Latest news with #Radisson
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Digital dispatch from Estonia, the eGovernance capital of the world
Daily Maverick was invited to Estonia as a guest of the minister of foreign affairs to attend the African Business Forum and 11th annual eGovernance Conference. Minister Leon Schreiber was also in attendance, but I missed his panel discussion at the forum. 'When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union the decisions were made in Moscow; now we're part of the European Union and decisions are made in Brussels. There's no change,' says my driver — it's a private trip, but he also does Bolt work — while racing to the African Business Forum that I'm already late for. It takes about 10 minutes to get from Tallinn airport to the Radisson hotel where the event is happening. 'It's 2pm' chimes the digital assistant on my Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. There is almost no traffic on a Tuesday. I've been in transit for 24 hours since boarding Ethiopian Air flight ET 846 in Cape Town. I should have arrived on Sunday, but my passport was still at the VFS operational centre in Pretoria on Friday, on its journey which started when Godongwana ended his Budget 3.0 speech en route to Cape Town from the Swedish embassy in Nairobi. Technology should have solved this problem by now. I'm also in desperate need of a shower. A problem of scale I dialled into the media roundtable with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna from the downstairs lobby of the VFS offices in Cape Town. He said that we 'cannot compare your big country with us' in response to questions about scaling his country's digital advancements to the South African context. It's a fair point. Estonia has 1.3 million people — roughly the population of Johannesburg's northern suburbs. The entire country runs on what they call the 'XRO solution', a system they developed nearly 20 years ago that allows different government databases to talk to each other seamlessly. So remember, when Tsahkna says '100% of public services are online' and 'everyone knows exactly what their rights are', he's talking about a population smaller than eThekwini municipality and a land area the size of Gauteng. But here's what struck me about his response: he wasn't dismissive. 'There are technological solutions available, of course… and you have (natural) resources to invest,' he said. The key, he insisted, was political leadership. 'We can (share with) you our experiences about digitalisation.' Digital dreams and African realities The Africa Business Forum is in full swing by the time I arrive. I excuse myself briefly to brush my teeth in the fancy bathroom – the only thing I couldn't do while changing in the restroom at Frankfurt Airport before boarding flight LH 880 to Tallinn. I'm led straight into a conference room buzzing with conversations about digital transformation, but the context is distinctly different to what I'd expected. This isn't Estonians lecturing Africans about efficiency — it's a more nuanced conversation about partnership and practical realities. Estonian and EU officials are refreshingly candid about their limitations. When they talk about their digital achievements — tax returns in three minutes, businesses started in 18 minutes online — they acknowledge these come with caveats. For real though, eFiling is dope, but the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (exclusively for Estonian tax residents) online platform is something else. Their entire digital infrastructure was built 'together with the private sector mainly' over 'more than 30 years', they explain, and it works for a population of 1.3 million. The geopolitical subtext is never far from the surface. Estonia is 'under heavy heavy cyberattacks', as officials put it, and they're 'very careful' about technological cooperation with certain countries — a not-so-subtle reference to Russia, their 'difficult neighbour' The digital-first approach wasn't just about efficiency; it was about survival. The Global Gateway pitch The forum's centrepiece is the European Union's Global Gateway strategy — a €150-billion investment promise for Africa by 2027. EU officials position this as a 'value-based alternative' to other global powers' approaches, though they're diplomatically vague about which alternatives they have in mind. 'We are not coming in to put the conditions there,' comes the refrain from multiple speakers. 'We have long-term partners based on values.' The pitch includes 'literally thousands of procurement actions every year', with opportunities ranging from direct private sector contracts to partnerships through organisations like the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which spent $130-million across various African countries. Digital infrastructure is positioned as one of five key pillars of Global Gateway, with the EU (and Estonia) offering expertise in 'payments identity interoperability' and promising a 'more explicit message to our partner countries' about digital public infrastructure. Estonian companies in Africa The Estonian presence in Africa is already more substantial than I'd realised. Companies like Positum use mobile data to provide insights for governments, working with UN agencies and the World Bank. And the 'digitisation services' industry is in advanced talks to set up a pop-up to deliver e-residency cards in Mzansi — they're aware of our country's challenges with keeping card printing equipment working. Estonian businesses have implemented projects in 'Botswana, in Nigeria, in Kenya, many of them in Tanzania', according to forum speakers. The approach seems less about grand pronouncements and more about practical problem-solving — using Estonia's digital experience as a starting point rather than a template. 'Estonian expertise is really sought after,' one official notes, encouraging participation in international expert groups, 'even if it is pro bono work.' The message is clear: build relationships first, business follows. The e-residency proposition Oh, yes… Perhaps Estonia's most audacious offering is e-residency — a programme started in 2014 that makes you a digital resident without requiring physical presence. 'You don't need to become an Estonia resident,' they explained to me. You apply online, and once approved, 'all our digital infrastructure is open for you about how to start business, run the business, taxation and the services that we have online'. They claim to be the 'only country in the world that can actually be part of this environment'. For African entrepreneurs navigating complex regulatory environments, it's an intriguing proposition — remote access to Estonia's digital infrastructure, running businesses through their systems while remaining physically based elsewhere. It's become a community of more than 120,000 digital citizens, generating €15-billion (R304-billion) in combined revenue from more than 33,000 companies. When Estonia says it is selling a lifestyle to African entrepreneurs, they really mean it — but being an e-resident doesn't come with the same benefits as being a tax resident, so it will still be SARS systems for you. Looking ahead The organisers of the eGovernance Conference told me that they were aware of how previous iterations had been hijacked by the now decidedly out of vogue idea of 'put it on the blockchain' — this year was shaping to be all about 'AI' but they insisted that it would be less of a ride on the hype train. The forum has been about relationships and possibilities; whereas the conference will be about implementation and practicalities. But already, one thing is clear: the Estonian model isn't about copying and pasting solutions. It's about understanding principles and adapting them to local contexts. As Tsahkna puts it, each country needs to find its own model while drawing on available technological solutions and investing in political leadership. I bump into Minister Leon Schreiber at the eGovernance Conference reception — he says I must pull him aside for an open discussion about the eVisa he is trying to get going back at home. I said ' yes ' but was forced to pull away from his typically South African, manly affirming embrace (he is, after all, a Paul Roos old boy) because I was heading out the door to finally take that shower at my hotel room. DM
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I've eaten at all St Andrews' top restaurants, but this new addition is easily the best
This place is incredible Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... If Roy Brett was a sea creature he'd be a barnacle. Contributed He had his restaurant on Edinburgh's George IV Bridge for nearly 16 years, and he clung on with total tenacity, even though there were problems with the building's cladding that meant that scaffolding had to be up for five years. I mean, it's still there and continues to look a mess. For most of that time, you'd hardly know that there was a restaurant (and a hotel, the Radisson) behind the hoarding. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Any less hardy chef would've thrown in the tea towel ages ago. He didn't, until they recently told him that further problems with the building would mean it'd have to close for a spell. And, so, Brett, who also has The Fishmarket in Edinburgh's Newhaven, has shipped out and is on the lookout for another home in the capital. In the meantime, you can also find him at his new Ondine venue in St Andrews. It's inside the glorious new five-star hotel, Seaton House. And, my goodness, he has swapped a grim view for a captivating one out to West Sands beach and the Old Course, from the vantage point of this honey-coloured Victorian building. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The dining room is such a beautiful space, in pristine cream, with a turquoise-tiled marble oyster bar that's topped with bottles of Tabasco. Those who were regulars to Edinburgh's Ondine, will recognise parts of the menu. The fish goujons, for example, which my other half ordered for this starter. Brett has taken a simple and kiddy-ish treat (£21), and gussied it up for adults, with four sea-salted and panko-crumbed russet boomerangs of haddock and a vinegary, hot and limey sour Vietnamese dip on the side. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While my other half finished that, I had the Wye Valley asparagus (£23) - a dish that had been elevated to something sybaritic that should've been eaten, spear by decadent spear, in a bubble bath. Or better, someone feed it to me. The veg had been sloshed in warm butter, with a chiffonade of chives, and there was a large dollop of Hollandaise on the side. No ordinary stuff though. This was fluffed up, so it coated each green spear with luxury yolky-coloured suds. Gaby Soutar We had three mains next. It's been a while since I've visited Ondine, so why not go loco? Mine was the lemon sole menueire (£38), which can be served on or off the bone. I went for the lazy girl's option, and the two slabs of fish arrived on top of each other, like a double mattress. They were golden and caramelised along their edges, and the meat was doused in an ocean's worth of brown butter and a gazillion tiny non-pareil capers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While I nibbled at this, my other half focused on the burlier monkish au poivre (£36), which had been treated like a steak, with its accompanying and very punchy peppercorn sauce, some spinach, a lemon wedge and curls of zest on top. Gaby Soutar Main course number three was the hand-dived Orkney scallops (£36), which were the biggest I've ever had. Each pearlescent monster was about the size of a scone. They were utterly delightful, especially with a dab of the accompanying bacon jam, which was rich and oniony. We shared a couple of their sides - crispy and salty medium-girth fries (£7) and some more spinach (£7), except this batch had been topped with pale Parmesan gratings and nutmeg. And sloshed with yet more butter, naturally. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After all that artery-coating indulgence, we opted to share the lightest-sounding pudding, from choices that included Basque cheesecake and strawberry compote (£14), or chocolate and hazelnut ganache with creme fraiche (£14). I think we did the right thing, as the strawberry and blueberry sorbet (£14) was just what you want after a fishy and buttery feast. As well as a handful of raspberries, there were two vibrantly coloured golf-ball-sized spheres - one pale pink, and the other a vampiric magenta - of intense palate-clearing and sugar-boosting fruity-ness. Perfect. I've eaten in a lot of great St Andrews restaurants, but this place is easily my favourite. It's not just the food, but also those views - I mean, this has got to be the top seat in town - as well as the service, plush interior, and general sense of occasion. I can't think of anywhere better to be. I almost wish I could cling on and never leave, like a Roy-Brett-style barnacle.
The Market Online
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Globex announces major drilling expansion at Québec gold project
Globex Mining Enterprises (TSX:GMX) said that Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV:RDS) is significantly expanding its 2025 exploration efforts at the historic O'Brien Gold Project in Québec Radisson has announced an increase to its ongoing 22,000-metre drill program, adding an additional 18,000 metres of drilling that the expanded program will target both the O'Brien Mine and the East O'Brien area, with drilling planned to reach depths of up to two kilometres Globex Mining Enterprises stock (TSX:GMX) last traded at C$1.42 Globex Mining Enterprises (TSX:GMX) has informed shareholders that Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV:RDS) is significantly expanding its 2025 exploration efforts at the historic O'Brien Gold Project in Québec. Radisson has announced an increase to its ongoing 22,000-metre drill program, adding an additional 18,000 metres of drilling, bringing the total to 40,000 metres for the year. The team explained via a news release that the expanded program will target both the O'Brien Mine and the East O'Brien area, with drilling planned to reach depths of up to two kilometres. This intensified exploration effort follows promising results, including the recent observation of visible free gold, reported by Radisson on May 21, 2025. Globex holds a 2 per cent Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on the Kewagama Gold Mine portion of the East O'Brien area, where both historical and current drilling have intersected high-grade gold mineralization. The presence of visible gold in recent core samples underscores the potential for further resource growth in this zone. In addition, Globex retains a 1 per cent NSR on the New Alger Gold Mine, also known as the Thompson-Cadillac property, which forms part of Radisson's West O'Brien holdings. These royalties could position Globex to benefit directly from any future production stemming from these high-potential assets. The O'Brien project, located along the prolific Larder Lake-Cadillac Break, is one of Québec's most historically significant gold mining areas. Radisson's aggressive exploration strategy aims to build on this legacy with modern techniques and deeper targeting. Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. is a focused exploration and development property bank. Globex Mining Enterprises stock (TSX:GMX) last traded at C$1.42 and has risen 39.22 per cent since this time last year. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this diversified mining stock on the Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. Bullboard and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Radisson Expands Drill Program at O'Brien Gold Project and Outlines Drilling Priorities
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - May 21, 2025) - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV: RDS) (OTCQB: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an expansion and extension of its current drill exploration program at its 100%-owned O'Brien Gold Project ("O'Brien" or the "Project") located in the Abitibi region of Québec. This program expansion follows the recent completion of Radisson's successful C$12 million financing and ongoing drilling that is demonstrating significant gold mineralization below the historic mine workings and the Project's current Mineral Resources. Exploration priorities will be as follows: An additional 30,000 to 40,000 metres of drilling. Approximately 18,000 metres of the new drilling will be completed in 2025 on top of the already budgeted 22,000-metre 2025 program. The balance of the new drilling will be completed in 2026. A fourth rig will be added to the Project in June; Expansion of the successful strategy of drilling beneath the historic O'Brien mine and the East O'Brien area of new Mineral Resources, to a depth of up to 2 kilometres (Figure 1); Continuance of the successful strategy of pilot holes and multiple wedges to give clusters of intercepts within the favourable Piché formation with an objective of achieving a drill-hole density appropriate, at a minimum, for a future Inferred Mineral Resource; Stepping back and looking at broader exploration opportunities, including separate deep exploratory holes beneath the historic Thompson-Cadillac mine located west of the O'Brien mine. This will be the first drilling conducted at Thompson-Cadillac since 2020 and its first deep drilling ever. Matt Manson, President & CEO, commented: "Since late last year, we have been achieving consistent success with our "proof-of-concept" strategy of drilling below the existing Mineral Resources at the O'Brien Gold Project with large step-outs. In particular, we are excited by what is developing with our drilling below the historic O'Brien mine workings, where multiple drill-holes have intersected high-grade gold within a large zone of multiple veins with good continuity. In Figure 2 we highlight the amount of coarse visible gold currently being logged in this drilling, both within holes with published assay results and those for which assay results are still pending. At this moment, we are in the process of greatly increasing the known scope of gold mineralization at O'Brien with each new hole. We believe an exploration target of between 3 and 4 million ounces is a reasonable objective for the Project should the style of mineralization we are seeing continue to our exploration horizon of 2,000 metres depth." Matt Manson continued: "Consequently, we are announcing today a considerably expanded effort to target these new areas of mineralization with additional deep drilling. In this news release we provide a discussion of the techniques we are using: pilot holes, wedges and directional drilling; and we provide a discussion of the context of our exploration: that O'Brien should not be considered a bespoke curiosity with impressive but localised high-grade gold, but is instead a broader system of mineralization with significant scale potential." Figure 1: The O'Brien Gold Project, from Thompson-Cadillac/West O'Brien in the west through the O'Brien Mine to East O'Brien in long section and plan view, with current Mineral Resources. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Drilling Context: O'Brien Mineral Resources, Cut-offs and Future Mineral Resources The 2023 NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the O'Brien Gold Project ("Technical Report on the O'Brien Project, Northwestern Québec, Canada" effective March 2, 2023) comprises 0.50 million ounces of Indicated Mineral Resources (1.52 million tonnes at 10.26 g/t Au), and 0.45 million ounces of Inferred Mineral Resources (1.60 million tonnes at 8.66 g/t Au). This estimate utilizes a 4.5 g/t Au bottom cut-off, at US$1,600 per oz Au with a C$:US$ exchange of 1.25, and 85% metallurgical recovery, amongst other assumptions. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Historic production at the O'Brien Mine between 1926 and 1957 is estimated at 0.59 million ounces from 1.2 million tonnes at 15.25 g/t Au. Figure 2: Pilot hole and wedge clusters in the O'Brien Mine and East O'Brien Areas in the west to and Trend #3 in East O'Brien. Illustrates logged instances of visible gold in both published drill holes and completed drill holes with assays pending. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In Radisson's view, both the 2023 MRE and the historic mining represent "high-graded" estimates of actual gold content in their respective volumes. In the March 2023 Technical Report for the MRE, sensitivity estimates based on alternate cut-off grades were presented. Using a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off, the Indicated Mineral Resources sensitivity was 0.58 million ounces (2.12 million tonnes at 8.46 g/t Au) and the Inferred Mineral Resource sensitivity was 0.68 million ounces (3.67 million tonnes at 5.79 g/t Au), increases of 15% and 53% respectively in contained ounces over the MRE at a 4.5 g/t Au cut-off grade. Radisson believes that the O'Brien Project should be evaluated on the basis of a lower cut-off grade, yielding more ounces in more tonnes with greater continuity at lower average grades. Radisson's disclosure of drill results since 2024 has been based on an assumed cut-off grade of 3 g/t Au for intercepts with mineral resource potential, and Figures 1 and 2 graphically illustrate the MRE at multiple cut-offs including 3 g/t Au. With this view, and given the recent successful drilling below the current MRE and the historic mine, Radisson believes the exploration potential of the Project is between 3 and 4 million ounces should the current density of gold mineralization, in ounces per vertical metre, continue to a nominal exploration horizon of 2,000 metres depth. By the end of the current program, Radisson will have completed an additional 80,000-90,000 metres of new drilling since the publication of the 2023 MRE. At this time the Company will assess the completion of an updated Mineral Resource estimate. To this end, current and future drilling will be designed to attain a drill-hole density appropriate, at a minimum, to an Inferred Mineral Resource. Drilling Approach: Deep Pilot Hole + Wedge Drilling in O'Brien's Core Area Radisson's deep drilling program employs a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy that leverages both wedge and directional drilling to generate multiple branches intersecting the prospective Piché Group formation. A full-time directional drilling team is integrated with contract drillers, enhancing precision in targeting and increasing operational flexibility. Drill-hole trajectories are monitored daily to ensure accurate deviation and allow for real-time adjustments. This system provides significant optionality for subsequent branches, enabling Radisson to adapt targets without compromising the integrity of the pilot hole for future exploration. The O'Brien project has long been known for its occurrence of coarse gold. To address the challenges this presents in sample representativity, where for example, conventional fire assay may under-report grade by missing so-called "nuggets", Radisson has implemented a screen metallics assay method in intervals containing or proximal to visible gold. As part of ongoing efforts to improve assay reliability and scalability, the Company will soon begin testing PhotonAssay technology. This next-generation technique offers a more advanced and comprehensive solution to the coarse gold challenge by enabling rapid, non-destructive analysis of larger sample volumes. Qualified Person Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Richard Nieminen, (QC), a geological consultant for Radisson and a Qualified Person for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Nieminen is independent of Radisson and the O'Brien Gold Project. About Radisson Mining Radisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned O'Brien Gold Project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Québec. The Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp has produced over 25 million ounces of gold over the last 100 years. The Project hosts the former O'Brien Mine, considered to have been Québec's highest-grade gold producer during its production. Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.50 million ounces (1.52 million tonnes at 10.26 g/t Au), with additional Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 0.45 million ounces (1.60 million tonnes at 8.66 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 "Technical Report on the O'Brien Project, Northwestern Québec, Canada" effective March 2, 2023 and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at for further details and assumptions relating to the O'Brien Gold Project. For more information on Radisson, visit our website at or contact: Matt MansonPresident and CEO416.618.5885mmanson@ Kristina PillonManager, Investor Relations604.908.1695kpillon@ Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the closing of the Offering, the planned and ongoing drilling, the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the ability to incorporate new drilling in an updated technical report and resource modelling, the Company's ability to grow the O'Brien project and the ability to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements Forward-looking information is based on estimates of management of the Company, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the drill results at O'Brien; the significance of drill results; the ability of drill results to accurately predict mineralization; the ability of any material to be mined in a matter that is economic. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company believes that this forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Inside Radisson's 'Welcome India' Program, Expansion Plans, and Marketing Strategy
Radisson now has 200 properties in its India portfolio and is optimistic about having 500 operating hotels in the next 5-7 years. But a strong marketing strategy is amiss as it relies on word of mouth and loyalty. The Radisson Hotel Group is working on a program that aims to prepare its properties across the world for Indian travelers. The program, called Welcome India, is currently in the works, Nikhil Sharma, managing director and chief operating officer for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group told Skift. 'We want our hotels globally to be ready for Indians because Indian travelers have their nuances like vegetarian food or multi-generational travelers,' he said. He added that India is among a handful of countries that have multi-generational travelers, with all of them having different needs. 'Indian travelers traveling with families want rooms next to each other, for example. These are very small quirks and nuances.' This is also true for destination Indian weddings, he said, where some hotels might not understand or have knowledge of the rituals that are a part of the ceremony. He shared that the company is currently working on the blueprint. 'We will probably launch it in 2026 or 2027,' he said, adding that it will first be implemented in nearby countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, before expanding to Europe and Americas. 'The whole point is to make a playbook and ensure that Indians feel as at home in a Radisson anywhere in the world as they do in India.' 200 Hotels in India Radisson's portfolio in India has expanded to 200 operational and developing properties. The chain has been present in the country for 26 years. According to Sharma, Indians relate to Radisson as an Indian brand. 'As an international brand, we are very local and nationalistic in our approach. We continue to grow because more than 50% of our portfolio is in smaller cities.' He said that over the next 5-7 years, India could go from 185,000 branded hotel rooms to 1 million operating rooms. 'I truly believe that during this time, Radisson could easily reach 500 operating hotels,' he said. According to Sharma, smaller cities and spiritual destinations are the drivers of growth in the country. 'If we want India to develop, the growth has to be beyond the top 10 cities. That is where we have been focused. We opened hotels in locations such as Karjat and Yavatmal which did not have tourists coming in,' he said. While India has a large number of unbranded hotels, he said many are using a soft brand approach in which independent hotels collaborate with larger hospitality chains for sales and operational support while retaining their own unique name and identity. For example, Radisson has two soft brands - Radisson Individuals and Radisson Individual Retreats. According to Sharma, unbranded hotels are also not always able to get a Radisson brand because they do not meet the requirements due to lack of resources. 'In the future, you will see more unbranded hotels transitioning into branded ones in the midscale, upscale, and upper-upscale segments,' he added. Competition Intense, Marketing Missing Competition is intensifying in India as the brands present in India are increasing their inventory and more brands are entering. He said that Radisson is counting on word of mouth and loyalty to help distinguish itself among an increasingly discerning customer base. 'Loyalty is a core part of our system. We have 2.2 million Indians enrolled in our Radisson Rewards program, and last year, we saw almost 15% of them re-booking with us within a 3 to 6-month period. So repeat bookings are a huge pull.' To further attract Indian audiences, Radisson is upping its experience. Radisson is one of the sponsors for Bangalore football club. 'We want to be associated with more youthful upcoming sports,' he said. The company has also launched a new program called Literary Escapes for travelers who like to read. 'We intend to have book reading clubs in some of our hotels and partner with authors to continue the culture of book reading,' he explained. Initiatives like these will be brand differentiators to some extent, Sharma shared. It is also promoting its 'Art of Weddings' program designed to help couples plan and customize their weddings at Radisson properties as Indian weddings become more extravagant. 'It is not that we weren't having weddings in Radisson, but we were not showcasing it.'
