(Source: Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. )
Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. and Minor Hotels have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture, Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., to develop luxury hotel operations in the Japanese market. This marks Minor Hotels’ entry into Japan, and the companies held a signing ceremony to announce their strategic plans. The joint venture will be equally owned by both companies, each holding a 50% stake, with the goal of entering Japan’s luxury hotel sector.
The new company aims to open 21 hotels under the Anantara, Avani, and Tivoli brands by 2035. Minor Hotels is a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest independent hotel brand alliance, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, which has approximately 30 million members. Leveraging this network, the new venture anticipates attracting international guests from around the world.
Royal Group has developed expertise in hotel operations through its Richmond Hotel chain over the past 30 years, along with a strong domestic business network. Minor Hotels, on the other hand, has specialized knowledge in luxury hotel management and extensive global experience. By combining their respective strengths, the two companies seek to build a new hotel business and drive sustainable growth.
Royal Group and Minor Group have previously collaborated in Japan through the franchise agreement for the Sizzler brand. The establishment of this joint venture further strengthens their partnership, creating new synergies in the Japanese market. Additionally, Royal Holdings’ subsidiary, RNT Hotels Co., Ltd., operates 43 Richmond Hotels nationwide, and plans to integrate its experience with global luxury hotel expertise to develop a unique hotel business.
The President and CEO of Royal Holdings expressed excitement about launching this new initiative with Minor Hotels in 2025, coinciding with the company’s 75th anniversary. Since its founding in 1951, Royal Holdings has accumulated expertise in food and hospitality, consistently delivering high-quality service. Through the new joint venture, the company aims to maximize both partners’ strengths and establish hotels that stand out in the market.
Minor Hotels’ CEO emphasized that expanding into Japan is a key growth strategy. By partnering with Royal Holdings, the company intends to offer the highest level of hospitality that reflects Japan’s unique culture while enhancing the value of its globally recognized hotel brands.
The incoming President and CEO of the joint venture noted that, as inbound tourism continues to grow in Japan, there is an increasing demand for diverse accommodation experiences. By maintaining equal investment from both Royal Holdings and Minor Hotels, the venture aims to tailor brand appeal to the Japanese market and create new hotel experiences. Beyond enhancing guest satisfaction, Royal Minor Hotels will contribute to employee development and the advancement of the tourism industry as a whole.
(Source: Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. )
Among the three brands that Minor Hotels will introduce to Japan, Anantara Hotels & Resorts offers luxurious spaces designed to highlight the unique appeal of each location and currently operates 54 properties across 26 countries. Avani Hotels & Resorts targets millennial and Gen Z travelers, offering functional yet comfortable stays, with 43 properties in 25 countries. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts provides a classic luxury hotel experience and is currently present in eight countries with 21 properties.
Royal Holdings operates various businesses in Japan, including the Royal Host and Tendon Tenya restaurant chains, as well as restaurants in airport terminals and on highways. The company aims to become Japan’s leading “food and hospitality” group, continuously expanding through diverse business ventures.
Minor Hotels, a core subsidiary of Minor International PCL, operates over 560 hotels across 58 countries. The company is actively expanding its luxury hotel brands, with plans to open more than 280 new properties by the end of 2027. As a member of Global Hotel Alliance, Minor Hotels participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, offering high-quality hospitality to travelers worldwide.