Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator, with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and under development across 63 countries, is advancing its expansion strategy in the Balkans with the addition of its first Adriatic hotels, in Croatia and Slovenia, and the appointment of Mikhail Kolesnik as Regional Director of Development for the Inland Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This new appointment supports the group’s “asset-right” approach, which flexibly adapts to each project.

Historically Minor Hotels operated under asset-heavy models, through ownership or lease agreements, and now is evolving towards an asset-light model, focused on franchise and management agreements, enabling agile and scalable growth. With this shift, Minor Hotels offers investors and independent hotel owners the opportunity to join an ecosystem supported by global distribution systems, strong brands and loyalty programme, while preserving the local identity and cultural heritage of each asset.

Backed by nearly five decades of operating expertise, with a particularly strong footprint in Europe  and strong brand recognition the company applies a “glocal” approach aligning its global strategy with a strong local execution, acting as a reliable partner across markets.

Debut in Croatia and Slovenia

As part of this strategy, Minor Hotels recently announced a management agreement with MK Group to operate its first two properties in Croatia and Slovenia. The group’s entry into Slovenia will come through Hotel Palace Portorož, a 183-room resort known for its heritage in wellness and gastronomy. In Croatia, the company will debut with Adriatic Istria Resort in Savudrija, a 186-room complex with direct beach access and to the region’s first golf course.

Both properties, whose operations were assumed by the group in February 2026, will undergo extensive refurbishment ahead of their relaunch in early 2027 under the luxury brands Minor Reserve Collection and Anantara, respectively. These additions represent Minor Hotels’ entry into two new strategic markets and mark an important milestone in its growth across the Adriatic region.

The Balkans and the CIS: strategic regions for Minor Hotels’ growth

The Balkans region is becoming a priority for Minor Hotels’ European expansion thanks to its growing appeal for cultural, nature and wellness tourism. The company is currently exploring development opportunities in major cities as well as mountain, lake and coastal destinations, with the aim of tailoring its offering to the specific characteristics of each market and the cultural legacy of each destination.

At the same time, the CIS markets represent another strategic growth focus with their own distinct dynamics. Kazakhstan stands out as one of the most investment-ready markets in the region, while Uzbekistan is experiencing accelerated development driven by institutional support for tourism infrastructure. Meanwhile, the rise of lifestyle tourism in Georgia is creating favourable conditions for the introduction of premium concepts. With its portfolio of 12 brands, ranging from the midscale segment with iStay Hotels by NH to premium brands like NH Collection or Colbert Collection and to luxury brands such as Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection, the group aims to offer tailored solutions that enhance returns for local owners.

To support this new phase of development and strengthen its execution capabilities in the region, Minor Hotels has appointed Mikhail Kolesnik as Regional Director of Development for the Inland Balkans and the CIS. In this role, he will lead the identification and origination of new business opportunities in markets including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and the CIS region.

Kolesnik brings more than 15 years of experience in hotel investment, business planning and asset management. A graduate of the prestigious SKEMA Business School, he has held key roles in Marriott’s development team for Eastern Europe and, more recently, in the management of luxury portfolios in the Black Sea region and the planning of large-scale projects in the Middle East. His appointment strengthens Minor Hotels’ development structure in a region that is key to its future growth.

Reporting to the development leadership of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, Mikhail Kolesnik will spearhead efforts to secure new projects, with a focus on franchise and management agreements.

A strategic step to accelerate regional expansion

“Mikhail’s appointment represents a major strategic step forward in accelerating our presence in regions with such extraordinary potential as the Balkans and the CIS. His strong technical track record in investment and development will enable us to connect with local partners seeking to elevate their assets to international standards. We are confident that his leadership will be key to positioning Minor Hotels as a company of reference in these markets, bringing operational flexibility and a differentiated proposition to both urban destinations and luxury and wellness enclaves,” said Laia Lahoz, Chief Assets and Development Officer of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas.

This new addition to the expansion team reinforces Minor Hotels’ commitment to strategic and sustained growth, not only in terms of hotel volume, but also through the opening of new territories and the consolidation of its leadership in the global hospitality industry.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality leader with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and under development across 63 countries. The group creates innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands, including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels crafts stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success, always focusing on what matters most to its guests, team members and partners.