Minor Hotels appoints Rohit Chopra as Area Commercial Director – ET TravelWorld

Global hospitality group Minor Hotels has appointed Rohit Chopra as Area Commercial Director for India, strengthening its leadership as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan across the country. In his new role, Chopra will oversee commercial strategies aimed at driving revenue growth, building lasting client relationships, and enhancing customer satisfaction for Minor Hotels’ operations in India.

Reporting to Vijay Krishnan, Vice President of Operations, India, and Richard Beh, Vice President of Commercial, Asia, Chopra’s role is pivotal as the group aims to increase its foothold in the rapidly growing Indian market.

Chopra is a seasoned leader with over 26 years of experience, having held prominent roles at global hospitality brands including Marriott, Hyatt, and Accor. Beginning his career in sales in 1998, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually joining Accor in 2013. There, he served as Director of National Sales for India & South Asia, spearheading strategic sales and distribution initiatives that bolstered Accor’s market position both domestically and internationally.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Chopra said, “I’m excited to join Minor Hotels at this pivotal point in its growth journey. The group’s renowned brands and exceptional guest experiences present an incredible platform to drive commercial success. I look forward to working closely with our team to enhance our market presence and strengthen client relationships.”

Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels, added, “We’re thrilled to have Rohit on board. His vast expertise in sales and marketing, coupled with his deep understanding of the Indian hospitality landscape, makes him the ideal leader to advance our commercial strategy in India. Rohit’s vision for growth aligns seamlessly with our plans for the region.”Minor Hotels is on track to open 50 new hotels in India over the next decade, with a strong focus on upper-upscale and luxury brands, including Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection. This strategy follows heightened demand for premium accommodations in key destinations. Later this year, the group will open its second property in India, the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel, further establishing its footprint in the country.

For its flagship Anantara brand, India ranks among the fastest-growing markets, with a notable 72 per cent increase in room night bookings across its Asia and Middle East properties from Indian outbound travellers in 2023. This trend, buoyed by the brand’s reputation for luxury and service, continues to accelerate in 2024, reinforcing Minor Hotels’ commitment to scaling its presence in India’s luxury hospitality sector.