest common area in Solapur, housing ROHL’s signature all-day dining restaurant that accommodates 170 guests, a cozy lobby cafe, and a vibrant poolside bar with 40 covers. For events, it provides versatile spaces including a 1000 sq ft meeting room, an expansive 8600 sq ft banquet hall, and a sprawling 25,000 sq ft lawn, making it ideal for everything from small gatherings to medium-scale celebrations.

Speaking on the launch, Chander Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., shared, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Maharashtra with our 13th property in the state, addressing the growing demand for tourism and business accommodations. Solapur, with its rich tradition of textiles, handicrafts, and leather goods, serves as a strategic commercial hub with excellent connectivity to cities like Hyderabad and Pune. This expansion aligns with our plans to penetrate micro-markets with properties ranging from upscale hotels to value stays. We are excited to partner with Mathura Agro for Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur.”

Venugopal Karwa and Lavesh Karwa, MDs of Mathura Agro Industries, added, “This collaboration with ROHL is an exciting milestone for us. With the introduction of the Regenta brand’s fresh and vibrant energy to Solapur, we look forward to offering our guests a distinctive and exceptional experience.”

Located just four hours from Pune and Hyderabad, Solapur is known as the textile city and is surrounded by iconic temples such as Tuljapur, Pandharpur, and Akkalkot, adding cultural richness to its commercial appeal.

With this launch, ROHL continues to strengthen its footprint in key micro-markets across India, offering a blend of upscale hospitality and value-driven stays.


IHCL to Open Vivanta Jaipur in Jagatpura, Strengthening Rajasthan Portfolio

IHCL to Open Vivanta Jaipur in Jagatpura, Strengthening Rajasthan Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new greenfield hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under its Vivanta brand. The 160-key Vivanta Jaipur will come up in Jagatpura, making it the closest hotel to the newly renovated Terminal 1 of Jaipur International Airport.

This upcoming property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a specialty rooftop restaurant, a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, health club, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Designed to cater to both leisure travellers and the growing business and MICE segments, it aims to deliver a world-class hospitality experience.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Fuelled by major infrastructure developments, Jaipur has rapidly evolved as a key regional hub, significantly boosting demand from business and MICE segments apart from the long-established leisure segment. This signing aligns with IHCL’s strategy to expand presence in such high-growth micro markets of metros and state capitals across India. We are delighted to collaborate with Dinesh Choudhary, Vivek Choudhary and Rajat Choudhary for this project.”

The project is a collaboration with Wonder Build Developers Private Ltd. Speaking on the partnership, Vivek Choudhary, Director, Wonder Build Developers, shared, “We are proud to partner with IHCL to bring the Vivanta brand to Jaipur. This collaboration will contribute to the city’s growing hospitality landscape and offer a world-class experience to travelers. With IHCL’s expertise and the strong brand recognition of Vivanta, we are confident that the hotel will emerge as a preferred destination.”

With this addition, IHCL’s portfolio in Rajasthan will grow to 31 hotels, including 8 under development. Wonder Build Developers, led by Dinesh Choudhary and his sons Vivek and Rajat, has a diversified business portfolio spanning infrastructure development, real estate, NBFC, and hospitality.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.

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