Radisson Hotel Group Joins MBD Group in Master Franchise Agreement to Drive the Growth of Premium Brands and Enhance the Luxury Hospitality Landscape in India

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has embarked on an exciting new chapter in India by joining forces with MBD Group through a Master Franchise Agreement. This dynamic partnership is set to fuel the rapid expansion of RHG’s prestigious brands, Radisson Collection and Radisson RED, across the country. By combining RHG’s world-class standards with MBD Group’s deep local expertise, the collaboration promises to redefine India’s luxury hospitality landscape. With a focus on both growth and innovation, this alliance will introduce cutting-edge hotel experiences, enhance the appeal of premium destinations, and cater to the growing demand for high-end accommodations. As India continues to emerge as a major player in the global hospitality market, RHG and MBD Group are perfectly positioned to lead the way in transforming the luxury travel scene.

Expanding Luxury Hospitality in India

As part of the agreement, MBD Group will spearhead the development of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED hotels in selected locations throughout India. In addition to RHG’s ongoing development efforts, MBD Group will manage key business functions, including development, management, and franchising for both brands at agreed locations. This structure will support RHG’s broader growth strategy, positioning India as a pivotal market in its expansion. With the support of RHG’s extensive partner network, the brands are set to experience robust growth in the region, tapping into emerging opportunities within the Indian luxury hospitality segment.

Radisson Blu MBD Noida’s Transformation

A major highlight of this partnership is the transformation of the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, a flagship property that was among the first five-star hotels in the area. The hotel will undergo a significant upgrade and will be rebranded as Radisson Collection MBD, aligning with the global standards of RHG’s luxury brand. The transition of this high-performing hotel marks a key milestone in RHG’s strategy to enhance its premium portfolio in India by elevating established and successful properties.

The property’s repositioning as a Radisson Collection hotel reflects RHG’s commitment to expanding its luxury offerings in India, leveraging its network to attract high-end travelers. The rebranding effort underscores the group’s vision to incorporate high-quality, landmark properties into its global portfolio, reinforcing the appeal of Radisson Collection and Radisson RED across the region.

With this strategic partnership, RHG is well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for luxury and lifestyle accommodations in India. By combining RHG’s renowned brand platforms with MBD Group’s local market expertise, the collaboration sets the stage for a new era of premium hospitality growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. This is just the beginning, as both brands continue to push forward with their plans for expansion in India.

Catalyzing the Next Phase of Growth in India’s Luxury and Lifestyle Hospitality Market
“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. 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 traveler expectations and reinforce our long-term commitment to India,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

“The collaboration supports our development momentum in India’s premium hospitality segment. Our development efforts with MBD team’s aid shall help us finding a higher quantum of opportunities in addition to our robust growth capabilities. With a clear asset-light focus, we are well positioned to scale strategically while sustaining long-term brand value,” said Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Vision for Growth and Strategic Roadmap
Commenting on the alliance, Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “This partnership marks a decisive strategic milestone in MBD’s hospitality evolution. The first decade of partnership is targeted to deliver 50 co-branded hotels across Radisson collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD hotels predominantly through an asset light model. MBD’s prop book exposure will be around 25%. Radisson Collection MBD targeting luxury will have an extremely thought-through placement whereas Radisson RED MBD targeting lifestyle segment will be a far aggressive expansion. MBD will leverage on its pan Indian brand presence, operational excellence and no 1 leadership performance position amongst all Radisson Hotels in the country.”

Sonica further added, the planned portfolio is expected to follow an approximate mix of 80% managed and franchised hotels and 20% owned properties, reflecting a shared focus on scalable, asset-light expansion. The collaboration brings together Radisson Hotel Group’s global brand strength and MBD Group’s deep understanding of the local markets and operational expertise aimed at addressing the growing demand for high-end luxury and design-led lifestyle hospitality”

Design Philosophy and Brand Identity
Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, added, “Luxury today is defined by aesthetic refinement and immersive experiences. With our project design and management expertise at MBD, we aim to deliver design excellence that elevates guest experiences. Radisson Collection MBD will reflect timeless, rooted and curated luxury, while Radisson RED MBD bringing bold, playful and socially driven design and MBD superimposing its beautiful cultural narratives will redefine luxury and lifestyle hospitality in India. MBD has exhibited pinnacle performance be it education or hospitality and with this partnership we aim to become number no1 luxury and lifestyle brand, Indian origin with Global confluence in the most elegant way.”

Legacy and Value-driven Partnership

“Our association with RHG has always been built on trust and a shared commitment to quality. This expanded alliance is a reflection of the enduring legacy envisioned by our founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, building institutions anchored on integrity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence and creating a leadership position without compromising on culture and ethics. We are truly delighted to do extremely meaningful work on Indian hospitality landscape and make India most preferred destination,” said Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group.

Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group are united in their mission to redefine luxury and lifestyle destinations across India. Their partnership aims to create sustainable, long-term value for owners and partners, while actively contributing to the growth and enhancement of India’s hospitality sector. This collaboration will complement RHG’s ongoing independent expansion efforts in the market.

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