Radisson Group’s growth strategy yields 160 hotels, over 22,000 rooms in H1 2026

Radisson Hotel Group, one of the fastest-growing hotel chains in the world, has announced another growth milestone in its global growth in the first half of 2026 (H1 2026).

The leading chain has continued to accelerate its growth strategy in the first half of 2026 with the signing and opening of 160 hotels, representing more than 22,000 keys. The growth is driven by a diversified portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, upscale, resort, conversion, and mixed-use opportunities

In the first half, the group recorded over 1620 hotels in operation or under development across its EMEA and APAC regions, with 10 additional hotels joining its Verified Net Zero programme across Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the UK and South Africa, including the first VNZ hotel in Africa.

In the period under review, Radisson, one of its brands, became the most-signed hotel brand within its segment in EMEA and SEAP, while 35 Radisson Individuals hotels were signed or opened in the first half of 2026.

However, it recorded over 100 hotels in operation or under development across its Africa portfolio, while over 260 hotels are in operation in China across Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson RED. Also, about 40 percent conversions were recorded, boosting the growth.

During the first half of the year, the Group strengthened its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific through a combination of signings, openings, market entries, and brand extensions.

Across Europe, Radisson Hotel Group recorded several notable milestones, including the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Frankfurt and Radisson RED Vienna Danube Riverside, alongside new openings across Austria, Germany, and Poland. The Group broadened its resort footprint with new openings in Tenerife and Phuket, while Radisson Individuals expanded in Greece and Spain. Lifestyle and luxury brands also extended their reach, with Radisson RED debuting in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Türkiye, while Radisson Collection strengthened its presence in key gateway destinations, such as Lake Como. The Group is expanding its Verified Net Zero programme, with the coming months seeing an additional 10 hotels joining the initiative across Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the first VNZ hotel in South Africa, while Les Loges, the gastronomic restaurant at Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, was awarded its first Michelin star just 10 months after reopening.

Across the Middle East and Africa, notable openings, including Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, Radisson Collection Residences, Riyadh, and Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport, reinforced the Group’s presence in strategic markets. Africa surpassed a significant milestone during the period, with more than 100 hotels now in operation and under development across the continent.

In EMEA and SEAP, Radisson has been the most-signed hotel brand within its segment since 2019, demonstrating the continued relevance of the brand and the Group to owners and guests.

Speaking on the exciting performance, the global hotel chain noted that the sustained momentum reflects continued owner confidence in the Group’s brands and ability to generate compelling results, alongside continued demand for high-quality branded hospitality across global markets.

“We create value for our guests and owners through our brands and people. We believe in the long-term nature of our business and are committed to delivering above-market returns to all our stakeholders,” Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer at Radisson Hotel Group, said.

According to Younes, Asia Pacific remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most important regions, supported by favourable demographics, increasing travel demand, and rising investor confidence in branded hospitality.

China continues to play an important role in the Group’s long-term development strategy, with more than 260 hotels in operation across Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson RED, and a substantial development pipeline across its midscale and lifestyle portfolio. Activity remains robust across major urban centres, including Wuhan, Beijing, and Chongqing, as well as emerging Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities, supported by the world’s largest domestic travel market and continued demand for branded hospitality.

Across Southeast Asia Pacific, LIME Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier, marked the debut of the brand in the region. In Australasia, Radisson RED Auckland became both the Group’s first hotel in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region.

“India is one of the most promising hotel development markets in the world today,” Younes said. “Demand continues to outpace supply, infrastructure is improving rapidly, and owner confidence remains high. Combined with our legacy in the country, the awareness of our brands and our exceptional colleagues on the ground, these fundamentals create significant opportunities for long-term, meaningful growth.”

During the first half of 2026, the Group signed and opened 22 hotels in India, bringing its development pipeline in the country to nearly 100 hotels. Radisson Hotel Group currently operates 142 hotels with more than 15,500 keys across 86 cities in India, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading international hotel operators. The Group recently unveiled its India Vision 2030 plan, which aims to grow its portfolio to 500 hotels over the next five years.

“The feeling is of excitement mixed with a sense of alertness. If you look at Europe today, the trading or operating performance of hotels and demand has been relatively good so far,” he explained.

“On the other hand, the economic fundamentals for hotel development continue to face some challenges considering the increased cost of capital and high construction costs. But in spite of the challenges, the team has had good success in terms of hotel signings and openings so far this year, especially in the European market. We have modest traction and activity in the Middle East, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.”

But Younes noted with excitement that the Group has achieved its 100 hotels milestone in Africa. “We celebrated that this year. In terms of new hotel signings and openings, we have traction in Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria this year. Thanks to the vision we had for Africa in the last 10-15 years and the execution of the team on the ground,” he said.

Speaking on what global hotel investors are looking for today, Younes explained that the hotel business has two customers, the guests and the owners, who are very critical to the success of the business.

To impress the owners or lure investors to invest more, Younes stated that brands must meet three demands of the owners: responsiveness, approachability and results.

“You need to respond and adapt to your owners; their needs and circumstances that you live in,” he said, while insisting that there is no one formula that fits every owner.

“It just doesn’t exist. You need to empower your people and tolerate mistakes to be able to respond to your owners on the ground. You do not respond to your owners from the office, but from the ground where the owners are located”.

Despite the exciting half-year result, the Group is not relenting as it keeps driving its global growth strategy across the remaining half, amid growing owners’ confidence and demand for branded hospitality.