Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, has been recognised by S&P Global as the top-performing hotel operator, and second-best overall hotel company, in its Sustainability Yearbook 2024.  

Minor is the only hotel operator to achieve a Top 10% score in the Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines industry, in which 61 companies were assessed globally, demonstrating the group's long-term commitment to making travel more environmentally and socially responsible. Only one other company – a hospitality asset owner and developer – scoring higher in the global industry rankings.  

The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 honours 759 top-scoring companies selected from over 9,400 considered based on their S&P Global 2023 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) Score, an evaluation of an organisation’s performance and measurement of material ESG risks, opportunities and impacts.  

In a breakdown of its CSA Score, Minor achieved industry-best results for Business Ethics and Human Capital Development categories, and also performed strongly on Climate Strategy as well as Talent Attraction and Retention.  

It marks the fourth consecutive year that Minor has been included in the Yearbook, and the second year in a row that it has been ranked as a Top 10% company.  

Chompan Kulnides, Chief Sustainability Officer of Minor International, commented: “S&P Global’s recognition validates our team members’ passionate commitment to ‘Shared Value Creation’, driving business growth while benefiting the environment and society. By investing in people, committing to reduce carbon footprint, protecting biodiversity and nurturing good corporate governance, we believe we can positively impact where we operate for future generations of residents and travellers.”  

Minor Hotels is conscious of the linkage between the company’s success and the well-being of society and the environment. In 2022, Minor announced its commitment to become a net-zero organisation by 2050 and set intermediate goals of reducing energy and water intensities and carbon dioxide emissions.  

Green Growth 2050, one of the most comprehensive travel and tourism-based sustainability standards available, has assessed Minor Hotels’ sustainability performance since 2008. The company has set Gold certification or above as a minimum requirement for its Anantara and Avani brands, with 20 properties achieving Platinum certification.  

Minor Hotels also promotes sustainable tourism in its communities, undertaking initiatives focused on education, health and the environment and inviting Anantara and Avani guests to support the local community through the Dollars for Deeds programme. Minor Hotels has established several foundations including The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and The Mai Khao Turtle Foundation to develop, fund and support such initiatives.

  Minor Hotels is targeting more than 200 new openings globally within three years, as the Bangkok-based hotel owner and operator unveils new details of its dynamic commercial strategy for 2024 and beyond.  

The target for new hotels would increase the group's global portfolio by almost 40% from its current count of 540 properties, as well as adding more than 30,000 rooms to its present inventory of almost 80,000.  

The rapid acceleration of Minor's global growth ambition builds on record financial performance in 2023 and will be driven by a multi-pronged commercial strategy that will see the company enhance its portfolio of brands and overhaul its digital strategy, while pursuing a more balanced mix of management and franchise operating models.  

Under its long-standing ‘asset right’ strategy, Minor Hotels owns or leases almost 70% of its global portfolio of 540 hotels. That percentage is expected to decrease to approximately 50% as the group pursues a more aggressive mix of management and franchise agreement options. Notably, Minor is targeting more than 150 new management agreements over the next three years, which would grow its share of the overall operating model mix from 19% in 2023 to 38% by 2026. New franchise agreements are also being targeted, while Minor will continue to grow its hotel investment portfolio.  

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “2023 has been a record year and the figures, both financial and regarding the group’s expansion, confirm this. Looking ahead, we intend to increase this pace of openings, expanding our brands within our existing areas of operation and growing our global footprint into new regions in which we are not yet present.”  

Minor Hotels is also looking to shift its geographic mix, targeting a more balanced global distribution of hotels and resorts. Of the more than 200 openings targeted by the end of 2026, approximately half will be in the Asia region, while Europe and the Middle East are expected to add more than 50 properties each. Other regions, such as Australia & New Zealand, the Americas and Africa, will also see new openings across the Minor Hotels brand portfolio. The strategy will see greater balance globally, with Asia expected to grow from 12% to 23% of global room inventory, and Middle East & Africa from 9% to 16%, by 2026. Europe meanwhile is expected to comprise 45% of room inventory, down from the current 60%, due to outsized growth in other regions.  

The Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli and NH Hotels brands are expected to be the key drivers of portfolio growth over the next three years, with Avani alone expected to more than double its property count to almost 100. As part of a major review and optimisation of its global brand portfolio, Minor Hotels also expects to unveil multiple new brands in 2024 and 2025 to fill unmet consumer demand and provide more tailored options to hotel owners, further enhancing its competitive positioning.  

Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, said: “We’re focused on cross-developing our brands to create a harmonious blend of luxury and accessibility in diverse locations. We’re also moving towards a lighter 'asset-right' model. While we will always retain direct ownership of key flagship assets, embracing modern trends we’re shifting towards an increased focus on management and also franchised contracts. This strategic move is set to organically expand our global footprint while retaining our strict owner-driven mindset across all management categories.”  

Having already launched Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort in the UAE earlier this month, the luxury brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will continue its strategic growth during 2024 with key openings including Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, further strengthening the brand’s European portfolio, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat in the UAE, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort in Indonesia, and Anantara Jaipur Resort, which will represent Anantara’s debut in India.  

Additions to Avani Hotels & Resorts in 2024 will include properties in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and the Seychelles, in addition to the upper upscale brand’s first hotel in China.  

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2024, will continue to grow  its global footprint with new openings including in Thailand, Qatar, Finland and Portugal, while NH Hotels & Resorts has added Minor Hotels’ first properties in Paris this year, with further hotels coming on stream in Mexico and China. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts will continue its accelerated expansion in Europe and the Middle East, while nhow Hotels will debut in Peru in 2024 with nhow Lima and will also add a property in Italy with the launch of nhow Rome.  

Elewana Collection, a collection of boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania, recently announced the new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale safari lodges. The first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, is scheduled to open in March.  

Amid this unprecedented growth, Minor Hotels remains committed to its goal of expansion into new experience categories and growing its culinary and non-hotel brands. The forthcoming 12-key Anantara Kafue River Zambia Tented Camp will offer an entirely new luxury experience for guests of Minor Hotels’ flagship brand, while Vietnam-based luxury rail experience The Vietage by Anantara is adding a new Quy Nhon – Nha Trang route to its itinerary from May this year.

  Avani Hotels & Resorts, the upscale lifestyle brand of Minor Hotels, expands further in Europe with the opening of Avani Frankfurt City Hotel, marking the brand's debut in Germany. Located in Frankfurt’s central business district, the rebranded hotel offers a balance between design and function, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the city’s renowned electronic music scene.  

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel celebrates the city’s role as a pioneer of techno music in the 1980s when Frankfurt became a hub for influential night clubs, record stores, musicians and labels. The lobby displays album covers and framed vinyl discs from the era, while a faux fireplace, complete with vintage record player, creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The shared space is elevated by floor-to-ceiling LED screens displaying dynamic techno animations. To continue the theme, there are five aptly named meeting rooms with a shared breakout area. The flexible space can accommodate up to 140 delegates for workshops, training sessions, themed dinners and team building activities.

Spread over seven floors, Avani Frankfurt’s 256 guest rooms and suites come equipped with the latest amenities, including a power shower, a coffee machine and a garment steamer to keep clothes wrinkle-free. High-tech gadgets such as Google’s streaming media adapter Chromecast TV and high-quality Bluetooth speakers make it easy to relax with favourite shows and music.  

The hotel’s spacious dining venues cater to guests’ needs for simplicity and quality. There is a buffet-style restaurant for leisurely breakfasts, as well as The Pantry, Avani's signature grab-and-go concept with fresh snacks, including wraps, vegan bites, smoothies, Buddha bowls and matcha tea. At night, The Pantry becomes a lively spot to socialise and sip smart cocktails from the bar, complimented by 24/7 in-room dining.  

In addition to the yoga mats provided in each room, wellness-minded guests can work out at the AvaniFit gym equipped with cutting-edge cardio machines, weight stations, steam baths and a sauna. Alternatively, guests can explore the nearby River Main with its tree-lined jogging trails and water bike tours to take in the “Mainhatten” skyline.  

The hotel offers experiences curated in partnership with some of the city’s leading creatives. Hosted by Entkorkte Kunst, guests can create art inspired by electronic music at a “Techno Painting” workshop fuelled by delicious cocktails and live DJ beats. The “Silent Techno Walking Tour” with Hush Beats is set to a special playlist and takes guests to top city landmarks, such as the Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM).  

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel is conveniently located near the city’s main transport hubs, with the airport and train station within 25 minutes’ drive. World-class museums and the city’s famous Zeil shopping street are within walking distance. Avani Double Rooms start from EUR 175 (approx. USD 190) per room, per night based on two sharing with breakfast and taxes included. For more information, please visit www.avanihotels.com.

  Already with a strong presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Africa, Avani Hotels & Resorts opened three properties in Europe in 2023 – Milan and Venice in Italy and in the Spanish capital. The brand’s expansion into new destinations continues in 2024 with openings in Europe and the Seychelles, as well as South and Central America.

The Vietage by Anantara today announces the introduction of a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon commencing its first journey on 15^th May 2024.   Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage running daily between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the second carriage aims to capture the international hub of Nha Trang served by Cam Ranh International Airport and connect the central coast of Vietnam offering opportunities for visitors to explore more of the stunning country in luxury.   At a signing ceremony this morning at the Saigon Railway Transport JSC (SRT) Head Office in Ho Chi Minh City, The Vietage by Anantara’s General Manager, Erik Billgren, thanked the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and the SRT for their commitment and support over the last three years since the launch of the initial carriage and looks forward to the ongoing partnership in bringing luxury railway journeys to Vietnam.   Reservations for the new route between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon will open on 1st February 2024.   The Vietage by Anantara will reveal more details soon on its exciting new route.

Minor Hotels, the parent company behind luxury hotel brands Anantara, Tivoli and Elewana Collection, is pleased to announce an exciting upcoming addition to the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas portfolio in the Austrian capital of Vienna. As part of the group’s strategic expansion across Europe, Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel will launch in March 2024.   The hotel is situated in the heart of Vienna on the renowned Schottenring, part of the city’s Ring Boulevard, and occupies a listed palace built in 1873 by Theophil Hansen for the occasion of the Vienna World's Exhibition. Over the years the palace has served as various municipal offices and cultural venues, before being transformed into a luxury hotel in 2013, currently operating as Palais Hansen Kempinski. Many of Vienna’s cultural and artistic attractions can be found in close proximity to the historically listed 150-year-old building, while a nearby U-bahn station connects with the rest of the city.   To be launched under the Anantara flag in March next year, the rebranded property will feature 152 classically decorated guest rooms and suites on three floors, including a 270-square metre Presidential Suite, the largest in the Austrian capital. Dining options will include a Michelin-starred restaurant, regional cuisine at the Wintergarten, an elegant Lobby Lounge & Bar and Cigar Lounge. Ten function rooms spanning the ground floor and mezzanine level make the hotel a popular location for meetings and events, while the ballroom can host gala dinners, weddings and conferences for up to 265 people. Leisure facilities will include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa.   Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel will undergo a significant renovation, during which the full suite of Anantara hallmarks and experiences will be introduced. Starting later in 2024 and continuing throughout 2025, the refurbishment will include guest rooms and suites, the lobby, meeting spaces, restaurants and bars. In addition, the existing spa will be enhanced and relaunched as Anantara Spa, combining European and Asian wellness traditions.

Vienna, famed for its impressive architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status, seamlessly blends its rich historical charm with a vibrant modern spirit and is consistently ranked among the top three most liveable cities in the world. The city boasts avant-garde theatres, a thriving young music scene, and a robust cultural tapestry. From the iconic MuseumsQuartier and Michelin-starred restaurants to a lively calendar of social events, Vienna invites exploration of both its classical heritage and contemporary allure. Markets teem with diverse flavours, while the city's status as a top-tier tourism destination is affirmed by landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace. In this symphony of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy, Vienna unfolds as a captivating destination where history and innovation harmoniously coexist.  

Anantara debuted in Europe in 2017 with the launch of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal, followed Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort in Marbella, southern Spain. The brand continued its expansion in Europe with the addition of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam and two palace hotels in Italy and Hungary – Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel and Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel. Most recently in 2023 Anantara has continued its strategic expansion in Europe with the launches of Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel in France, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel on the famed Amalfi Coast in Italy and Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel in Ireland.  

For more information about Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, please visit https://www.anantara.com/en/palais-hansen-vienna