Radisson Confirms Growth Plans As India Portfolio Set To Cross 19,000 Keys By 2026

Radisson Hotel Group is set to significantly expand its footprint in India, driven by strong domestic demand and a robust development pipeline. Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for South Asia, confirmed that the group is “very much on track” to meet its medium-term and long-term goals.

Expansion Strategy And Targets

Currently, Radisson operates 142 hotels with 17,000 keys in India. With 18 new hotels scheduled to open this year, the group expects to add 2,000–2,500 keys in 2026 alone. By the end of 2026, Radisson anticipates reaching 157–160 hotels and 19,000–19,500 keys, positioning itself as one of the largest international hospitality chains in the country. 

Market Dynamics And Challenges

The expansion comes amid mixed demand trends. While metro cities have seen a 27–28% decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) due to global geopolitical tensions, tier-2 and tier-3 cities remain resilient, providing a cushion for the hospitality sector. Domestic travel continues to drive growth, offsetting intermittent disruptions in international and corporate travel. 

Long-Term Vision

Radisson’s long-term goal is to achieve 500 operational hotels in India by 2030, reflecting confidence in the country’s hospitality market. The company is focusing on both major urban centers and smaller towns, ensuring balanced growth across diverse geographies. This strategy aligns with India’s rising middle-class demand and expanding tourism infrastructure. 

Key Highlights

• Radisson targets 157–160 hotels and 19,000–19,500 keys in India by December 2026
• Current portfolio: 142 hotels with 17,000 keys
• 18 new hotels to open in 2026, adding 2,000–2,500 keys
• Metro cities face RevPAR decline, but tier-2 and tier-3 cities remain strong
• Long-term goal: 500 hotels in India by 2030
• Expansion strategy balances urban hubs with smaller towns

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Devdiscourse, The Economic Times