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.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

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Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.


Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara welcomed the festive season with its traditional Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together corporate associates, media representatives, influencers and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration and togetherness.

A much-loved pre-Christmas tradition, the ceremony marks the beginning of the festive baking season. It involves bringing together dried fruits, nuts, candied peels, aromatic spices and spirits in a large mixing bowl. The mixture is then left to mature over several weeks, allowing the ingredients to absorb the flavours and develop the richness needed for traditional Christmas cakes.

The gathering turned into an engaging celebration as guests put on aprons and joined the mixing activity, blending the ingredients by hand. Festive music, cheerful conversations and a specially curated high-tea experience added to the evening, making it an opportunity for guests to connect and enjoy the tradition together.

Speaking on the occasion, Remank Goel, Hotel Manager, said, "The Cake Mixing Ceremony is one of those beautiful traditions that brings people together and marks the beginning of a season filled with joy, warmth and togetherness. At Ramada, we believe hospitality goes beyond creating memorable stays; it is also about building meaningful relationships and celebrating moments that connect us."

Through the ceremony, Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara ushered in the Christmas season by bringing guests together to celebrate a tradition that has long been associated with festive preparations. The gathering highlighted the spirit of sharing, participation and togetherness that makes the season special.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2026

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has introduced its “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.” campaign, inviting travellers to step away from urban routines and rediscover the pleasure of a break in the hills through dining, wellness and family experiences.

As air quality and urban pollution become increasingly important considerations for city residents, the idea of a getaway is taking on a different meaning. Beyond a change of location, travellers are seeking opportunities to slow down, spend time in new surroundings and make room for experiences that offer a break from everyday demands.

Located along Mussoorie Road, adjacent to Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together accommodation, dining, leisure and wellness in a setting that offers a different pace from city life. The campaign draws on the appeal of Dehradun's natural surroundings while positioning the resort as a destination for couples, families and individual travellers.

The experience extends beyond a conventional hotel stay. Guests can spend leisurely mornings, enjoy time by the pool, explore the resort's culinary offerings or make space for personal well-being through spa rituals and yoga experiences.

Dining forms an important part of the proposition. Range, the resort's cosmopolitan food gallery, offers a varied culinary experience, while Beyul, its rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Malsi Reserved Forest, provides a setting for relaxed evenings and crafted drinks.

Families travelling with children can also explore Camp Hyatt, which offers younger guests opportunities for discovery and engagement. Alongside the resort's leisure facilities, the programme allows families to shape their stay around activities suited to different interests and age groups.

The resort's wellness offerings, including spa experiences and yoga, add another dimension to the getaway. Guests can combine restorative activities with poolside relaxation, dining and time spent exploring the surroundings.

Through “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.”, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa presents a holiday as an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and reconnect with experiences that often get overlooked in everyday life.

While the campaign draws on growing urban concerns around air quality, travellers should consider local air-quality conditions before making destination choices; a change of setting alone does not guarantee cleaner air.

Reservations

For reservations and more information, visit Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.

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