Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has intensified its expansion strategy in India, achieving a key milestone of over 200 hotels across the country, with approximately 130 operational and 70 more in development. Over the past 18 months, the group has signed 59 new hotels and expanded into 47 additional cities, solidifying India’s position as one of its fastest-growing global markets. With a robust development pipeline and growing demand from domestic and international travelers, RHG aims to double its footprint to 500 hotels by 2030, focusing on tier-II and tier-III markets to capture emerging travel trends.
India: A Strategic Growth Market for Radisson
India has emerged as one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most dynamic and strategically significant markets. The company’s leadership has underscored that the country plays a central role in its long-term global expansion plans. RHG’s regional portfolio now comprises over 200 hotels in South Asia, with India accounting for the lion’s share of that growth.
In the last 18 months alone, Radisson has entered 47 new Indian cities, extending its presence from major metros to emerging urban and tourism hubs. This rapid diversification marks a shift in the group’s growth philosophy—prioritizing accessibility, regional connectivity, and value-driven hospitality across a wide spectrum of destinations.
Expanding Footprint and Brand Portfolio
Radisson’s expansion is being driven by a robust mix of premium, upper midscale, and boutique brands. The group’s portfolio in India includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn & Suites, and the recently introduced Radisson Collection—its luxury lifestyle brand.
In 2023 alone, the group signed 21 new hotels across multiple locations, including Hyderabad, Srinagar, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Many of these developments are concentrated in tier-II and tier-III markets such as Ujjain, Manali, and Jawai, reflecting the company’s strategy to capture domestic tourism growth and diversify beyond established city centers.
The group has also focused on asset-light partnerships, management contracts, and franchise models to expand efficiently. This approach has attracted local developers and investors seeking to benefit from the strength of an international brand while retaining operational flexibility.
India’s Hospitality Sector on a Strong Growth Curve
Radisson’s expansion aligns with the broader momentum in India’s hospitality industry. The sector is benefiting from record domestic travel, improved infrastructure, and a surge in demand for branded accommodations across leisure and business segments.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that hotel occupancy levels in major Indian cities have returned to or exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) showing double-digit growth. The government’s focus on improving regional connectivity through initiatives like UDAN and new highway corridors has opened new destinations, creating strong opportunities for operators like RHG.
According to industry analysts, global hospitality majors are increasingly viewing India as a “growth multiplier” market—offering scale, demand resilience, and a favourable investment climate compared to several other regions.
The Road to 2030: 500 Hotels and Beyond
Radisson Hotel Group has set an ambitious target of reaching 500 hotels in India by 2030. This plan will be executed through a combination of new signings, conversions, and strategic alliances. The company also aims to strengthen its sustainability initiatives by integrating energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly construction materials, and community engagement programs across its portfolio.
Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer of RHG, has described India as a “frontline growth market” for the group’s global expansion strategy. The company plans to leverage its local team’s expertise and long-standing relationships with Indian developers to achieve its aggressive goals.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the growth story is strong, scaling rapidly in a complex market like India comes with challenges. Infrastructure gaps in smaller cities, skilled workforce shortages, and regulatory hurdles remain key considerations. However, Radisson’s early-mover advantage, brand equity, and deep partnerships with local stakeholders give it a competitive edge.
The group’s emphasis on operational excellence and sustainable practices positions it well to capture evolving traveler preferences, particularly among the rising middle class and digitally savvy millennials.
Conclusion
Radisson Hotel Group’s aggressive expansion in India underscores the country’s growing importance in the global hospitality landscape. With over 200 hotels already in place and a goal to reach 500 by 2030, the company is betting on India’s demographic strength, expanding infrastructure, and booming domestic tourism. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, RHG’s strategic mix of scale, diversification, and innovation could make India one of its most defining success stories in the years ahead.
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