Carlson Rezidor announced it is strengthening its leadership position in India by growing its presence in state capitals and accelerating its growth in emerging secondary and tertiary cities.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced it is strengthening its leadership position in India by growing its presence in state capitals and accelerating its growth in emerging secondary and tertiary cities, with particular focus on South andWest India. There are currently 117 Carlson Rezidor hotels in operation and under development across 45 cities in India, including 14 state capitals. Carlson Rezidor will grow its India portfolio to over 170 hotels within the next five years.

"We have established a nationwide presence that has been built upon a deep understanding of this key market. Having earned our position as the international leader in India's hospitality industry, we will further extend our brands and geographic presence. Our team is stronger than ever before and we are positioned to seize the growth opportunities. We intend to have a hotel in every major city in India with landmark hotels in every state capital," said Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Carlson Rezidor's India brand portfolio now includes the Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson brands. As part of its growth strategy in India, Carlson Rezidor is broadening its brand presence with the introduction of Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection. Radisson Red is an upscale Lifestyle Elect brand targeted at millennial-minded individuals, while Quorvus Collection showcases expertly-curated modern luxury hotels inspired by the lifestyle of the contemporary global traveler.

Carlson Rezidor will drive organic growth by signing hotels in new locations and increasing its presence in key cities. The introduction of new contracts and business models including selective franchising has already yielded new project negotiations in strategic locations. Carlson Rezidor will also continue to work with existing strategicpartners and forge new partnerships to develop scalable opportunities for growth. The hotel group intends to grow its India platform by way of management, selective franchising and conversions, will maintain close alignment with its owners' objectives and continue its flexible approach to attain mutual success.

In 2014 and Q1 of 2015, Carlson Rezidor opened ten and signed six new hotels in India, and successfully achieved their first conversion this year with Radisson Goa Candolim, which opened on India's west coast. For the rest of 2015, Carlson Rezidor expects to open eight or nine hotels and sign 12-15 new hotels in cities throughout India. To support this expansion, the company has made key management appointments, includingZubin Saxena, vice president, Development, South Asia, who is responsible for driving portfolio growth in the country.