With a presence on every continent and almost 550 hotels and resorts in 53 countries, the Thai group Minor Hotels has taken on a new scale by acquiring almost all the shares - 94.1 % - in NH Hotels. While the recent acquisition of the Spanish group doesn't change anything for the time being, this 2.3 billion euro investment opens the way for the future. numerous opportunities. Starting with the promotion of the Thai group's brands in Europe - namely Anantara, Avani, Oaks and Elewana - and, in return, the recognition of the brands from NH Hotels - NH, NH Collection and nhow - in Asia.
While waiting to see other synergies created, for example in terms of development or loyalty, Minor Hotels is strengthening the offer of its flagship brand Anantara, specialising in resorts. From three hotels twelve years ago, the luxury brand now has 38. And soon more, since peveral new establishments will open their doors in the next twelve months, whether in Vietnam in a few days' time, near Bahia in Brazil or in Tozeur in mid-2019, or in Malaysia and Mauritius by the end of next year. Bali and Chendgu in Asia, Tangiers and Zanzibar in Africa, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Jeddah in the Middle East: other sites are planned for the longer term, not to mention possible developments in Europe.
Even before the acquisition of NH Hotels, which gives Minor a significant presence in the European hotel industry, this continent was not entirely unknown to the Thai group. The acquisition of Portuguese hotelier Tivoli in 2016 had already enabled it to take its first steps in Europe, with Minor having since invested €75 million in renovating its establishments. These include, one of the jewels in Lisbon's hotel crownThe Tivoli Avenida Liberdade features a historic decor with a contemporary twist in both its public areas and its 285 rooms, all enhanced by a sky bar overlooking the Portuguese capital's emblematic avenue.
Another project involving business travel is the opening of a new conference centre in Vilamoura, adjacent to the Portuguese hotel group's establishment. It is in fact the transformation of an existing centre, raised by one floor and topped by a rooftop overlooking the marina. With 22 rooms, the Algarve Congress Center, bathed in light, can accommodate up to 2,600 people in its contemporary ballroom.
This year, Tivoli also opened two hotels in Doha with a top-of-the-range establishment in the city centre with 151 rooms and a business centre and, in a more lifestyle style, a resort set within the walls of an old souk. The Minor group has also added a long-stay Oaks hotel in the Qatari capital, with the brand also expected to open in Beirut in the coming months.
