Carlson Rezidor expands in India

Carlson Rezidor has signed a portfolio agreement withMushtaq Group of Hotels to open seven hotels comprising 817-rooms under the Radisson Blu, Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM brands, in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The seven hotels will be located in the main gateway markets throughout the state and will position Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as the largest international hotel operator in Jammu and Kashmir. The first hotel is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2016 in Srinagar.

“This multiple-hotel portfolio deal underscores the rapid rate of Carlson Rezidor’s expansion and reinforces our leading position in India, a key market that we remain deeply committed to. We are pleased to be forging a new partnership and will be employing our proven strategy of signing conversions as well as new builds to establish a strong brand presence efficiently and expediently,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group added, “The region enjoys strong domestic leisure demand and is home to some of the most visited leisure destinations in India. Integral to our growth in India is an emphasis on expanding in leisure markets and state capitals. With the signing of this portfolio, we will make inroads into the summer and winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as provide our Club Carlson members an international brand choice in high demand leisure driven markets such as Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.”

Across India, Carlson Rezidor has close to 120 hotels in operation and under development. Currently, the group’s footprint extends across 45 Indian cities, including 14 state capitals. By 2020, Carlson Rezidor expects to have more than 170 hotels in operation and pipeline in India. The group’s growing brand portfolio in the country spans the mid-scale to upper upscale segments. In 2015, the hotel group signed 15 new agreements in India, indicative of the strength of its brands and relationships.

“We are excited to tie up with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. We are a leading hospitality group with ownership across all major locations in Jammu & Kashmir. We have grown rapidly during the last decade and aim to continue this momentum. Our vision is to promote Jammu & Kashmir and make it a preferred tourist destination not only for travelers within the country but globally. I am confident our partnership will accelerate realization of our vision”, said Mushtaq Chaya, chairman, Mushtaq Group of Hotels, that has interests in hospitality and commercial real estate development.

Radisson Blu Srinagar is a 225-key new build hotel located in the heart of Srinagar city. The site is well located and is within easy reach of Dal Lake and the city’s main attractions. The hotel is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city centre and 10 kilometers from Srinagar Airport. Radisson Blu Srinagar is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2020.

Radisson Blu Resort Tangmarg is a 150-key new build hotel nestled within a 25-acre site in the Himalayan mountains. The site is just 13 kilometers from Gulmarg, which is widely regarded as one of the top winter sports destinations of the world. Radisson Blu Resort Tangmarg is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Radisson Srinagar is an 89-key conversion located in the heart of Srinagar within 2 kilometers of the main commercial and retail hubs of the city. It is close to golf courses, Dal Lake, Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Center and Asia’s largest tulip garden. Radisson Srinagar is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Radisson Pahalgam Golf View Resort is a 118-key conversion located in Pahalgam, approximately 7,200 feet above sea level. It offers direct access to the picturesque Pahalgam Golf Course. Radisson Pahalgam Golf View Resort is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2018.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Gulmarg is an 80-key conversion. Gulmarg has been rated amongst the top five ski destinations in Asia by CNN. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Gulmarg is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Jammu is a 55-key conversion located in Gandhi Nagar, an upscale commercial and residential area in the heart of Jammu city. The hotel is close to Jammu Airport and Jammu Railway Station. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Jammu is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2017.

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Sonamarg is a 100-key new build hotellocated close to scenic Himalayan glaciers and trekking routes in Sonamarg. The hotel is accessible by the Srinagar-Ladakh highway. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Sonamarg is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.