Radisson Hotel Group Accelerates Expansion Across India Toward 2026
Alexandra
Radisson Hotel Group Sets Ambitious Goal for India Hospitality Expansion
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced a dynamic plan to grow its hotel presence in India to 150 properties by the year 2026. Following a standout year, RHG closed 2025 with its highest-ever Global Review Index (GRI) score and a robust portfolio that saw 33 new hotel signings across 11 different Indian destinations. This expansion spans diverse markets including metro hubs, emerging towns, and leisure hotspots, positioning RHG as one of the fastest-growing international hotel operators in the country.
Strong Performance Throughout 2025
During 2025, RHG capitalized on India's booming hospitality demand, which continues to outpace supply. The group’s strategy yielded a 6% RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) increase alongside a 7% growth in Average Daily Rate (ADR). These financial gains are attributed to vigilant rate management and higher occupancy rates, which in turn translated into improved profitability for hotel owners.
Notable regional leaders such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR sustained business travel growth, while popular leisure and event destinations like Lonavala and Udaipur gained traction through expanded weddings and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities. The Group’s footprint extended further into places like Mount Abu, Goa, Rajkot, Bhuj, and Ranchi, with conversions of existing hotels accelerating market presence and enhancing value for investors.
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Enhancing Brand Experience and Digital Growth
RHG expanded its signature experiential concepts, including the Literary Escapes and Art of Weddings platforms, while deepening its connection with Indian sports through partnerships such as the Neeraj Chopra Classic and Bengaluru Football Club. The group's digital initiatives also blossomed, with direct bookings on its website surging by 35%, underpinning its growing online engagement driven by smarter merchandising and price optimization tactics.
Commitment to Sustainability and Skill Development
Sustainability remains a pillar of RHG’s operation, evident in its adoption of Hotel Sustainability Basics, renewable energy projects, and hospitality skill development programs. These initiatives, undertaken in collaboration with The THSC and The Job Plus, target not only metropolitan but also Tier-II and Tier-III markets, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental and social responsibility.
| Key Growth Metrics (2025) | Details |
|---|---|
| New Hotel Signings | 33 across 11 destinations |
| Growth in RevPAR | 6% |
| Growth in ADR | 7% |
| Increase in Direct Bookings | 35% surge on RHG’s website |
| Focus Markets | Metro, leisure, Tier-II and Tier-III |
Historical Context: India's Hotel Industry Boom and International Hotel Chains
The rapid rise of India's hospitality market over the last two decades has mirrored the country's strong economic growth and increasing domestic and international travel. Historically, India’s hotel industry has been propelled by urbanization, infrastructural development, and a rising middle class hungry for both business and leisure travel indulgences.
Global hotel chains, including Radisson, recognized early the opportunities this vast and varied market offered. Expansion through franchising, management contracts, and strategic acquisitions has been a hallmark of growth strategies, enabling brands to adapt to India's diverse culture and travel patterns effectively. India's tiered city structure, from metros to emerging towns, provides extensive opportunities for operators to tailor offerings for distinct customer segments ranging from luxury seekers to budget-conscious travelers.
Evolution of International Chains in India
- Early 2000s: Large investments predominantly in metro cities and established tourist destinations.
- 2010-2015: Growth expanded into mid-sized cities and business travel hubs.
- 2015-Present: Increased focus on Tier-II and Tier-III markets, wellness tourism, and heritage destinations.
This strategic push by international hospitality groups not only aligned with India's tourism infrastructure growth but also responded to changing traveler demands emphasizing comfort, technology-enabled services, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for India's Tourism and Hospitality Landscape
The ambitious target of 150 hotels by RHG by 2026 signifies not only aggressive brand growth but also mirrors broader economic and tourism trends within India. Increasing disposable incomes, expanding middle-class travel, and rising domestic tourism continue to propel demand for diverse accommodation and hospitality experiences.
Simultaneously, the emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation reflects an evolving hospitality sector that views environmental responsibility and tech integration as essential to future competitiveness. These factors are crucial to attracting modern travelers, including millennial and Gen Z tourists, who prioritize eco-conscious practices and seamless online service.
Implications for International Tourists and Sailing Enthusiasts
India’s coastal cities and lake resorts, where leisure tourism thrives, stand to gain from this hotel expansion. For sailing and boating enthusiasts, improved hospitality infrastructure in leisure destinations enhances opportunities to combine water-based activities with premium accommodation options. Growing hotel chains often collaborate with local operators to amplify marine leisure offerings such as yacht charters, lake tours, and other water sports, encouraging extended stays and deeper exploration of sun-drenched beaches and clearwater marinas.
Table: Destinations With RHG Growth and Potential Marine Leisure Synergies
| Destination | Type of Tourism | Marine/Water Access | Potential for Sailing/Boating Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | Coastal leisure and beach tourism | Sea/ocean access | High – yachting, fishing, boat rentals, marinas |
| Udaipur | Lake and heritage tourism | Lake (Pichola Lake) | Moderate – boating, lake cruises |
| Lonavala | Hill station and leisure tourism | No direct sea access | Low – mainly inland activities |
| Bengaluru | Urban business travel | Inland city | Low |
Conclusion: A Boon for India's Dynamic Tourism Sector
Radisson Hotel Group’s trajectory toward collecting 150 operational hotels in India by 2026 showcases a well-planned and executed growth strategy that spans multiple market segments and regions. This advancement is buoyed by rising hospitality demand, strategic regional expansion, sustainability integration, and digital engagement, all fundamental to solidifying RHG’s position in this fast-evolving market.
For travelers seeking immersive experiences blended with quality accommodation and modern amenities, these developments promise enhanced options across India’s cities and leisure spots. Moreover, destinations with coastal or lake access will particularly benefit from stronger hospitality infrastructure, facilitating activities such as yacht charters and boating excursions—adding layers of adventure and relaxation to the Indian tourism offering.
The international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, GetBoat.com, follows these tourism trends closely. As hotel networks like RHG expand in marine-accessible destinations, GetBoat provides sailing enthusiasts with access to a growing variety of yachts and boats to rent. Whether exploring tranquil lakes or cruising the coastline, GetBoat remains a top choice for combining world-class accommodation with unparalleled on-water experiences tailored to every captain's and traveler’s taste and budget.
