Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group join forces to expand luxury and lifestyle hotels in India

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and MBD Group on Monday announced a long-term strategic partnership under a master franchise agreement to expand RHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands, Radisson Collection and Radisson RED, across India.

The companies said the first decade of the partnership is expected to see the launch of 50 co-branded hotels across the Radisson Collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD portfolio, predominantly through an asset-light model. MBD Group added that under this partnership, the planned portfolio is expected to comprise approximately 80% managed and franchised hotels and 20% owned properties. MBD Group will also handle business development, management, and franchising functions for both brands at identified and mutually agreed locations. RHG said it will continue to pursue growth for these brands in India through multiple channels and strategic relationships.

“India’s premium hospitality market continues to see strong growth, alongside rising demand for contemporary, design-led lifestyle experiences. This strategic partnership further strengthens our ability to expand Radisson Collection and Radisson RED across key Indian markets, alongside our broader development initiatives,” said Nikhil Sharma, managing director and chief operating officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “MBD Group has been a trusted partner to Radisson Hotel Group for over two decades, and together we are well positioned to scale these brands while creating distinctive hotels that respond to evolving traveller expectations and reinforce our long-term commitment to India,” he added.


Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, joint managing director, MBD Group, said the total valuation of the 50 assets under management through the partnership could be pegged at Rs 10,000 crore. She added that 80% of the expansion would be through Radisson RED, with the remainder through Radisson Collection branded hotels. The company has also acquired a land parcel at Lake Pichola in Udaipur, as well as a parcel in Whitefield, Bengaluru. “The project in Bengaluru will entail 1.8 million square feet of development and will feature around 250 luxury hotel keys along with approximately 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space,” she said. The company also plans to launch a property in Ranthambore.

“The first decade of the partnership is targeted to deliver 50 co-branded hotels across Radisson Collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD, predominantly through an asset-light model. MBD’s property book exposure will be around 25%,” said Kandhari. “Radisson Collection MBD, targeting luxury, will have a highly strategic placement, whereas Radisson RED MBD, targeting the lifestyle segment, will pursue a more aggressive expansion. MBD will leverage its pan-India brand presence, operational excellence, and number one leadership performance position among all Radisson Hotels in the country,” she added.

Monica Malhotra Kandhari, managing director, MBD Group, said Radisson Collection MBD will reflect ‘timeless’, ‘rooted’, and ‘curated’ luxury, while Radisson RED MBD will bring bold, playful, and ‘socially driven’ design. “MBD, with its cultural narratives, will redefine luxury and lifestyle hospitality in India,” she added.