Middle East crisis could drive travellers to India
The Economic Times interviewed William Heinecke on Middle East travel disruption and Minor Hotels’ India plans, including the 170-key Anantara at World Trade Center Kolkata.
In an interview published by The Economic Times on 7 April 2026, William E. Heinecke said the conflict in the Middle East was postponing bookings into the fourth quarter, and that he expected more travel interest in India as a result.
The interview records Minor Hotels’ plan for 50 hotels in India over the next decade, the Anantara resort signed in Coorg, and a 170-key Anantara at World Trade Center Kolkata scheduled to open in 2032. The company already runs Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur and has signed an Avani resort in Visakhapatnam. Heinecke said most India projects would be asset-light, while the group would also look at investments. He described the current global mix as about two-thirds owned or leased, with a target closer to half and half.
