China: Minor Hotels has formed a JV with Funyard Hotels & Resorts that will oversee development, operations, and sales and marketing of seven Minor Hotels brands in China.
The two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the project in January 2021 and it officially came into force on 29 June 2021.
Among the brands that Minor Hotels is planning to bring to China as part of the JV are extended stay brands Avani and Oaks, as well as nhow and NH Collection.
Oaks, a serviced apartment and resort accommodation chain predominantly operating in Australia and New Zealand, will debut in China with the opening of a property in Hangzhou.
Ji Hongjun, president of Funyard Hotels & Resorts Group, said: “We were quick to notice a growing demand for high-quality hospitality and tourism projects, with Chinese consumers increasingly expecting a more personalised experience. To successfully meet the demands of China’s modern day traveller, the hotel sector must diversify its market segmentation by offering a wider choice of brands. As Minor’s brands originate in parts of the world as diverse as Asia, Europe and Australia, they each offer unique positioning, brand concept and core values, which makes the group the perfect partner to deliver on our joint vision.”
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, said: “Growing our presence in China has always been one of the top priorities for Minor Hotels. The strategic partnership with Funyard Hotels & Resorts is the perfect opportunity for us to bring quality hotel experiences and exclusive lifestyle products to Chinese consumers just in time for the post-epidemic travel boom. We look forward to creating outstanding travel experiences across China together.”
