Thailand-based Minor International PCL has acquired a 34.4% stake in Oaks Hotels & Resorts Ltd, an Australia-based hospitality group. Earlier in March this year, Minor International acquired a 19.96% stake in Oaks at an investment of approximately US$12.9 million. This latest acquisition increases Minor International’s interest in Oaks to 54.3%, giving them a controlling stake in the group. Minor International’s hospitality division – Minor Hotel Group – currently boasts a portfolio of 35 hotels operating in eight countries. The investment in Oaks is Minor International’s first foray into the Pacific and doubles the company’s portfolio to more than 70 properties.

Best Western International has expanded its portfolio of properties in New Zealand with the opening of the Best Western Caboose Lodge & Conference Centre. The hotel is positioned on the shores of Lake Taupo, in the heart of the country’s North Island. It is also conveniently located within proximity to the town centre and the Taupo Domestic Airport. Offering 40 guestrooms and other facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool and a spa, hotel guests will also be treated to views across Lake Taupo to the three volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.

Hilton Worldwide has announced that it will be partnering Hatten Group to open its second DoubleTree property in Malaysia, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Melaka. The 265-room hotel will be situated in downtown Malacca as part of a mixed-use development, which includes retail and residential components. The hotel, which is slated to open in 2014, will add to the group’s current portfolio of six DoubleTree properties in Asia Pacific. Hilton Worldwide currently operates five hotels in Malaysia, including the 503-key Hilton Kuala Lumpur and the 540-key DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.