Exclusive: how Radisson Hotel Group is leveraging technology to drive growth in Australasia

Radisson Hotel Group Director, Development – Australasia, Danilo Curcuruto, discusses market challenges, opportunities and strategies for growth.

What is Radisson Hotel Group’s approach to expanding its presence in Australasia?

Australasia offers Radisson Hotel Group a unique opportunity to grow from our existing strategically located properties, Radisson Blu Sydney, Radisson Blu Denarau Island Fiji, Radisson Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne, and Grand Papua a member of Radisson Individuals Port Moresby. Our strategy is centered on performance and driven by a tailored and supportive approach with our owners. We focus on sustainable growth that maximises value and ROI for our partners. Each step is strategic, leveraging our exclusive channels to ensure tangible benefits for our owners. Our approach is strengthened by Radisson’s transformation over the past few years, marked by the successful execution of our 5-Year Plan (5YP) and a €250 million investment in assets. This transformation has fortified our superior revenue management and IT systems, giving us a unique competitive edge. We have also developed a clear brand architecture, offering powerful and differentiated products and experiences that remain relevant across global markets. Our strong and efficient organizational structure supports this growth with clear support function models that empower our partners. Since the launch of our 5YP, we’ve grown the business by nearly 50%, a testament to the effectiveness of our strategy and the trust we’ve built with our owners. This combination of performance, innovation, and support makes our expansion in Australasia strategic and poised for long-term success.

How does Radisson’s loyalty program contribute to its growth strategy in Australasia?

Radisson Rewards is a significant asset, boasting 170 million members in key feeder markets for Australia, including China, India, and Europe. The appeal of the Australasian region makes it an attractive destination for redeeming loyalty points, which translates into significant booking opportunities for our owners. This gives us a competitive edge and drives more revenue for our properties. The program also aims to be the most personalised in the industry. It offers choices based on guest preferences and previous requests, utilising technology to enhance the guest experience.

What opportunities do you see with the new generation of developers and hotel owners in Australasia?

They are looking for something different; brands that are fresh, innovative, and aligned with their vision. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Radisson, as our unique portfolio of brands can make a meaningful impact in the market. By offering brands that resonate with the modern developer’s needs, we can help them create hotels that stand out and succeed. Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio offers a brand for every moment, ensuring consistency across the globe through our signature “Yes I Can!” service ethos and the overarching promise that “Every Moment Matters.” Each brand under the Radisson umbrella, from Radisson Blu to art’otel, maintains a consistent global standard of quality, service, and design while allowing for local adaptations.

Can you elaborate on the different types of agreements Radisson Hotel Group offers to meet the needs of hotel owners?

We understand that every owner has different needs. That’s why we offer a range of agreements, from leases and Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) to franchising and combinations thereof. This flexibility allows us to tailor our partnerships to support our owners best, ensuring they can achieve their goals while benefiting from Radisson’s expertise and resources.

How does Radisson Hotel Group ensure high performance and cost control for its owners?

We pride ourselves on being a performance-driven organisation. Our focus extends beyond just revenue generation. Through our advanced systems, like the Club and Reservations systems, we aim to maximise revenue while maintaining strict cost control, ensuring optimal financial performance for our owners. Starting next year, these systems will be implemented in new properties joining Radisson Hotel Group in this market. Owners will also have access to our comprehensive support in revenue management, sales, and marketing, enabling them to thrive in every aspect of their business—from driving bookings to efficiently managing operations. Another exciting innovation is Green Housekeeping, enabled by EMMA and the Radisson Operations App. This initiative allows guests staying multiple nights to opt out of daily housekeeping, contributing to a more sustainable stay while enhancing operational efficiency. For the guest-facing experience, we have developed a strategic localization roadmap to cater to key business markets. Our website and app are accessible in nearly 30 languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Hindi. The recent revamp of our Radisson Rewards loyalty program has significantly enhanced the digital experience, from discovery and booking to staying at our hotels. With over 1.3 million downloads annually, our Radisson Hotels App has become a leader in direct booking, and Google highlights its user-friendly interface as best-in-class. We also prioritise personalisation, offering tailored content across more than 60 markets, which has significantly increased conversion rates and engagement.

What are some of the recent developments for the Group in Australasia, and how do you plan to overcome the challenges in this market

We’re experiencing significant growth in the region, with recent deals signed in Fiji, (Radisson Blu Naisoso Island) New Zealand (Radisson RED Auckland) and Australia (Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton) along with several other projects in the pipeline. These new additions will bolster our presence in these key destinations and allow us to showcase the Radisson brand’s strengths in market. Our approach is focused on delivering exceptional value to our owners by offering tailored solutions that not only maximise profitability but also enhance operational efficiency. We are committed to leveraging our global expertise to reignite growth in Australasia while ensuring our owners benefit from our expansive support network. In highly competitive markets like Australia and New Zealand, we aim to help our partners fully leverage and maximise the capabilities of the Radisson brands by strategically expanding without saturating opportunities in key destinations. This ensures that each project receives the attention and resources needed to thrive. The Club by RHG is a unique platform that will play a pivotal role in this support. It’s more than just a revenue tool; it’s a global community where commercial strategies converge. Beyond revenue, The Club now integrates expertise in Sales, Meetings & Events, and cutting-edge web strategies. This innovative platform provides hotels with 360° commercial support, empowering owners with new business opportunities and solutions that deliver measurable results. By joining The Club, new properties will be part of a dynamic network that embraces innovation, commercial excellence, and strategic growth—together redefining success.

How are you investing in technology to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency?

Digital innovation is a critical component of our strategy to improve guest experience and operational efficiency. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are enhancing customer engagement, boosting bookings, and leading the way in the digital transformation of the hospitality industry. One of our key initiatives is the Radisson Operations App, this digital collaboration platform streamlines workflows between team members, digitalises administrative tasks across hotels, and ensures consistency in operations throughout all our properties. Additionally, we’ve implemented Smart Hotel Operations (SHO), which leverages AI technology to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for staff to focus on guest-centric activities. Another exciting innovation is Green Housekeeping, enabled by EMMA and the Radisson Operations App. This initiative allows guests staying multiple nights to opt out of daily housekeeping, contributing to a more sustainable stay while enhancing operational efficiency. For the guest-facing experience, we have developed a strategic localization roadmap to cater to key business markets. Our website and app are accessible in nearly 30 languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Hindi. The recent revamp of our Radisson Rewards loyalty program has significantly enhanced the digital experience, from discovery and booking to staying at our hotels. With over 1.3 million downloads annually, our Radisson Hotels App has become a leader in direct booking, and Google highlights its user-friendly interface as best-in-class. We also prioritise personalisation, offering tailored content across more than 60 markets, which has significantly increased conversion rates and engagement.