Global hotel company aims to double its India footprint through an asset-light strategy while expanding across metros, business hubs and emerging destinations.
Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its India growth ambitions with a target of reaching 500 hotels by 2030, while recalibrating its expansion strategy to place greater emphasis on metropolitan areas and major urban centres. The move marks an evolution in the group’s India journey, having established a strong early presence across Tier-II and Tier-III cities before turning increased attention towards larger markets with growing demand for branded accommodation.
India has emerged as one of Radisson’s most important global growth markets. The company currently operates 146 hotels with around 16,000 rooms across the country and has another 86 properties comprising more than 10,000 rooms under development. Combined, its operational and pipeline portfolio is approaching 250 hotels, placing India among the group’s most significant markets globally after China.
According to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, achieving the 500-hotel milestone will require the addition of approximately 250 more properties over the next four years. The company expects around 60 per cent of future openings to be concentrated in Tier-I and Tier-II cities, while the remaining 40 per cent will be developed across Tier-III locations and emerging destinations.
The strategic shift reflects changing demand patterns in India’s hospitality sector. Strong economic growth, infrastructure investments, expanding air connectivity and rising business travel have strengthened opportunities in major urban centres, while domestic tourism continues to support growth in leisure and secondary destinations. Radisson believes both segments will remain critical to its long-term expansion strategy.
Despite increasing its focus on metropolitan markets, the company has made it clear that it will not abandon the strategy that helped establish its leadership across emerging destinations. Recent additions to its network include properties in Narkanda, Coorg, Tadoba, Sonipat, Ujjain, Bhubaneswar, Namakkal and Sagar, reflecting its commitment to entering markets where branded hotel supply remains limited. The group also continues to explore opportunities in leisure destinations, pilgrimage centres and wellness-focused hospitality.
A cornerstone of the expansion plan is an asset-light development model. Nearly 95 per cent of upcoming projects are expected to be developed through management contracts and franchise agreements, allowing local owners and investors to fund hotel developments while leveraging Radisson’s brands, technology platforms, distribution systems and loyalty programme. The company expects franchising to play an increasingly important role as India’s hotel ownership landscape continues to evolve.
Federico González, Chief Executive Officer of Radisson Hotel Group, recently indicated that partnerships with Indian hotel companies and property owners, rather than acquisitions, will drive the next phase of expansion. The strategy is designed to accelerate growth while maintaining financial flexibility and local market relevance.
With India’s hotel industry benefiting from strong domestic travel demand, rising tourism activity and increasing investor confidence, Radisson’s 500-hotel ambition underscores the country’s growing importance in the global hospitality landscape. As the company balances growth across metros, emerging cities and leisure destinations, India is expected to remain at the centre of its worldwide expansion strategy for the remainder of the decade.
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