Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, outlines the trajectory of the Indian hospitality industry for 2026. He details a shift from recovery to a “super cycle” of growth, driven by infrastructure, spiritual tourism, and a strategic expansion into India’s heartland.
“As we look ahead to 2026, the Indian hospitality sector is entering a decisive phase of sustained, structural growth. What we are witnessing is not just a post-pandemic rebound, but the emergence of a long-term ‘hospitality super cycle’, where demand is consistently outpacing supply across business, leisure, and emerging destinations. Domestic travel will remain the primary growth engine, supported by rising disposable incomes, rapid infrastructure development, and a growing preference for experience-led, premium travel.”
New Demand Drivers: Spiritual, Leisure, and MICE
“Several shifts will define the next phase of growth. Leisure, weddings, spiritual tourism, and MICE are becoming year-round demand drivers rather than seasonal spikes. Pilgrimage hubs such as Shirdi, Puri, Indore, and Katra, along with leisure destinations like Udaipur, Mount Abu, Lonavala, and Kumbhalgarh, are seeing sustained interest across age groups and travel purposes. At the same time, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, already accounting for nearly half of our portfolio, are evolving into strong commercial and industrial hubs, supported by policy reforms, improved connectivity, and decentralised corporate growth.”
The Scale of Large-Format Events and Culinary Innovation
“Another defining trend for 2026 will be the scale and diversity of demand drivers. Large-format events, including sports tournaments, concerts, and destination weddings, are significantly boosting MICE demand across cities such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, and Udaipur. Culinary innovation, curated cultural programming, and immersive local experiences will play a larger role in shaping guest preference, as travellers increasingly seek authenticity alongside comfort and reliability.”
Radisson’s Strategic Roadmap: Scaling to 150 Hotels
“For Radisson Hotel Group, 2026 is about scaling with balance, speed, and purpose. We expect to cross 150 operating hotels in India during the year, backed by a robust pipeline of over 70 hotels and strong owner confidence. Our strategy continues to focus on high-potential markets through a mix of new builds, strategic conversions, and flexible franchise models that reduce time-to-market while enhancing asset value. Conversions, in particular, will remain a key lever as they allow faster deployment in demand-ready locations.”
“Equally important is responsible growth. Sustainability, renewable energy adoption, green building practices, and people-first development will be integral as the industry scales. As we move into 2026, the opportunity lies in building a future-ready hospitality ecosystem, one that delivers long-term value for guests, owners, and communities, while keeping experience, efficiency, and trust at its core.”
