Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is placing India at the centre of its global growth strategy, with plans to more than double its presence to 500 hotels by 2030. Chema Basterrechea, global president and COO, said India has emerged as the company’s second-largest market worldwide in terms of number of hotels, underlining its importance in the group’s long-term vision.

“India, as of today, represents the second-largest market. We currently have 212 hotels between operating and [in the] pipeline. Our focus and plan is to get to 500 hotels by 2030,” Basterrechea told Fortune India.

As a single country, India is also Radisson’s largest market in terms of revenue. It contributes nearly 3% to the group’s overall global growth.

RHG has been in India for 27 years and is currently the second-largest international hotel operator in the country. Its portfolio includes over 200 hotels across 70-plus locations, with nine of its 10 global brands already present in India. The group has developed country-specific extensions such as Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals Retreats to meet local demand.

The company has steadily expanded its footprint in Tier II and III cities, which today account for nearly half its portfolio. It was an early mover in pilgrim destinations like Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Ujjain. At the same time, it is strengthening its presence in metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with a sharper focus on Radisson Blu, Radisson RED and Radisson Collection hotels.

Basterrechea pointed out that India’s hospitality sector is still largely underserved. “Looking at the current inventory rules, there is a clear deficit, and there is a clear opportunity. Some numbers say there will be construction of more than 250,000 keys within the next 10 years,” he shared.

He added that the company’s strategy is closely aligned with local demand. “For us, it’s important that we have launched and developed two or three brands like Individual Retreats and Park Inn & Suites specifically for the Indian market. And we continue doing the same with all our commercial investments.” 

In the first half of 2025, RHG opened seven new hotels, including St. Mark’s Hotel Bengaluru, Radisson Hotel Prayagraj, and Radisson Hotel Jamshedpur. Upcoming launches include Radisson Resort Mount Abu, Radisson RED Indore, and Radisson Resort and Spa Sasan Gir. Key signings this year feature Radisson Blu Ludhiana, Radisson Collection Resort & Spa Jaipur, and Radisson RED Bangalore.

RHG is also exploring alternative growth models such as branded residences, sale-and-leaseback structures, and joint ventures with local partners. Alongside expansion, the group is pushing sustainability, with initiatives like LEED-certified green buildings and renewable energy contracts.

“India is on top of our priorities, on top of our agendas. We’ve been here for the past 27 years, and we will continue committing and investing in this beautiful country,” Basterrechea said.