Minor’s 2026 growth focuses on franchising, new brands

INTERNATIONAL REPORT —Minor Hotels signed 40 new hotel contracts and master agreements in 2025, its highest total to date, and expects to secure a further 25 signings in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

Minor has a portfolio of more than 640 properties globally as the company targets a new phase of growth with asset-light expansion and the addition of four new hotel brands.

Parent company Minor International said it is forging ahead with plans to launch a hotel real estate investment trust (REIT), expected to list in mid-2026.

The proposed REIT is set to include a selection of European and Asian hotel assets, enabling Minor to recycle capital from mature properties while retaining long-term brand and operating relationships.

“Driving growth through a higher mix of HMAs and franchising allows us to scale with discipline, while our continued role as owners keeps us closely aligned to hotel performance and brand standards,” said Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International.

Minor said it will focus investment and development in 2026 in markets where it sees the strongest long-term demand signals. Of the 25 new deals Minor expects in Q1, more than 60% will be in the Middle East and Asia, as the company seeks to balance its strong presence in Europe.

• In 2026, Minor will also debut multiple brands in North America, including in New York and Miami, as well as in the Caribbean, with a selection of its brands in the luxury segment.
• The luxury portfolio expansion will also extend into Australia, where the group already operates more than 60 properties, mainly under the Oaks and Avani brands.
• In addition, Minor will focus on growing its presence in London, leveraging the operational footprint of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which it acquired in 2022.
• In North Africa, Minor is pursuing a demand-led approach to growth, including in Egypt — where it recently formed a joint venture with Sunrise Resorts & Cruises to develop 50 properties over the next decade — and Morocco.
• Pipeline growth will continue across Asia with a focus on Japan following a recent joint venture with Royal Holdings to develop 21 properties. India also remains a priority market, supported by the strong performance of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur and a growing pipeline of more than a dozen projects.
• In Europe, the group will continue to broaden its focus beyond city hotels, increasing its exposure in resort destinations across the Mediterranean.

Emphasis on franchising, residences

Franchising will play a central role in Minor’s next phase of growth, which forms a core part of Minor’s “asset-right” strategy. Of the group’s extended pipeline opportunities, 87% are asset-light, up from 70% last year.

The franchise model will be deployed primarily in mature markets, particularly Europe and the U.S., with brands such as NH Hotels & Resorts and iStay Hotels. Franchising will also be a key lever in Africa.

Minor Hotels will also introduce new brands in 2026, including  Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection, which are designed to be conversion-friendly in mature markets, particularly Europe and the Middle East. The Wolseley Hotels is positioned as a deliberately rare luxury proposition, while iStay is expected to play a key role in supporting growth in the select segment.

Branded residences remain a core growth pillar for Minor as the segment continues to evolve from a niche luxury offering into a mainstream lifestyle proposition. Around 20% of its total hotel pipeline now incorporates a residential component. Upcoming projects are primarily anchored by luxury brands such as Anantara and Tivoli, where 50% of the pipeline includes residences.