Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President of Radisson Hotel Group South Asia, in an exclusive interview with Kamal Gill, Editor-Publisher, of Today’s Traveller shares how Radisson Hotel Group is constantly exploring innovative ways to meet the needs of its guests, aiming to create unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. This approach reflects the brand’s broader vision to stay ahead of market trends and exceed the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.
TT Bureau: With Radisson Hotel Group targeting 200 properties in India by 2027 and a focus on Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, what strategies are being implemented to achieve this by 2025?
Nikhil Sharma: At Radisson Hotel Group, we are strategically expanding not only in key urban centres but also in emerging cities where there is a significant demand for international hotel chains. The growing middle class and increasing disposable incomes in these regions are driving the need for quality accommodation.
By placing over 50% of our portfolio in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, we can effectively cater to domestic travellers looking for convenient and accessible stays.
Our strength lies in the diversity of our offerings. With nine distinct brands under our umbrella, ranging from luxury lifestyle to mid-market, we can meet the needs of a broad spectrum of travellers.
Brands like Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals Retreats have been specifically designed with the Indian market in mind. These brands enable us to cater to diverse traveller preferences, expanding into niche markets and providing tailored experiences that resonate with both domestic and international guests.
We’re also ensuring that our properties are located within a four-hour drive, making them ideal for domestic travel. Expanding into unique destinations such as Jawai, Sagar, and Yavatmal allows us to tap into emerging trends like spiritual tourism and experiential travel.
Our pipeline includes strategic locations like Thrissur and Bengaluru, which will strengthen our presence in both established and emerging markets. I am confident that we will continue to lead India’s hospitality sector through exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead, we are on track to operate 150 hotels by 2025, adding nearly 20 properties to our portfolio. Our ongoing expansion ensures that we are well-positioned to lead India’s hospitality sector, capitalizing on emerging trends and consistently delivering the exceptional experiences that set us apart. Our focus remains on high-growth markets, and we are dedicated to shaping the future of hospitality in India.
TT Bureau: What strategic factors influenced Radisson’s recent hotel signings in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ujjain?
Nikhil Sharma: Our recent signings in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ujjain are part of a larger strategy to meet evolving market demands and guest preferences. In Hyderabad, we’re debuting the Radisson Collection, which aligns with the growing demand for luxury hospitality.
This property will bring a unique blend of modern design, cultural authenticity, and wellness experiences for travellers seeking more than just luxury.
Bengaluru, as a dynamic business hub, offered us a great opportunity to expand with Radisson Hotel Bengaluru Aerospace Park. This will be our sixth property in the city, providing both corporate and leisure travellers with tech-enabled amenities and sustainable features.
Ujjain, with its deep spiritual roots, is a prime example of our focus on “praycations”—a growing trend where travellers seek meaningful spiritual experiences. We’re expanding our domestic network to meet the demand for high-quality stays in such destinations. These signings underscore our commitment to personalization, sustainability, and tapping into unique market opportunities, ensuring robust growth across India.
TT Bureau: How will the Radisson Collection brand in Hyderabad compete in India’s luxury hospitality market?
Nikhil Sharma: Hyderabad has become a key destination for luxury in India, and we are excited to expand our presence with Radisson Collection. At Radisson Hotel Group, we already have a strong presence with upscale and upper-upscale hotels that cater to the city’s growing demand for quality hospitality. As the need for luxury lifestyle experiences increases, the Radisson Collection is the perfect addition to Hyderabad’s luxury market.
The Radisson Collection brand will stand out by offering a blend of elegance, comfort, and local authenticity. It’s not just about luxury in terms of lavishness but about providing meaningful, immersive experiences that appeal to both domestic and international travellers. The upcoming 300-key property in Hyderabad will be a place where design, wellness, dining, and experiences come together to offer more than just a place to stay.
This move is part of our wider plan to expand the Radisson Collection across India, with Hyderabad being an important first step. With the support of our partners, we aim to grow this premium brand, not just in Hyderabad, but in other key markets across India as well. By offering local experiences alongside world-class luxury, we are confident that the Radisson Collection will set a new standard in India’s luxury hospitality scene.
TT Bureau: What are your growth expectations for the Park Inn & Suites brand in India’s midscale segment?
Nikhil Sharma: At Radisson Hotel Group, we see significant potential in India’s rapidly growing midscale segment, and Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is at the core of our strategy to capitalize on this opportunity. Our focus is not just on tier-I cities but also on expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 markets, where we’ve already established a strong presence as pioneers.
The introduction of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, designed specifically for the Indian market, has proven to be a game-changer. This midscale brand offers a warm, home-like atmosphere, delivering the kind of heartfelt hospitality that resonates deeply with domestic travellers.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on building a pipeline of 150 hotels under this brand. This growth is supported by our strategic partnership with Ruptub Solutions, which strengthens our ability to expand rapidly across tier-2 to tier-5 cities.
The brand’s tailored offering strikes the right balance between affordability and high-quality service, making it a perfect fit for today’s Indian traveller. By focusing on areas outside of metro cities, we’re tapping into markets where demand for quality accommodation is rising, yet the supply of branded hotels remains limited. We are confident that Park Inn & Suites will continue to be a significant growth driver for us in India, delivering both exceptional value and exceptional experiences.
TT Bureau: What is RHG’s strategy to maximize the potential of the Cricket Stadium Hotel in Nathdwara, Rajasthan?
Nikhil Sharma: At Radisson Hotel Group, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of our guests.
One of our most exciting recent moves is the signing of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nathdwara Stadium, Rajasthan, India’s first Cricket Stadium Hotel. This unique property will feature 234 luxurious rooms, with 75% offering exclusive views of the cricket field, blending sports with the excitement of luxury.
This concept aligns with the growing demand for experiential accommodation. By tapping into the sports tourism sector, we aim to create unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. This approach is part of our broader vision to stay ahead of market trends and meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.
Read more: Today’s Traveller Interviews
