Minor Hotels and Resorts has commenced its three-city India Sales Mission 2026, with Delhi as the first stop, bringing together a global delegation spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australasia. The initiative, led by Rohit Chopra, Area Commercial Director, India, Minor Hotels, will continue to Hyderabad and Mumbai, reinforcing the group’s strategic engagement with the Indian travel trade.
Positioned as a relationship-driven platform, the Sales Mission showcases Minor Hotels’ commitment to its long-standing partners in India while navigating evolving global travel dynamics.
“This is our annual engagement format. We organise two key touchpoints in India every year, the Sales Mission in the first half and a roadshow in October. We have chosen Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai as they represent strong source markets for our portfolio,” said Rohit Chopra.
Highlighting the intent behind the initiative, Chopra said, “Given the current geopolitical environment, it was important for us to reconnect with our partners, thank them for their continued support, and strengthen our positioning as partners rather than just suppliers. This is a curated gathering of key partners who have supported us over the past few years, and the response has been extremely encouraging.”
Minor Hotels Australasia
Dan Csortan, Head of Commercial, Minor Hotels Australasia, noted that India is currently the fastest-growing market for the region. “Minor Hotels Australasia, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, has a portfolio of 72 hotels and continues to expand. India has become our fastest-growing market, and its importance is reflected in our decision to appoint a dedicated resource here to drive outbound travel to Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
He further highlighted a shift in travel patterns, noting that amid global uncertainties, there has been an increase in travel from India to Australia, largely because it is perceived as a safe destination. There is also a noticeable shift away from traditional transit routes through the Middle East, with new group segments choosing Australia instead.
Csortan also pointed to the strong appeal of the Oaks brand for Indian travellers. “Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites predominantly offer apartment-style accommodation, combining full hotel facilities with significantly larger living spaces. Our portfolio ranges from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, making them particularly suited for family groups travelling together. From the Indian market, we see a strong preference for shared accommodation. A key advantage is that every apartment comes equipped with a full kitchen and laundry. Food plays an important role for Indian travellers, and many prefer the flexibility to prepare their own meals, which is why Oaks resonates so well with this segment.”
Speaking about trade engagement, he said that they focus on offering customised experiences tailored to the Indian market. With Indian chefs across several properties, they can cater to specific culinary preferences and even host Indian-themed events. Special rates for the trade are extended, which encourages them to experience the product firsthand.
He further noted, “At destinations such as Hunter Valley, we offer curated experiences including wine tasting and hot air ballooning, which are also made available to the trade at preferential rates to help them better understand and promote the destination.”
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam opened under the Anantara flag in 2022 following the restoration and rebranding of a historic landmark property.
Overlooking the Royal Palace at Dam Square, the hotel has been a landmark in the Dutch capital for more than 150 years, hosting royal occasions, international conventions and discerning travellers.
Willemijn van den Dungen, Director, Sales, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, highlighted the steady rise of India as a key source market. “Over the past three years, India has grown significantly for us, with strong year-on-year performance. While FIT continues to be a major contributor, we are also seeing growth in smaller groups and large MICE movements, with some groups ranging from 100 to 300 rooms,” she said.
Speaking about the hotel’s positioning, she said that their property stands out for its historic legacy and its location at Dam Square, one of the most central locations in Amsterdam. Combined with the Anantara brand’s focus on curated experiences, this creates a compelling offering.
She further elaborated on the brand’s experiential approach, “Anantara is known for creating unique, location-specific experiences. One of our most distinctive offerings is available only during the tulip season, from the end of March to early May, making it highly exclusive. The experience begins with a private transfer from the hotel to the tulip region, followed by a guided tour of the museum and the surrounding tulip fields. Guests are then taken to a private tulip farm, developed in collaboration with a local partner, where they can enjoy an intimate lunch set amidst the fields, away from crowds.”
Positioned as a premium, limited-period offering, it is ideal for special occasions such as proposals, anniversaries, and birthdays, as well as small groups of friends, accommodating up to six guests. It is truly one of the most unique experiences available in the destination.
Minor Hotels and Resorts Bangkok
As a Thai-owned hospitality group, Minor Hotels and Resorts has a strong presence in Thailand with more than 15 hotels across key destinations. Thailand continues to be a key destination for Indian travellers within the Minor Hotels network, with strong performance across leisure, weddings, and MICE segments.
Sharing insights into the Bangkok portfolio, Gopal Kadkade, Cluster Director of Sales, Anantara, Avani, and NH, Bangkok, stated, “India is among our largest source markets, driving demand across FIT, weddings, and MICE. In the current global environment, we are also seeing a shift in travel patterns, with Southeast Asia gaining preference, further strengthening inbound traffic from India.”
Highlighting recent developments, he noted that Anantara Siam Bangkok, formerly the Four Seasons, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, with upgraded room décor and enhanced guest facilities. The hotel also offers a diverse culinary portfolio, including Indian cuisine and a dedicated breakfast selection, as well as family-friendly features. With its prime central location, the property is expected to be fully upgraded by the end of June, and is looking forward to welcoming increased Indian business.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui
Koh Samui is increasingly being positioned as an exclusive alternative to mainstream Thai destinations, with Minor Hotels focusing on high-value segments such as celebrations and group travel.
Frederic Kolde, General Manager, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui, said, “India is among our top five source markets, and we see it as a key growth driver. Koh Samui offers a more exclusive experience compared to destinations like Phuket, which works well for premium travellers.”
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui features 122 rooms set along a private beachfront, complemented by a well-curated dining programme. It is the only hotel in the destination to offer a dedicated Indian restaurant led by a chef specialising in North Indian cuisine. In addition, the property presents an exclusive fine-dining experience with just eight tables, ideal for couples and honeymooners, alongside a Mediterranean restaurant helmed by an executive chef from Portugal.
Highlighting its appeal for group travel and celebrations, Kolde said, “Our villa residences, available in four, five, and seven-bedroom configurations, are designed around expansive lap pools, offering both privacy and shared spaces. This makes them particularly well-suited for extended families and groups, a segment where we see strong demand from India. Located just minutes from the airport, the resort offers a quick and effortless arrival. Beyond that, our focus is on delivering highly personalised experiences, from private cruises and curated excursions to bespoke celebration itineraries.”
Summing up the brand’s approach, Kolde said, “At Anantara Lawana, the emphasis is on flexibility and personalisation. We work closely with our guests to craft experiences that are entirely tailored; there are no limitations to what we can deliver.”
Avani+ Khao Lak Resort
Located approximately 90 km from Phuket International Airport, Avani+ Khao Lak Resort features 272 keys, including 70 two-bedroom villas designed for families and larger groups. The property also offers a mix of pool and balcony rooms, providing flexibility across different traveller segments.
Highlighting the resort’s positioning in the Indian market, Simon Beaumont, General Manager, Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, said, “Indian weddings form a core segment for us. Khao Lak is still relatively new for Indian travellers, but it is steadily gaining traction as a destination. We currently host around 18 Indian weddings annually, particularly aligned with auspicious dates, and this continues to be a key growth area.”
On what differentiates the property, Beaumont noted, “While Avani is positioned as a lifestyle brand within the Minor Hotels portfolio, we deliver a strong service standard. Our villa inventory is a key advantage, especially for large Indian wedding groups and families. In addition, we have Indian chefs, as well as dedicated sales and events teams familiar with Indian requirements, which allows us to deliver culturally aligned experiences.”
He further emphasised the destination’s appeal, stating that Khao Lak offers a self-contained environment, which works particularly well for weddings. Once guests arrive, the entire experience can be hosted within the resort, without the need to move outside. It is a destination in itself, and the planners are encouraged to visit and experience the property firsthand to fully understand its potential.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur
Sharing insights on the brand’s India presence, Vimal Verma, General Manager, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, said, “As the first Anantara property in India, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur has seen a strong run over the past one and a half years. The hotel has established itself as a preferred destination for weddings and MICE, and this year, we are also seeing encouraging traction in the FIT and inbound segments. Connectivity has played a key role in this growth. With improved access via the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and the hotel located just 20 minutes from the airport, Jaipur is increasingly becoming a convenient and desirable destination for both leisure and events.”
Speaking about the property’s design and infrastructure, Verma noted that the hotel’s success is also driven by its layout and architecture, which reflects a newly built heritage-style structure. The façade and expansive lawns create a striking visual appeal, both during the day and at night. With 150 rooms and seven distinct venues, the property is well-equipped to host large-scale events and celebrations.
Highlighting key strengths, he said, “Food and beverage has been a strong pillar for us, contributing significantly to our reputation in the market. At the same time, our focus on curated experiences, supported by our teams across operations, has helped us deliver a consistent luxury offering while retaining the essence of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.”
Looking ahead, Verma added, “The success of this property has generated strong interest from owners, paving the way for further brand expansion in India. It also brings a sense of responsibility to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening partnerships with planners and the wider trade, and building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Minor Hotels Delhi Sales Mission 2026
