Global hospitality major Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled an ambitious expansion blueprint for India, aiming to operate 500 hotels and employ over 50,000 people by 2030. The plan underlines the company’s confidence in India’s fast-evolving travel and tourism sector, driven by rising domestic demand, infrastructure growth, and increasing business mobility. With a strategic focus on tier-II and tier-III cities alongside established metro markets, Radisson is positioning itself to capture the next phase of hospitality growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
A Decade of Aggressive Expansion
Radisson Hotel Group is charting a bold course for the future of its Indian operations. The company plans to double its current portfolio within the next five years, expanding from roughly 165 operational properties to a staggering 500 by 2030. This move would make India one of the group’s largest markets globally.
The expansion strategy aligns with India’s rapidly growing travel sector, which has seen a post-pandemic resurgence fuelled by domestic tourism, infrastructure modernization, and rising disposable incomes. Radisson aims to capitalize on these structural tailwinds by strengthening its footprint across leisure, business, and lifestyle segments.
Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, highlighted India’s central role in the company’s global growth narrative. “India is not just an important market—it’s the future growth engine for our global portfolio,” Saxena said, emphasizing the group’s intention to create significant local employment while maintaining international service standards.
Deepening Presence in Emerging Markets
While Radisson continues to reinforce its presence in metro cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, its new strategy pivots toward tier-II and tier-III cities—where the hospitality sector is witnessing explosive growth. These include high-potential destinations such as Lucknow, Coimbatore, Surat, and Visakhapatnam, where hotel development is being catalyzed by expanding airports, industrial corridors, and tourism infrastructure.
The company’s mid-scale and upper mid-scale brands—like Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Blu—are expected to drive much of this growth, offering adaptable models for both business and leisure travellers. By leveraging asset-light management contracts and franchise agreements, Radisson intends to scale rapidly without compromising profitability or operational efficiency.
This tiered strategy not only reflects shifting travel patterns but also supports the Indian government’s broader push toward regional tourism development and sustainable hospitality infrastructure.
Employment and Skill Development at the Core
Radisson’s 2030 vision includes creating over 50,000 jobs across direct and indirect channels. The company plans to invest heavily in training and upskilling programs through its hospitality academies and partnerships with local institutions.
This focus aligns with India’s broader employment goals, particularly in the services sector, which remains a critical engine for GDP growth. With the hospitality industry contributing significantly to employment generation, Radisson’s expansion could make it a key player in shaping the future of India’s tourism-driven workforce.
Furthermore, the company is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion within its workforce, with initiatives designed to empower women and underrepresented communities in hospitality leadership roles.
Sustainability and Responsible Growth
As global hospitality faces increasing scrutiny over environmental impact, Radisson’s India roadmap emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations. The company is integrating green building designs, energy-efficient systems, and waste management protocols across its upcoming projects.
Radisson has also pledged to align with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benchmarks, targeting carbon neutrality and reduced water consumption across its properties. These efforts complement India’s sustainability goals and growing preference for eco-conscious travel experiences.
The group’s sustainability framework, branded as “Think Planet, Think People, Think Together,” seeks to balance rapid expansion with ecological stewardship and community engagement.
India’s Strategic Role in Radisson’s Global Portfolio
India is already among Radisson’s top five global markets, and its importance continues to grow as the company deepens its South Asia strategy. With a strong pipeline of properties across major and secondary cities, the group expects India to contribute a substantial share of its global room inventory by the end of the decade.
Industry experts note that Radisson’s expansion comes at a time when India’s hospitality industry is witnessing record-high occupancy rates, strong revenue per available room (RevPAR), and a surge in domestic leisure travel. This momentum, coupled with rising international arrivals, positions the country as one of the world’s most promising hotel investment destinations.
Conclusion: India at the Heart of Radisson’s Global Growth Story
Radisson Hotel Group’s goal of 500 hotels and a 50,000-strong workforce by 2030 marks a defining moment for both the company and India’s hospitality landscape. The strategy reflects confidence in India’s long-term economic trajectory and the sustained growth of its travel ecosystem.
By expanding beyond metros, fostering talent, and integrating sustainability into its business model, Radisson is not merely chasing numbers—it is reshaping the future of hospitality in India. As global tourism trends evolve, this ambitious expansion underscores India’s emergence as a key pillar of global hotel development and a model for inclusive, sustainable growth.
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