Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is boosting its presence in India by growing in state capitals and accelerating its growth in emerging secondary and tertiary cities, with particular focus on South and West India.
There are currently 117 Carlson Rezidor hotels in operation and under development across 45 cities in India, including 14 state capitals.
Carlson Rezidor says it will grow its India portfolio to over 170 hotels within the next five years.
“We have established a nationwide presence that has been built upon a deep understanding of this key market,” said Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
“Having earned our position as the international leader in India’s hospitality industry, we will further extend our brands and geographic presence.
“Our team is stronger than ever before and we are positioned to seize the growth opportunities. We intend to have a hotel in every major city in India with landmark hotels in every state capital,” he said.
Carlson Rezidor’s brand portfolio in India now includes the Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns and Suites By Carlson brands.
As part of its growth strategy in India, Carlson Rezidor is broadening its brand presence with the introduction of Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection.
Carlson Rezidor also says it will drive organic growth by signing hotels in new locations and increasing its presence in key cities.
The introduction of new contracts and business models including selective franchising has already yielded new project negotiations in strategic locations.
The company says it will also continue to work with existing strategic partners, as well as forge new partnerships, to develop scalable opportunities for growth. The hotel group intends to grow its India platform by way of management, selective franchising and conversions. Carlson Rezidor will maintain close alignment with its owners’ objectives and continue its flexible approach to attain mutual success.
In 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, Carlson Rezidor opened a total of 10 hotels and signed 6 new hotels in India. Carlson Rezidor successfully achieved their first conversion with Radisson Goa Candolim, which opened on the west coast of India.
For the rest of 2015, Carlson Rezidor expects to open 8-9 hotels and to sign 12-15 new hotels in cities throughout India.
To support this rapid expansion, Carlson Rezidor has strengthened its management team in India with key appointments, including Zubin Saxena, vice president, Development, South Asia, who is responsible for driving portfolio growth in the country.