Latest news with #AmirGolbarg
Travel Daily News
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion: insights from Amir Golbarg
Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa operations are accelerating. Amir Golbarg, SVP, outlines the group's sustainability strategies, master brand approach, and hyper-growth plans across hospitality markets. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion is reshaping hospitality landscapes. At Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations for Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels, shared insights into the group's remarkable journey, sustainability commitments, and growth strategies. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion has been a deliberate and highly strategic endeavor, grounded in sustainability, innovation, and the group's Thai heritage. Founded in 1967 by William Heinecke, Minor Hotels started with humble roots in Thailand and has since evolved into a major international player. Its Middle East journey began in 2012 with the unique project on Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, where Minor launched three distinct resorts blending wildlife conservation and luxury hospitality. As Golbarg explained, 'Today we operate 54 properties across the Middle East and Africa, with many more in the pipeline — all designed to reflect local cultures while upholding Minor's global standards.' Sustainability as core DNA Golbarg emphasized that sustainability is not just a marketing buzzword but a fundamental part of Minor Hotels' operations. 'Our Anantara brand, launched in 2001, was built on the idea of indigenous sustainable luxury,' he said. From sourcing local materials in Jaipur to protecting black rhinos in Zimbabwe, Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion integrates environmental and social responsibility. With targets certified under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), participation in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and a focus on reducing landfill waste, Minor's operations prioritize local sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. Master brand strategy for seamless customer experience A major milestone in Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion is the rollout of its 'master brand' strategy. As Golbarg explained, consolidating eight distinct brands (including Anantara, Avani, and NH) under the Minor Hotels umbrella enhances customer experience by unifying booking systems, loyalty programs, and digital platforms. 'This shift allows guests to seamlessly access offerings across all brands, using one loyalty system and benefiting from hyper-personalized service,' Golbarg noted. Technology and hyper-growth vision Addressing the role of artificial intelligence, Golbarg stressed its value for backend efficiencies, data analysis, and customer insights, but not as a front-of-house replacement. 'We believe hospitality is ultimately about human connection,' he said. Looking ahead, Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion aims for hyper-growth, with ambitious plans to double the regional footprint within three years. This includes innovations in wellness, longevity hubs, and enhanced F&B concepts, ensuring the group stays ahead of evolving consumer demands. Minor Hotels' Middle East and Africa expansion offers a compelling case study of how heritage, sustainability, brand consolidation, and technology can drive growth in dynamic markets. As Golbarg concluded, 'We have the ingredients and the recipe — now it's time to run for it.'
Tourism Breaking News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Minor Hotels enhances Dubai portfolio with Palm West Beach Addition
Post Views: 45 Minor Hotels signed a strategic hotel management agreement for a prominent beachfront property on Dubai's iconic Palm West Beach in collaboration with valued partners, Seven Tides. Effective by 1st August 2025, the addition of this new resort and serviced residences—currently operating as Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel—to Minor Hotels' managed portfolio further strengthens the group's growing footprint in the United Arab Emirates and establishes it as the largest operator on the Trunk of the Palm. The resort, which includes 273 hotel keys and 287 serviced apartments, boasts a premier beachfront location adjacent to NH Collection Dubai The Palm, which launched in February 2023. This agreement will see Minor Hotels' total key count on Palm Jumeirah increase to 1,524 keys across three properties including Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and NH Collection Dubai The Palm under three distinctive brands, reinforcing the group's long-term commitment to the region. Located on the vibrant Palm West Beach, one of Dubai's most desirable lifestyle destinations, the property offers direct access to a lively beachfront promenade featuring upscale restaurants, beach clubs, and entertainment venues. Its prime location also places guests within easy reach of major and is a convenient 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. The property comprises a range of room and suite options, and the 287 serviced apartments include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Guests can enjoy six dining venues, from a specialty restaurant and pool bar, along with a private beach, infinity pool, lazy river, and extensive wellness and family-friendly facilities. Minor Hotels will also implement a soft refurbishment of the guest rooms and public spaces prior to a rebranding of the property to be announced later in 2025, underlining the group's commitment to delivering value for both guests and partners while enhancing the property's market positioning. 'This expanded collaboration with Seven Tides represents a strategic alignment of values and vision. Palm Jumeirah is one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in the world, and securing a dominant presence on West Beach enables us to bring our elevated guest experiences to a location that perfectly embodies the energy and ambition of Dubai,' stated Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels. 'This is a landmark moment for Minor Hotels as we expand our presence in one of the world's most competitive hospitality markets,' said Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. 'This new addition not only reflects our strategic vision for growth in high-demand urban resort destinations but also strengthens our valued relationship with Seven Tides. Together, we look forward to elevating the guest experience and delivering long-term success on Palm Jumeirah.' 'This is a strategic appointment as Minor Hotels already successfully manages our existing asset, the neighbouring NH Collection Dubai The Palm, and the agreement will provide enhanced synergy between the hotels,' said Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides. 'Furthermore, the proven track record of Minor Hotels in delivering elevated guest experiences, combined with their operational expertise, makes them the ideal partner to manage this property. We look forward to a successful collaboration that heightens the appeal of Palm West Beach as one of Dubai's premier hospitality destinations,' he added. With this latest addition, Minor Hotels continues its dynamic expansion across the UAE, currently operating 17 properties under 5 brands. The group remains focused on identifying strategic opportunities in key global destinations, leveraging strong partnerships and local market insight to drive sustainable growth.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Asfar, Minor Hotels to blend Thai and Saudi hospitality
Saudi tourism investment company Asfar has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minor Hotels, marking a significant milestone in its hospitality investments. The agreement aims to create vibrant tourism destinations across the Kingdom, focusing on local content and community empowerment, reported SPA. The MoU will integrate locally inspired designs, products, and experiences into properties, ensuring authentic experiences and sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. The agreement will also develop lifestyle-oriented properties catering to evolving traveller preferences across the Kingdom's most promising tourism destinations. The signing ceremony was presided over by CEO of Asfar Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt and Senior Vice President of Minor Hotels Middle East and Africa Amir Golbarg, at Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Saudi Arabia. Dr Mushayt said: 'This agreement with Minor Hotels is a strategic leap forward in our mission to unlock the full tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. By bringing globally respected hospitality brands into promising destinations, we're not only enriching our investment portfolio — we're also introducing unique guest experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the depth and authenticity of Saudi culture. Together, we are shaping destinations that deliver on the promise of Vision 2030 and leave a lasting impact on communities, visitors, and the tourism landscape at large.' Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tourism Breaking News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
ASFAR and Minor Hotels sign MoU to blend Thai Hospitality with Saudi Heritage across new tourism destinations in the Kingdom
Post Views: 69 ASFAR announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minor Hotels. This milestone builds on ASFAR's growing portfolio of hospitality investments and reinforces its commitment to shaping vibrant tourism destinations across the Kingdom. The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. This agreement marks another pivotal step in ASFAR's strategic drive to transform promising Saudi cities into vibrant tourism destinations. The MoU sets the foundation for introducing Minor Hotels' distinctive international brands into several high-potential locations across the Kingdom. The collaboration aims to deliver hospitality experiences that seamlessly fuse Thai service excellence with the richness of Saudi culture—enhancing guest journeys while reinforcing ASFAR's commitment to culturally grounded, globally competitive destinations. Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, said: 'This agreement with Minor Hotels is a strategic leap forward in our mission to unlock the full tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. By bringing globally respected hospitality brands into promising destinations, we're not only enriching our investment portfolio — we're also introducing unique guest experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the depth and authenticity of Saudi culture. Together, we are shaping destinations that deliver on the promise of Vision 2030 and leave a lasting impact on communities, visitors, and the tourism landscape at large.' Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, commented: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key global destination for tourism, and we are proud to partner with ASFAR to support the Kingdom's bold vision for the future. With more than five decades of hospitality expertise and a portfolio of distinctive brands, Minor Hotels is committed to crafting culturally rich, immersive experiences that reflect the unique heritage and dynamic ambitions of each destination. This partnership marks an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom's evolving tourism landscape.' This MoU emphasizes a shared commitment to local content and community empowerment, with plans to integrate locally inspired designs, products, and experiences throughout the properties. This approach ensures that each destination will offer authentic experiences while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
ASFAR and Minor Hotels Sign MoU to Blend Thai Hospitality with Saudi Heritage Across New Tourism Destinations in the Kingdom
• Strategic alliance champions sustainable tourism through the fusion of Thai hospitality excellence and authentic Saudi cultural experiences • Collaboration supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by accelerating economic diversification and unlocking the full potential of the tourism sector ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company and a PIF company, today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minor Hotels, a leading international hotel owner, operator, and investor with a strong footprint in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Saudi Arabia. This milestone builds on ASFAR's growing portfolio of hospitality investments and reinforces its commitment to shaping vibrant tourism destinations across the Kingdom. The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. This agreement marks another pivotal step in ASFAR's strategic drive to transform promising Saudi cities into vibrant tourism destinations. The MoU sets the foundation for introducing Minor Hotels' distinctive international brands into several high-potential locations across the Kingdom. The collaboration aims to deliver hospitality experiences that seamlessly fuse Thai service excellence with the richness of Saudi culture—enhancing guest journeys while reinforcing ASFAR's commitment to culturally grounded, globally competitive destinations. Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, said: 'This agreement with Minor Hotels is a strategic leap forward in our mission to unlock the full tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. By bringing globally respected hospitality brands into promising destinations, we're not only enriching our investment portfolio — we're also introducing unique guest experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the depth and authenticity of Saudi culture. Together, we are shaping destinations that deliver on the promise of Vision 2030 and leave a lasting impact on communities, visitors, and the tourism landscape at large.' Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, commented: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key global destination for tourism, and we are proud to partner with ASFAR to support the Kingdom's bold vision for the future. With more than five decades of hospitality expertise and a portfolio of distinctive brands, Minor Hotels is committed to crafting culturally rich, immersive experiences that reflect the unique heritage and dynamic ambitions of each destination. This partnership marks an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom's evolving tourism landscape.' This MoU emphasizes a shared commitment to local content and community empowerment, with plans to integrate locally inspired designs, products, and experiences throughout the properties. This approach ensures that each destination will offer authentic experiences while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. In alignment with Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and sustainable tourism transformation, ASFAR and Minor Hotels will work together to establish hospitality offerings that enhance Saudi Arabia's appeal as a global tourism destination while preserving the unique character of each region. The agreement will focus on developing lifestyle-oriented properties that cater to evolving traveler preferences, with several projects planned across the Kingdom's most promising tourism destinations.
