Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has inked agreements for 10 new properties across seven Indian states, marking a notable push into the country's fast-growing pilgrimage and wildlife tourism segments. The signings, announced in mid-July, span six of the group's brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson Resort, and Park Inn by Radisson, and are part of a deliberate strategy to layer upscale offerings into high-barrier gateway markets while scaling quickly into underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities via asset-light, franchise-led models.
Pilgrimage and wildlife: new frontiers for RHG
A significant portion of the new inventory is directed at India's booming religious tourism economy. New hotels are planned for major temple towns such as Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Mathura Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, destinations that have historically been served largely by unorganised accommodation providers. By entering these markets with internationally branded properties, RHG aims to capture demand from the growing number of domestic pilgrims who increasingly seek reliable, midscale and upscale lodging.
In a first for the group, RHG is also entering India's wildlife tourism sector with a property near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. This will be the first internationally branded hotel in the vicinity, targeting both leisure travellers and the MICE segment that often accompanies corporate retreats in nature-focused settings.
In Bengaluru, RHG is strengthening its presence with a Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, catering to the city's corporate and leisure travellers. The group's leisure and resort portfolio is also expanding in Rajasthan and Gujarat, regions with rising demand for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) as well as domestic holidays.
Executive commentary on strategy
Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, emphasised the deliberate nature of the expansion: “These 10 signings reflect a deliberate strategy: layering our upscale brands into high-barrier gateway markets whilst using asset-light, franchise-led models to scale quickly into underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities.”
Davashish Srivastava, Vice President – Development, South Asia, noted the diversity of the portfolio, which includes both greenfield developments and conversion opportunities. “This expansion underscores our commitment to offering tailored solutions and accelerating high-quality growth across India,” he said.
Broader context: India's hospitality landscape
With over 225 hotels in operation and development, RHG remains one of the largest international hotel operators in India. The new signings come at a time when domestic travel demand continues to surge, driven by rising incomes, improved air connectivity, and government initiatives to promote spiritual and wildlife tourism. The group's focus on franchise-led growth mirrors a broader industry trend, as hotel chains seek to expand without the capital intensity of full ownership.
For travel professionals — from airline executives to tour operators — this expansion signals increased accommodation options in previously underserved destinations, potentially boosting demand for flights and packaged tours. The new properties in pilgrimage towns, for instance, could complement existing air and rail routes, while the Tadoba property opens opportunities for wildlife-focused itineraries.
RHG's move also aligns with the findings of recent industry reports, such as the Uber Intercity Index, which highlights the rapid growth of road travel on tier-II routes in India. As more travellers explore beyond major metros, hotel groups like RHG are positioning themselves to capture this demand.
The group's expansion also reflects a broader push by international hospitality brands to deepen their footprint in India, a market that continues to attract investment despite global economic headwinds. With a mix of upscale and midscale brands, RHG is targeting both the premium leisure traveller and the cost-conscious pilgrim, a dual strategy that could prove resilient in a diverse market.
