Minor International has partnered with Japan-based hotel and restaurant operator Royal Holdings to establish a joint venture (JV), marking Minor Hotels' entry into Japan's luxury and lifestyle hotel market.

The new Royal Minor Hotels JV aims to operate hotels under the Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli brands, with a target of 21 hotels by 2035.

Royal Minor Hotels is a 50/50 JV between Royal and Minor Hotels. It is set to officially begin operations in March 2025.  

It will focus on delivering improved hospitality experiences and expanding Minor Hotels' presence in the Japanese market through collaboration with leading real estate developers in the country.  

The hotels will be developed via management agreements and lease arrangements. 

Minor Hotels and Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: “We are thrilled to expand our presence in the vibrant Japanese market, a key growth area for our company.  

“Through our partnership with Royal, we aim to deliver unparalleled hospitality experiences that authentically reflect Japan's unique culture while showcasing the global excellence of our renowned brands.”

The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Minor International and Royal, which began with the successful franchise collaboration of the Sizzler brand in Japan.

This foundation has paved the way for the JV's entry into the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sector. The venture will target key business and leisure destinations.

Royal contributes its expertise and successful operation of 43 Richmond Hotels nationwide through its subsidiary, RNT HOTELS, offering local market knowledge.

The JV plans to integrate Minor Hotels' global expertise with local market insights to develop properties that appeal to both domestic and international travellers.

Royal president and representative director Masataka Abe said: “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to bring world-class hospitality to Japan, combining our deep understanding of the Japanese market with Minor Hotels’ proven expertise in luxury hospitality.”

The GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, an initiative by Minor Hotels, will also be instrumental in driving guest loyalty and attracting new members to the joint venture's expanding hotel portfolio in Japan, offering exclusive benefits and personalised experiences.