Radisson Hotel Group Expands Presence Across India’s Key Spiritual Travel Destinations

Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its expansion in India’s fast-growing spiritual and pilgrimage tourism segment with new hotel openings in Shirdi, Puri, and Indore, alongside an upcoming launch in Ujjain. The move reinforces the Group’s long-term focus on faith-led destinations and its strategy of entering culturally significant markets early.

First-Mover Strategy in Emerging Pilgrimage Hubs

Radisson Hotel Group has consistently adopted a first-mover approach in high-potential spiritual destinations, with earlier entries into Ayodhya and Prayagraj. Its current focus on Shirdi, Puri, Indore, and Ujjain reflects a broader strategy to support the rising demand for organised, internationally branded hospitality in pilgrimage-driven markets.

This expansion also aligns with the government’s push for infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and inclusive tourism growth across religious travel corridors.

Responding to the Growth of Religious Tourism

Religious tourism continues to be a major driver of domestic travel in India, contributing significantly to regional economies through employment generation and tourism-led development. Pilgrimage centres such as Ujjain, Shirdi, and Puri attract millions of visitors annually, creating sustained demand for quality accommodation, dining, and event infrastructure.

Radisson’s expansion is positioned to address this demand by introducing global service standards while respecting the cultural and spiritual character of each destination.

Portfolio of New Openings

Recent additions to Radisson Hotel Group’s Indian portfolio include Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi, a member of Radisson Individuals, offering contemporary comfort in one of India’s most visited pilgrimage towns; Radisson RED Indore, a modern lifestyle hotel catering to both business and leisure travellers; and Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Puri, providing premium accommodation near the Jagannath Temple and Puri beach.

The Group is also preparing to open Radisson Hotel Ujjain, which will become the city’s first internationally branded hotel, designed to offer a balanced experience combining comfort, wellness, and proximity to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the expansion, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said the company’s approach focuses on delivering globally recognised hospitality standards while preserving the heritage and essence of each spiritual destination. He added that the Group’s investments are aimed at supporting India’s evolving tourism ecosystem through sustainable and inclusive growth.

Strengthening Presence in Tier-II and Tier-III Markets

Radisson Hotel Group currently operates over 200 hotels across India under multiple brands, with more than half of its portfolio located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The latest launches further strengthen its leadership position in emerging markets, particularly within the spiritual and pilgrimage tourism segment.