Bangkok, February 11, 2015: Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of over 120 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Destination Resorts & Hotels (DRH) to develop an Anantara resort in Malaysia. Under the collaboration agreement, both parties will identify a suitable location to co-develop a luxury resort and residences under the world-renowned Anantara brand, bringing its legendary hospitality and service in the environment of Malaysia’s rich cultural and architectural diversities.

Established in 2010 by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, DRH is mandated to transform Malaysia’s tourism landscape, by delivering commercially sustainable resort destinations to address the needs of an increasingly discerning global tourism market.

William E. Heinecke, Chairman and CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are delighted to make our first hotel investment in Malaysia through our partnership with Destination Resorts and Hotels, and we look forward to working with DRH for many years to come on potential investments in Malaysia. We believe there is a vast potential for growth in the tourism sector in this beautiful country.”

Dillip Rajakarier, Group COO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotel Group, added, “Following our first hotel management project in Malaysia undertaken in 2013, now operating as AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, we are proud to announce our first investment plan in the country under our core luxury Anantara brand. We intend to have this resort become the showcase of the best that Anantara and Malaysia have to offer.”

Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, Group Managing Director of Destination Resorts and Hotels, added “DRH’s strategic intent is to further strengthen Malaysia’s hospitality value positioning. The collaboration, coupled with Anantara’s management experience and renowned reputation, clearly deepens our breadth in the luxury destination segment. Our shared vision will serve the right trajectory that will appeal to sophisticated global tourists.”

During 2015, MHG and DRH intend to make further announcement outlining additional information on the development.