Minor International, a Thailand-based company renowned for its global hotel brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection, has expressed strong confidence in the recovery of the travel and tourism sector within the United Arab Emirates. The company aims to significantly enhance its presence in the Middle East by 2030, leveraging a franchise model that is central to its expansion strategy.
Global Portfolio
Amir Gulberg, the group’s Operations Manager for the Middle East and Africa, noted that bookings at the group’s properties in the UAE have begun to gradually recover in the fourth quarter of 2026, following a significant decline due to recent exceptional tensions in the Gulf region.
He pointed out that the reopening of flight routes for evacuation created a temporary gap in departures, impacting short-term demand. However, there are strong signs of optimism with an increase in rescheduled bookings and new reservations, indicating the market’s ability to rebound swiftly.
Currently, Minor International has a worldwide portfolio of 640 hotels across 59 countries, including 18 properties in the UAE, which offer approximately 3,600 hotel rooms.
The group’s growth strategy for 2026 includes capitalizing on a “light asset” business model, which represents 87% of its future projects, compared to 70% the previous year. This approach allows for rapid expansion without substantial increases in capital commitments.
In 2025, the company signed 40 hotel contracts and major agreements, the highest annual total in its history, with expectations to finalize an additional 25 agreements in the first quarter of 2026. This reflects strong confidence from owners and investors in the group’s brands and operational platforms.
Maximizing Returns
Dilip Rajakarier, the CEO of the group, stated that the company’s strategy is focused on maximizing returns by expanding its mix of management and franchise agreements, which allows for controlled growth while maintaining brand standards.
The group plans to allocate 60% of its new transactions in the first quarter towards the Middle East and Asia, balancing its strong presence in Europe.
The 2026 strategy emphasizes growth in strategic global markets, including entry into the U.S. market through cities like New York and Miami, as well as expansion in the Caribbean, boosting its presence in Europe and Australia, and developing over 50 properties in Egypt and Morocco, alongside new projects in Japan and India.
The company also aims to enhance its luxury resorts and hotels sector and develop branded residential units, which will account for about 20% of its future projects, with plans to launch its first independent residential project in 2026 under brands like Anantara and Tivoli.
Moreover, the group intends to establish a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT) by mid-next year, encompassing selected assets in Europe and Asia, enabling capital recycling and investment in new markets and brands.
Minor International is keen on boosting revenues through a balanced mix of management and franchise agreements, ensuring a disciplined expansion that maintains brand quality and meets the expectations of customers and investors alike, thus solidifying the group’s position as a leading global player in the hospitality and tourism sector, capable of delivering sustainable long-term value for all partners and investors worldwide.