MBD Group plans 50 Radisson Collection, RED hotels in India over 10 years

Amid strong tailwinds in India’s premium hospitality market and rising appetite for contemporary, design-led lifestyle stays, MBD Group has unveiled plans to roll out 50 co-branded hotels over the next decade in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group (RHG).

In a joint statement, MBD Group and RHG said they have entered into a long-term strategic partnership under a “master franchise agreement” to support the growth of RHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands, Radisson Collection and Radisson RED.

The alliance will accelerate the expansion of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED across key Indian cities, strengthening Radisson’s premium portfolio alongside its ongoing development pipeline.

Under the partnership, MBD Group, which has partnered with Radisson for over two decades, will spearhead the development, management and franchising of the two brands at identified and mutually agreed locations across the country. The alliance is anchored in RHG’s global brand standards and governance framework, while leveraging MBD’s local market expertise and operational capabilities, as per the release.

50 hotels planned over the next decade

As part of its growth roadmap, MBD Group plans to roll out 50 co-branded hotels over the next 10 years under Radisson Collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD. The expansion will predominantly follow an asset-light model, with around 80% of the portfolio comprising managed and franchised properties and 20% owned assets. MBD’s property book exposure is expected to remain limited to around 25%.

Speaking on the partnership, Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, described the agreement as a decisive strategic milestone in the company’s hospitality evolution.

“The first decade of the partnership is targeted at delivering 50 co-branded hotels predominantly through an asset-light model. Radisson Collection MBD, targeting the luxury segment, will have extremely well-thought-out placement, whereas Radisson RED MBD, positioned in the lifestyle segment, will see far more aggressive expansion,” she said.

Out of the 50 planned hotels, nearly 40 are expected to be Radisson RED properties, reflecting the group’s confidence in India’s fast-growing premium lifestyle hospitality segment. Radisson Collection, being a luxury brand, will be selectively positioned in high-demand destinations capable of commanding premium average daily rates (ADRs), she added.

The total consolidated investment across the 50 hotels could be in the range of ₹10,000 crore, largely funded by third-party owners and developers.

Radisson Blu Noida to be converted into Radisson Collection MBD

As part of the strategic alignment, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, one of RHG’s highest-performing properties in India, will transition into Radisson Collection MBD following a comprehensive upgrade aligned with global brand standards.

The repositioning reflects RHG’s strategy to strengthen its luxury portfolio in India by elevating established landmark hotels into its premium tier, alongside continued development of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED through its broader partner ecosystem, the release noted.

Differentiated positioning

According to Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, the two brands will cater to distinctly different customer segments.

“Luxury today is defined by aesthetic refinement and immersive experiences. Radisson Collection MBD will reflect timeless, rooted and curated luxury. Radisson RED MBD will bring bold, playful and socially driven design. Together, they will redefine luxury and lifestyle hospitality in India,” she said.

Radisson Collection properties are expected to feature larger room formats, expansive public spaces, curated F&B offerings and personalised services tailored to affluent travellers. In contrast, Radisson RED will focus on vibrant design, technology-driven environments and experiential hospitality targeted at younger, aspirational guests, she said.

The group believes the Indian market remains far from saturated, with emerging religious destinations, resort towns and tier-II cities offering significant potential for premium and lifestyle properties, she added.

Legacy-driven expansion

Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group, said the alliance builds on the legacy envisioned by founder Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra and reflects a shared commitment to integrity, excellence and long-term value creation.

“Our association with RHG has always been built on trust and quality. This expanded alliance reflects our commitment to making meaningful contributions to India’s hospitality landscape,” she said.

With hospitality and education technology remaining key revenue drivers for MBD Group, the company sees the new master franchise agreement as a transformative step in scaling its hospitality vertical while maintaining capital efficiency.

Together, Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group aim to shape a new generation of luxury and lifestyle destinations across India, delivering sustainable long-term value for owners, partners and guests, while reinforcing India’s position as a global hospitality growth market.

Strong tailwinds for luxury hospitality

India’s premium hospitality market has been witnessing sustained growth, supported by rising disposable incomes, infrastructure expansion, increased domestic tourism and global travel inflows.

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said the partnership strengthens RHG’s ability to scale its luxury and lifestyle portfolio in India.

“India’s premium hospitality market continues to see strong growth alongside rising demand for contemporary, design-led lifestyle experiences. MBD Group has been a trusted partner for over two decades, and together we are well positioned to scale these brands while creating distinctive hotels that respond to evolving traveller expectations,” Sharma said.

Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, RHG, added that the collaboration complements the group’s independent growth initiatives and enhances its asset-light expansion strategy in one of its key global markets.