Radisson Group looking to double India footprint; to launch 'Retreats'

Launches new lifestyle brand Individual Retreats amid rise in demand for curated travel and experiential stay

Radisson Hotel Group plans to more than double the number of hotels it has in India taking it up to 288 by 2025, as it seeks to ride on the burgeoning demand. At present, it has 140 properties. The company is also launching a new lifestyle brand extension Radisson Individuals Retreats amid a rise in demand for curated travel and experiential stay from new-age travellers.

“We are coming out of the pandemic stronger than before. We would be opening a new hotel every month for the next five years,” Zubin Saxena, managing director, and vice president of operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said on the sidelines of the Hotel Industry Conference South Asia on Wednesday.  He expects the travel and hospitality sector in India to boom for the next 10-15 years. At the end of the first quarter that ended in March, average occupancy at the hotel operator stood at 70 per cent as compared to 40 per cent in the year ago quarter.

The improved occupancy has also boosted the average daily rates (ADRs). It, however, is still 80 per cent of the Pre-Covid levels in 2019. With MICE (meetings, conferences, incentives and exhibitions) coming back strongly, in a big way, it’s only a matter for the rates to surpass the pre-Covid levels, stated Saxena.  

Lot of the aforesaid expansion of the American hospitality chain plans will take place in the Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets. As of now 50 per cent of its properties are in tier 2 and 3 cities, he added.  

The about to be launched ‘Retreats’ would be a 15-20 room property nestled in destinations less travelled and offer the curated experience. Depending on the location and the property, it would command an average Rs25000 to Rs40,000  per night.

To be sure, Radisson is not the only hotel operator looking to tap into the niche segment of offering curated travel experience. ITC Hotels got into the segment last year with Mementos and Storii and has consistently been signing up properties to scale up the offerings.  

Recent years have witnessed significant changes in consumer behavior as an increasing number of people seek meaningful activities and encounters. According to a recent survey 50 per cent of would-be travellers in India would prefer to relax and recharge in nature, rather than visiting a city, and 85 percent of respondents said they would like to stay in unique accommodation.