Carlson Rezidor plans expansion in India

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is focusing on two regions of India for its expansion plans. 

“Globally India, China and Indonesia offer a vast opportunity for growth. But India has the most potential,” Raj Rana, CEO of South Asia for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, told The Hindu. “We are now focusing on the south and northeast India. We are also looking for opportunities at religious places in the south.”

Southern India has high demand for quality hotel rooms, Rana said. If the company gets a head star now, it can have “first-mover advantage” in second- and third-tier cities supported by airports and good roads.

With 77 operational hotels and 41 more at various stages of construction, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is now the largest international hospitality company in India by number of hotels. And, Rana said, the company is still growing, with several new Radisson Reds slated to open soon.

“[We] plan to have 170 hotels by 2020. We are signing 14 to 15 new deals every year and commissioning six to seven new ones a year. We are growing fast because we are flexible while dealing with hotel owners and we go to places where others fear to go.” 

Rana also said that he is looking to bring the Quorvus Collection, Carlson's soft brand, hotel brand to India within the next two years.

RELATED: Interested in what the brands are doing in Asia Pacific? The Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference is slated to return to Thailand next spring.