Minor Hotels and independent B2B travel technology marketplace HBX Group, have announced the global expansion of their preferred distribution partnership.

A new strategic partnership between Minor Hotels and Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed hospitality operator Royal Holdings will see Minor’s Anantara, Avani and Tivoli brands expand into Japan.

Minor Hotels has named industry veteran Omar Romero to the newly-created role of Chief Development and Luxury Officer as the group continues its rapid global expansion.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has opened its doors to offer a new atmosphere of laid-back bliss to guests on the western edge of the Baa Atoll. Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation.

Minor Hotels has forged ties in the Middle East that will see the hotel owner, operator and investor launch its upmarket Avani and Tivoli resort brands in Bahrain.

Avani Hotels & Resorts has signed two new resort hotels in the southern Thailand resort town of Krabi, marking the brand’s continued growth within Thailand. The existing resorts will undergo renovations to bring the properties in line with Avani standards.