Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group Chart Ambitious Luxury Expansion with 50-Hotel Partnership in India

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and MBD Group have entered into a long-term strategic partnership under a Master Franchise Agreement, setting the stage for a significant expansion of RHG’s luxury and lifestyle brands—Radisson Collection and Radisson RED—across India. The alliance is designed to tap into the country’s fast-growing demand for premium, design-led hospitality experiences.

Over the first decade, the partnership targets the development of up to 50 hotels, positioning it among the most ambitious luxury and lifestyle expansion plans in the Indian hospitality market.

Strategic Partnership Framework

Under the agreement, MBD Group will support RHG in business development, hotel management, and franchising for Radisson Collection and Radisson RED at mutually agreed locations across India. The collaboration complements RHG’s broader growth strategy, which continues to include multiple development channels and partnerships in the market.

The partnership combines RHG’s global brand standards and governance framework with MBD Group’s deep local market knowledge and operational expertise, creating a scalable platform for sustained growth.

Radisson Blu MBD Noida to Transition to Radisson Collection

As part of the initial phase, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida will be reset to Radisson Collection MBD following a comprehensive upgrade aligned with the brand’s global luxury standards. The transition underscores RHG’s strategy of strengthening its premium portfolio by elevating high-performing landmark hotels into its top-tier luxury brand.

Driving the Next Phase of Luxury & Lifestyle Growth

Commenting on the partnership, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, noted that India’s premium hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, driven by evolving traveler expectations and growing demand for contemporary luxury and lifestyle experiences.

Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director – Development, South Asia, highlighted that the collaboration strengthens RHG’s asset-light growth strategy, enabling faster scale while preserving long-term brand value.

Strategic Vision and Portfolio Mix

According to Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, the partnership is envisioned to deliver 50 co-branded hotels over the next decade, predominantly through an asset-light model. Approximately 80% of the portfolio is expected to be managed or franchised, with 20% owned properties, and MBD’s proprietary exposure limited to around 25%.

Radisson Collection MBD will follow a selective luxury placement strategy, while Radisson RED MBD is expected to pursue a more aggressive expansion in the lifestyle segment.

Design Philosophy and Brand Positioning

Adding to the vision, Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, emphasised that Radisson Collection MBD will focus on timeless, curated luxury, while Radisson RED MBD will deliver bold, playful, and socially driven design, layered with Indian cultural narratives to create immersive guest experiences.

Legacy and Value-Driven Collaboration

Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group, described the expanded alliance as a continuation of a long-standing relationship built on trust, integrity, and shared commitment to excellence—principles envisioned by the group’s founder.

Strengthening India’s Premium Hospitality Landscape

Together, Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group aim to shape a new generation of luxury and lifestyle destinations across India, delivering sustainable value for owners and partners while contributing to the long-term evolution of the country’s hospitality ecosystem.