Minor Hotels has signed a franchise agreement to open NH Collection Sliema, marking the group’s first property in Malta. The new premium hotel, currently under construction, will feature 268 rooms and suites and is slated to open in late 2026.
Positioned as an urban resort, NH Collection Sliema will offer a range of upscale amenities, including a spa and wellness centre, a rooftop bar with panoramic sea views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Its location on the bustling Sliema promenade provides guests with immediate access to a variety of local shops, restaurants, and the vibrant cultural life of Malta, which enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year. The hotel is also less than 10 km from the capital, Valletta.
The project exemplifies Minor Hotels’ franchise‑driven growth strategy. By balancing “asset‑heavy” owned or leased properties with “asset‑light” managed and franchised hotels, the group can expand quickly, forge strong partnerships, and create long‑term value for investors and owners. Minor Hotels continues to explore franchise opportunities in established markets and new regions such as the Balkans and the CIS.
With nearly five decades of experience and a portfolio of 12 distinct brands, Minor Hotels provides franchise partners with access to well‑known brand standards, a global distribution network, the Minor DISCOVERY loyalty programme, advanced revenue‑management tools, and centralized procurement and support services.
To accelerate this expansion, Sandra Cremesini has been appointed Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Europe and the Americas. She brings more than ten years of franchise management experience from leading hotel companies, including Marriott.
Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Minor Hotels Europe and the Americas, commented: “Malta represents an exciting new chapter for us. We are delighted to bring the NH Collection experience to Sliema, combining premium hospitality with authentic local character.”
NH Collection is Minor Hotels’ premium brand, operating over 100 hotels and resorts in 25 countries. The brand aims to let guests “Feel the Extraordinary” through carefully curated experiences that blend local authenticity with contemporary comfort.
Source: media.minorhotels.com
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