India Poised to Be World’s Top Travel Destination: Radisson Hotel CEO

India has the potential to become the world’s number one travel destination, offering visitors “memories for life,” with a clear, honest, and well-structured plan, said Federico J. Gonzalez, CEO of Radisson Hotel Group and board director, Louvre Hotels Group. Speaking at an event, Gonzalez highlighted the growing global interest in India and stressed that with a focused vision, the country could attract far more international tourists.

“I live in Spain and spend a lot of time in France. These are among the biggest tourist destinations in the world. Every time I visit India, and see all the transformation, I wonder if India can become the next big destination,” said Gonzalez.

“I think of India as a memory for life. You have the places, you have the people and a pace that’s different from the rest of the world. There is a lot of interest in India, and with a well structured plan focusing on decisive investments in marketing and communications, connectivity, destinations, internal infrastructure, people training and sustainability, this vision can be materialised,” he added.

Speaking on embracing change, Gonzalez said Radisson Hotel Group has successfully navigated challenges in India and has built a significant presence through its ability to adapt to different environments over the years.

“We have 1520 hotels and 245,000 rooms in operation and under development globally and 75,000 team members. Under Louvre Hotels Group, we have 1930 hotels and 173,000 rooms in operation and under velopment globally and 75,000 team members. Under Louvre Hotels Group, we have 1930 hotels and 173,000 rooms in operation and under development globally, and 30,000 team members. When we combine these two companies in India, our presence is very meaningful,” he said.

“If I combine hotel brands such as Sarovar under Louvre, and Radisson Hotel Group properties, we are the number two hotel chain in terms of number of hotels in India, and we are the number three chain in terms of number of rooms,” he added.

On running a global business in times of uncertainty, Gonzalez said there are five key levers that are critical for leading changes and transformation at companies.

“Firstly, leaders need to build the ability to change and adapt. The number one reason why CEOs get fired is because they don’t have the ability to change and adapt. And this is because most of them don’t clearly understand the phases their companies are in,” said Gonzalez.

“Secondly, there needs to be a clear plan that includes a diagnosis and a vision. Thirdly, they need to have the ability to secure the right teams and the right culture and to implement that quickly. Fourthly, leaders must have the consumer in mind at all times, and the fifth lever is all about the right leadership,” he added.

Gonzalez said a clear diagnosis of issues a company faces is key to any change it makes.

“The diagnosis needs to be extremely easy to explain. In the hospitality industry, I may be talking to hotel investors, owners, and shareholders, but also to a receptionist. I should be able to explain to them what is happening in the company and what the plan is, in a very simple way,” he added.