Minor International (MINT) is concurrently launching three new projects with a total economic value of over Baht 9 billion that will strengthen its presence in Phuket, Thailand. The new investments, which comprise an ultra-luxury residential development, a new development phase of Anantara Vacation Club (AVC) and a mixed-use retail & commercial building, will further enhance MINT's leadership position in one of the world's most attractive vacation destinations and provide a strong platform to drive sustainable earnings growth of its mixeduse business.

MINT is set to invest in a second luxury residential project with a total sale value of approximately Baht 6 billion, through a 50:50 joint venture partnership with Kajima Overseas Asia, a unit of Kajima Corporation (Kajima), an established construction and real estate development company listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The land plot of approximately 99 rai is located adjacent to MINT's Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and The Residences by Anantara, Layan, Phuket. The new luxury residential project, named Avadina Hills by Anantara, will consist of 16 luxury villas for sale, divided into two phases. The first phase, comprising 11 villas, is currently under construction and expected to be completed in sub-phase starting in 2018. The second phase of the remaining five villas will begin construction after completion of the first phase and is expected to be ready from 2020. In addition, part of the land plot will be leased to Anantara Layan Phuket Hotel to develop new tennis and gym & spa facilities to enhance the experience of guests of both the hotel and the residences, while the remaining land can be used for future development under the partnership. Apart from the aforementioned project, MINT believes that its development and management know-how, paired with Kajima's considerable land bank, will result in an ever-strengthening relationship that can pave the way for more business opportunities and further earnings upside over the longer term.

MINT also unveiled the development of 97 newly-designed Anantara Vacation Club luxury apartments and pool villas on the new 20-rai area adjacent to the existing Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao project at an estimated real estate value of Baht 3 billion which can subsequently be converted into higher-value AVC points. The new units, expected to be completed in 2018, will enhance the attractiveness of AVC's product offerings and support its future growth.

Concurrently, MINT announces its plan to expand its Turtle Village shopping mall. Scheduled to open in 2019, the new expansion bloc, adjacent to the current mall, will be a 3-storey mixed-use building with approximately 1,270 sq.m. of retail space and 534 sq.m. of office space, with the entire office space already fully booked on a long-term lease commitment. MINT is confident that the expansion will complement and strengthen the attractiveness of the Turtle Village shopping complex, with its strategic location surrounded by multiple hotels, resorts and vacation clubs, including Minor Hotels' own Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket and the new development phase of AVC.

William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of MINT, commented, "With its reputation as one of the world's bestknown holiday destinations together with improving new infrastructure including the new international and domestic airport terminals on the island, Phuket will draw domestic and foreign travelers for many years to come. Last year's tourist arrival growth of 18% was even stronger than the 13% from the prior year. Our confidence in the future of Phuket compels us to launch these three new projects."

Dillip Rajakarier, Group COO of MINT and CEO of Minor Hotels, also commented, "We are particularly excited to announce the development of Avadina Hills by Anantara in the Layan beach area. With the strength of our Anantara brand and MINT's development capability, together with Kajima's expertise in construction, we are confident that this new development will follow the success of The Residences by Anantara Layan Phuket, and ensure that our pipeline of residential and mixed use developments continue to produce a steady stream of revenue and earnings. We also look forward to exploring other expansion opportunities with Kajima in the future".

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 540 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com.