With its new rebrand fully up and running, Radisson Hotel Group has revealed details of the company’s expansion plans during the Hotel Investment Conference South Asia (HICSA) 2018.

Radisson Hotel Group’s president of Asia Pacific Katerina Giannouka (below), said: “This is a most exciting period in our company’s long history. With the rebranding of our company and many other initiatives in the pipeline, we are positioning Radisson Hotel Group for a bright future.

One of the new giants of the global economy, India has been a key market for us for many years. We look forward to working with hotel investors, owners, developers and other stakeholders across the country as we accelerate the expansion of our portfolio and introduce exciting brand concepts such as Radisson Collection to India,” she added.

The news comes in the wake of Marriott International’s milestone hundredth hotel opening in India this week and their pledge to establish a further 50 hotels in the region over the next few years. Radisson currently has 90 hotels in operation across the country and is expected to reach 100 by the end of this year, but will pick up the pace with a target of over 200 hotels, to be in operation or under development in South Asia by 2022 — more than double the existing inventory.

The group has already signed Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam, Radisson Panipat City Centre and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Agra in the first quarter of 2018. Radisson Gwalior opened last month.

“We excitedly continue the momentum on our growth and signings in 2018. With a robust performance, ahead of the industry average and continued investment in technology and revenue-driving platforms, we are optimistic of meeting our five-year goals. I am delighted that India is leading the way in the Asia Pacific with a total of seven global brand offerings which will further strengthen our business in the region,” said Raj Rana, chief executive officer in South Asia for Radisson Hotel Group.

With the strong state of the Indian economy and its booming travel sector, forecast to reach $48 billion USD by the end of 2020, Radisson Hotel Group has produced robust plans’ for key areas in the market where the operating structure has been realigned and investments are being made in marketing, revenue generation and procurement. While enhancing profitability, ensuring brand standard compliance and uplifting the guest experience, and aiming to open landmark hotels in strategic locations.

The recently launched the Radisson Collection, a selection of ‘exceptional’ global hotels. And with the 239-room Radisson Collection Agra added to the list, Radisson will have a footprint of seven brands in India — Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.