Radisson Hotels to introduce Spanish cuisine in India

Radisson Hotel Group has signed an exclusive master franchise agreement (MFA) with Tapas Club, a Singapore-based food and drink (F&D) brand, to roll out a series of stylish Spanish restaurants across its extensive portfolio of hotels in India. 

Under the new deal, Radisson Hotel Group will have exclusive use of the Tapas Club name in India, allowing it to introduce premium Spanish cuisine to its guests, who are always on the lookout for new experiences. These lively restaurants will also attract local residents and non-resident guests to dine at Radisson Hotel Group’s hotels. 

“Tapas Club is an excellent strategic fit for our business in India, where F&D trends point to the rising popularity of innovative cuisine. We are excited to introduce a new era of dynamic Spanish dining, tailored to Indian palates, to our hotels across the country. We aim to become flagbearers of Spanish cuisine in India,” Katerina Giannouka, president, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, said.

The company plans to open more than 10 restaurants in the next four years and will deploy top chefs trained in Spanish cuisine across its Indian hotels and resorts.

Tapas Club was conceived to bring contemporary Spanish cuisine to the Asian market. Already present in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, its restaurants specialize in authentic dishes that embrace the vibrant colors and flavors of the Iberian Peninsula. This makes it the perfect addition to the Indian F&D market, where diners – especially millennials – are increasingly seeking fresh and unique culinary adventures. According to a study by Deloitte, millennials now account for 34% of India’s population and spend almost a third of their disposable income on entertainment and eating out. 

“We are delighted to bring Tapas Club to India and look forward to adding value to our esteemed guests and partners. F&D is an important area for our business in India and we are exploring strategic tie-ups with other leading, high-quality culinary brands to further uplift our presence in this sphere,” Zubin Saxena, MD and VP, operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said.

Rakesh Sethi, Radisson Hotel Group’s corporate executive chef in India, will work alongside the Tapas Club team to create extraordinary dishes that blend Indian flavours with Iberian flair. The menu will comprise of specialty dishes such as paella, Spanish omelette, croquettes, contemporary tapas and delectable desserts. All dishes will reflect Indian palates, with plenty of vegetarian options.

“It is our privilege to partner with Radisson Hotel Group in India, where the brand has operated for over 20 years and earned a huge brand equity. We are working with experts like chef Sethi, to delve deep into India's rich culinary culture and develop new dishes that will delight foodies all over the country,” Jose Alonso, executive chef, Tapas Club, said.

Radisson Hotel Group now operates 94 hotels in India and this strategic partnership with Tapas Club is the latest in a series of moves to enhance the group's F&D offerings in India, the company added.

Sarovar opens Dasavatara-themed hotel in Tirupati

The hotel is conceptualized and designed around the Dasavataras of Lord Vishnu. The property has 121 rooms and suites, according to a statement from the company. 

"Tirupati is one of India's most visited pilgrimage centres. The existing demand-supply gap in this temple town offers a huge opportunity for hospitality brands. Every brand which was earlier in the luxury segment now wants to have a piece of the business here. We believe that Tirupati Yatra is no longer about an arduous journey to meet Lord Venkateshwara, it is nirvana luxe," Anil Madhok, managing director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, said. 

"Marasa Sarovar Premiere Tirupati is India's first theme hotel inspired by the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It aims at providing luxurious and affordable accommodation. The newly completed hotel ensures that a visit to Tirupati no longer entails compromising on personal comfort. Till date many visitors to the temple and otherwise opted on a day trip to Tirupati due to the limited choice and quality of existing accommodation. This is no longer the case with the opening of the Marasa Sarovar Premiere as the hotel sets the standards in not only accommodation but also offers choices of dining options, spa, health club, swimming pool," Yogesh Prajapati, director, Finance, Marasa Hospitality and owner of the hotel, said. 

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is a hotel management company which manages and franchises over 70 operational hotels in 48 destinations in India and overseas, under Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, Radisson, Park Plaza and Park Inn brands. The brands cover the 3, 4 and 5 star spectrum. 

The Madhvani Group, which was also part of the project, is a private sector conglomerate in East Africa. It owns a portfolio of business interests in several countries particularly in East Africa and India.