Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) continues to advance its development strategy in 2026, supported by owner confidence, demand for branded hospitality, and expansion across key international markets
During the first half of the year, the Group strengthened its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific through a combination of signings, openings, market entries, and brand extensions. Activity continues to be driven by a diversified portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, upscale, resort, conversion, and mixed-use opportunities.
Radisson RED Mumbai International Airport
Diversified growth across EMEA
Across Europe, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) recorded several notable milestones, including the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Frankfurt and Radisson RED Vienna Danube Riverside, alongside new openings across Austria, Germany, and Poland. The Group also expanded its resort footprint with new openings in Tenerife and Phuket, while Radisson Individuals expanded in Greece and Spain.
Lifestyle and luxury brands also extended their reach, with Radisson RED debuting in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Türkiye, while Radisson Collection strengthened its presence in key gateway destinations, such as Lake Como. The Group is also expanding its Verified Net Zero program, with 10 additional hotels in Norway joining the initiative in the coming months, while Les Loges, the gastronomic restaurant at Cour des Loge Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, was awarded its first Michelin star just 10 months after reopening.
Radisson RED Auckland
Across the Middle East and Africa, openings including Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, Radisson Collection Residences, Riyadh, and Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport reinforced the Group’s presence in strategic markets. Africa surpassed a significant milestone during the period, with more than 100 hotels now in operation and under development across the continent.
This reflects the strength of the Group’s market-leading development performance. Across EMEA and Asia Pacific, excluding China, Radisson has been the most-signed hotel brand within its segment since 2019, demonstrating the continued appeal of its brands and long-term value proposition.
Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), says, “Development is ultimately about creating value for two customers: our guests and our owners. Across our global portfolio, we continue to see healthy demand, strong owner engagement, and opportunities emerging across a broad range of markets, from Europe and the Middle East to Africa, Asia Pacific, and India. What is particularly encouraging is the diversity of that growth, supported by strong brands, committed owners, and a talented team.”
New market entries and brand expansion strengthen Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s (RHG) most important regions, supported by favourable demographics, increasing travel demand, and rising investor confidence in branded hospitality.
China continues to play an important role in the Group’s long-term development strategy, with more than 260 hotels in operation across Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson RED, and a substantial development pipeline across its midscale and lifestyle portfolio. Activity remains robust across major urban centers, including Wuhan, Beijing, and Chongqing, as well as emerging Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities, supported by the world’s largest domestic travel market and continued demand for branded hospitality.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Frankfurt Render
Across Southeast Asia Pacific, LIME Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier, marked the debut of the brand in in the region, In Australasia, Radisson RED Auckland became both the Group’s first hotel in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, while Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket was signed as the first Radisson RED in Australia.
India remains a growth market
“India is one of the most compelling hotel development markets in the world today,” says Younes. “Demand continues to outpace supply, infrastructure is improving rapidly, and owner confidence remains high. Combined with the strength of our brands and the exceptional teams on the ground, these fundamentals continue to create significant opportunities for long-term growth.”
During the first half of 2026, the Group signed 18 hotels representing 2082 rooms and opened 4 hotels, adding 394 keys to its portfolio. As a result, the development pipeline increased from 87 hotels at the end of 2025 to 98 hotels today.
Radisson Blu Hotel Nanjing South New Town
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) currently operates 142 hotels with more than 15,500 keys across 86 cities in India, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading international hotel operators. The Group recently unveiled its India Vision 2030 plan, which aims to grow its portfolio from approximately 240 hotels in operation and under development today to 500 hotels over the next five years. The strength of the market is matched by the strength of the team behind it. In 2026, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) South Asia was recognized among India’s Top 100 Best Companies to Work For, reflecting the culture, talent, and operational excellence that underpins long-term owner partnerships and sustainable growth across the market and globally.
India also leads Asia Pacific in branded hotel construction activity, with more than 900 projects currently under development. Expansion beyond traditional gateway cities remains a key focus, with 10 new market entries already announced in 2026, including Kishangarh, Meerut, Roorkee, Coorg, and Kalimpong, alongside opportunities in emerging leisure and spiritual tourism destinations such as puri and Prayagraj.
Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) South Asia, says, “India’s hospitality sector is entering a new phase of growth, characterised by expanding travel demand, improving infrastructure and increasing investor confidence in branded hospitality. We see opportunities emerge across metros, leisure destinations and fast-growing regional markets, creating a much broader development landscape than ever before. Our focus is on building a balanced portfolio that reflects how travellers are evolving, while partnering with owners to bring the right brands to the right destinations. With strong market fundamentals and a robust pipeline, we remain confident about the long-term growth potential of the Indian hospitality sector.”
Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai Eastern Hub
Premium hospitality continues to attract significant investor interest. Radisson Collection Hotel Navi Mumbai, Radisson Collection Hotel, Mysore, and Radisson RED Mumbai International Airport are among the flagship projects reflecting growing demand for luxury and lifestyle hospitality offerings, while the upscale segment remains the Group’s strongest development driver, followed by upper-midscale hotels.
Davashish Srivastava, Vice President, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), says, “We are seeing a clear evolution in the way hospitality assets are being developed across India. Owners today are increasingly focused on development efficiency, speed to market and long-term value creation, which is driving growing interest in conversion opportunities, mixed-use developments and branded hospitality solutions.
At the same time, demand is expanding well beyond traditional gateway cities, creating opportunities across leisure destinations, spiritual tourism hubs and high-growth regional markets. With a diversified brand portfolio and flexible development models, we are well positioned to partner with owners across a wide range of asset classes and market segments.”
Conversions and brownfield opportunities continue to play an important role in the Group’s strategy, accounting for 62% of signings completed during the first half of 2026. At the same time, investor priorities are increasingly focused on mixed-use developments, destination resorts, branded residences, and serviced apartments that enhance asset productivity and diversified revenue streams.
“Successful development is not measured by the number of hotels we sign, but by the long-term value we create for owners, guests, and communities. In India, we have taken a bold view of the future through our Vision 2030 plan and are building the partnerships, capabilities, and development platform needed to support that ambition. Looking ahead, we remain focused on quality growth, expanding our presence in high-potential destinations, and helping owners unlock the full potential of their assets,” adds Younes.
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