Radisson Hotel Group is directing a larger share of its Indian expansion towards metropolitan and other major cities as it works towards a portfolio of 500 hotels by 2030. The group, which established an early presence in tier-two and tier-three locations, will continue evaluating smaller markets alongside opportunities in larger urban centres.

Radisson currently operates 146 hotels with approximately 16,000 rooms in India and has 86 properties, representing 10,488 rooms, under development. It will need to add around 250 hotels over the next four years to meet its target. About 60 per cent of the planned additions are allocated to tier-one and tier-two cities, while 40 per cent will be spread across tier-three cities and smaller markets.

The larger markets currently account for approximately 55 per cent of Radisson’s Indian portfolio. The group also plans to enter destinations with limited branded hotel supply and is examining leisure destinations, religious tourism centres and wellness-oriented properties. Business travel is expected to remain an important demand driver, while recent additions include hotels in Narkanda, Coorg, Tadoba, Sonipat, Ujjain, Bhubaneswar, Namakkal and Sagar.

Around 95 per cent of the planned additions are expected to follow an asset-light model, with owners and local partners funding developments. Radisson will operate properties through management agreements or franchise arrangements. Management contracts represented about 65 per cent of new signings in 2026, although franchising is expected to gain importance as ownership and operating models evolve. The group has also retained the option of selective investments and joint ventures.

Approximately half of upcoming properties could use the core Radisson brand, while around 30 per cent may be positioned in the upper-upscale and luxury segments. India contributes about 15 per cent to 16 per cent of Radisson’s global system revenue. Occupancy reached 67 per cent for the year to September 2026, while average daily rates rose 5 per cent to Rs. 8,000 and revenue per available room increased 7 per cent to Rs. 5,000. The expansion could create 20,000 to 40,000 jobs.