Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is bringing internationally branded hospitality to the heart of India’s spiritual and pilgrimage cities, tapping into one of the fastest-growing segments of domestic travel
Expanding branded hospitality in India’s spiritual heartlands
With a history of being among the first to enter culturally significant markets such as Ayodhya and Prayagraj, the Group is now expanding its portfolio to include Shirdi, Puri, Indore, and Ujjain. This move reflects a strategic, first-mover approach in emerging spiritual hubs while supporting the government’s vision for sustainable, inclusive, and faith-led tourism.
Spiritual tourism emerges as a major domestic travel driver
India’s religious tourism segment continues to be a significant driver of domestic travel and hospitality demand. According to the Ministry of Tourism, religious tourism recorded over 1,439 million visits in 2022, generating around ₹1.34 trillion in revenue, highlighting the scale and resilience of faith-linked travel. Industry estimates also project that spiritual tourism will continue to grow, supporting infrastructure development, connectivity, and creating meaningful employment opportunities across destinations.
Rising pilgrimage footfalls drive demand for organised hospitality
Cities like Ujjain have emerged as major pilgrimage hubs, attracting over 52.8 million visitors in 2023, while destinations such as Puri, Shirdi and Indore continue to witness steady footfalls, supported by improved infrastructure, enhanced transport connectivity, and government initiatives aimed at promoting faith-based travel. These trends underscore the growing need for organised, high-quality hospitality offerings in culturally important cities, an opportunity that RHG is strategically leveraging through its latest openings.
“India’s spiritual destinations are witnessing unprecedented growth, and RHG is proud to bring internationally branded hospitality to these culturally significant cities. Our long-standing market foresight and first-mover approach allow us to offer globally recognised service standards while preserving the essence and heritage of each destination. With our expansion into Shirdi, Puri, Indore, and Ujjain, we are not just opening hotels; we are creating destinations that support India’s evolving tourism ecosystem, while aligning with the government’s vision for infrastructure development, sustainable growth, and inclusive spiritual tourism,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG).
Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi: International branded hospitality in a pilgrimage hub
The opening of Radisson Individuals in Shirdi underscores RHG’s commitment to India’s long-term economic growth, aligned with India’s $5 trillion economy vision and Maharashtra’s target of becoming a $1 trillion economy, where tourism and services are identified as key growth drivers. Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi, a member of Radisson Individuals is among RHG’s recent openings in spiritual destinations. The hotel embodies a seamless blend of spiritual serenity and modern hospitality, located just 15 km from Shirdi International Airport and within easy reach of the Shri Sai Baba Temple.
Boasting 87 thoughtfully designed rooms, including suites and executive categories, it caters to pilgrims, families, and corporate travelers. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Maae’z Kitchen, an open-air alfresco experience at Neem Patio, and artisanal offerings at Mirelle Patisserie. The property also features a banquet hall and a spacious front lawn for social and corporate events, with a swimming pool providing relaxation for guests. As the first international branded hotel in Shirdi, Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi reflects RHG’s continued commitment to delivering world-class hospitality in culturally significant destinations.
Radisson RED Indore: A contemporary offering in central India
Building on its foothold in Shirdi, Radisson RED Indore introduces a bold and contemporary hospitality experience to one of central India’s fastest-growing urban and spiritual-adjacent hubs. Strategically located on MR-10 Road, the hotel offers excellent connectivity to Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore Junction, key business districts, shopping zones, and cultural landmarks such as Rajwada Palace and Khajrana Temple.
With 115 well-appointed rooms and suites, blending modern comforts with smart in-room technology, the hotel caters to business and leisure travelers seeking a vibrant, social atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a lively all-day dining restaurant, a stylish bar, a 24/7 fitness centre – RED FIT, and a rooftop infinity pool – RED SPLASH offering panoramic city views. For corporate meetings and private events, the RED Conclave boardroom accommodates up to 15 guests, complemented by versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and social gatherings.
Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Puri: Premium stay near Jagannath Temple
Expanding further along India’s eastern coast, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Puri offers travelers a premium hospitality experience near the iconic Jagannath Temple and Puri’s famous sea beach. The hotel is located on VIP Road, Bankimuhan, with convenient access from Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Boasting 60 well-appointed rooms, including executive doubles, twins, and suites, the property is designed to cater to pilgrims, families, and leisure travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Park Side Bristo, a 35-seat bar, and versatile event spaces including the Concordia I & II banquet halls and a boardroom, while the second-floor facilities, gym, swimming pool, and banquet hall will open in the next phase. With its first internationally branded presence in Puri, the property underscores Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality in emerging spiritual hubs.
Radisson Hotel Ujjain: A holistic hospitality experience
Radisson Hotel Ujjain establishes the city’s first internationally branded hotel, strategically located near the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The hotel will offer 150 rooms, including standard and executive suites, designed to accommodate pilgrims, families, and business travelers. Guests will have access to an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a ballroom and boardroom, a banquet garden, a swimming pool with deck, gymnasium, spa, and a yoga and meditation center, creating a holistic hospitality experience that balances comfort, wellness, and spirituality.
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 200 hotels in operation and development. It remains the largest hotel operator in Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio sits in Tier-II and III markets. The Group has successfully introduced various brands to India, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, and Radisson Individuals and its extension, Radisson Individuals Retreats.
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