Radisson Targets 100% Growth in India – A Promising Outlook from South Asia MD Nikhil Sharma

Radisson Hotel Group Plans to Double India Portfolio with Focus on Sustainable Growth

Radisson Hotel Group plans to double its hotel portfolio in India over the coming years, building on its current base of over 200 operational hotels, according to Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer – South Asia.

The group aims to grow through a sustainable and inclusive approach, focusing on Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV cities, as well as emerging destinations. As part of this expansion, Radisson has a pipeline of 8,000 hotel keys, which is expected to generate employment for approximately 16,000 new team members. The group currently employs around 19,000 people across India.

“We have a strong development pipeline, and every new room supports 1.2 to 1.9 jobs. Our focus is not only on expansion but also on hiring from local communities and supporting regional economies,” Sharma said.

Current Operations in Jammu & Kashmir

Radisson is the largest international hotel chain in Jammu and Kashmir, with seven operational hotels, including five in the valley, and 2–3 more in the pipeline. However, recent challenges have affected occupancy in the region.

“Occupancy in Pahalgam has declined to about 20–30% of last year’s levels due to the recent terror incident. Srinagar is at around 50% of last year’s occupancy,” Sharma noted.

“Despite this, we believe Kashmir is an all-weather destination. We are working with the government to support and promote tourism across all seasons.”

Growth Strategy and Future Plans

Radisson opened 20 new hotels this year and signed 51 hotels over the past five years, including 36 signings last year — the highest in that period for the group. Sharma emphasized that India continues to be a strategic market.

“This is a strong growth phase for us in India. We aim to increase our presence in new and existing markets by offering consistent quality and expanding access to hospitality in underserved regions,” he added.

The group’s strategy prioritizes sustainable development, local employment, and long-term market engagement, reflecting its continued investment in India’s hospitality sector.