Premium Demand and Rate Strength Drive Strong Q1 2026 for Minor Hotels
- EDITOR
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Minor Hotels delivered a strong first quarter in 2026, with premium travel demand and continued rate strength across the group helping to offset geopolitical disruption in selected markets.
The group reported growth across key operating indicators, with ADR increasing 7% year-on-year and RevPAR up 6%, while occupancy remained broadly stable at 64% systemwide – a strong result given the seasonally softer first quarter in Europe.
Performance was driven by continued strength across Minor Hotels’ premium and luxury portfolio, with travelers continuing to prioritize quality experiences and trusted brands despite broader uncertainty.
Particular strength was seen in the Maldives – where the group operates nine resorts – with ADR growing 12% year-on-year and RevPAR rising 11%. Thailand also delivered strong momentum, with ADR and RevPAR both increasing 10% year-on-year. Luxury performance in Thailand remained especially strong, with RevPAR for Anantara-branded properties increasing 23% year-on-year.
Europe & Americas also continued to perform strongly, recording ADR growth of 6% and RevPAR growth of 7% despite what is traditionally the region’s weakest trading quarter.
Middle East & Africa occupancy declined seven percentage points year-on-year due to the impact of conflict in the region, while all other regions remained stable, highlighting the diversification of Minor Hotels’ global portfolio.
Pricing Power Drives Performance
System-wide core revenues reached THB 30.4 billion, up 6% year-on-year, while core EBITDA increased 1% compared with the same period last year.
Total system sales increased 4% year-on-year in Q1 2026, or 3% on a like-for-like basis, reflecting continued underlying demand growth alongside portfolio expansion.
Despite strong topline and operating momentum, Minor Hotels posted a core loss of THB 631 million for the quarter, THB 138 million higher year-on-year, primarily due to extensive renovation works at flagship properties including Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel as well as unrealized FX impacts.
Asset-Light Expansion Accelerates
Minor Hotels continued to execute its asset-light growth strategy during the quarter, opening four new managed properties totaling 589 keys across Thailand, Oman, Croatia, and Slovenia.
The group also continued expanding its asset-light pipeline with new signings across strategic markets including the United States, Thailand, India, and Tanzania, while expanding further in Australia, the UK, Brazil, Ghana, and Italy.
Supporting this expansion, Minor Hotels also accelerated the rollout of four new brands during the quarter – The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection, and iStay – broadening the group’s offering across the luxury, soft-brand, and select-service segments.
Minor Hotels also continued investing in its long-term digital capabilities through the development of its global data and AI platform in partnership with Salesforce, Google Cloud, OneTrust, and Deloitte, targeted for deployment in 2026. The platform will strengthen guest personalization, direct customer engagement, and commercial effectiveness across the group.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels: "What continues to stand out is the resilience of demand for trusted premium brands, even against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty. This is particularly benefiting destinations and brands with strong positioning and differentiated experiences. At the same time, we remain focused on positioning the business for long-term growth through asset-light expansion and the continued development of digital and AI capabilities that will strengthen how we engage with guests throughout their journey."
Looking Ahead
Minor Hotels remains focused on executing its long-term growth strategy through a balanced approach to ownership and asset-light expansion and is on track for a record year of new signings, alongside continued investment in technology-enabled guest experiences and brand-led growth.
While geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic volatility continue to impact some markets, forward booking trends across several core regions remain encouraging, particularly in Europe and key luxury destinations.
The group continues to see strong owner interest across its brand portfolio and remains confident in the long-term fundamentals underpinning global travel demand... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
Small Tip To Landing Good Senior-Level Hotel Management Positions in 2026
Many of our members have remained with us since the inception of our job lead service seven years ago. They continue to renew their memberships, staying on board even after securing new positions, and for good reason.
Daily, our editors dispatch bulletins detailing new job vacancies, projects, and industry shifts, including hotel launches, expansions, strategies, and market trends.
We recognize that numerous long-standing, senior-level members utilize these bulletins as conversation starters, reaching out to hotel chains and potential employers, sometimes with unsolicited applications and messages. LHN endorses such proactive engagement. It's an excellent, informal method to gain early interest from prominent hotel groups and upcoming projects, indicating your interest and broadening your opportunities for intriguing interviews or discussions about potential roles, particularly at the upper echelons of management.
Our editors also keep these proactive efforts in mind, shaping many bulletins to cover "new openings, new projects, and new market developments."
While membership spots for 2026 are limited, it's not too late to renew.- Read more her
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