TBM Staff - Mumbai
The DS Group, a diversified conglomerate with ventures in FMCG, real estate, and hospitality, is strengthening its presence in Northeast India. One of its key projects is the Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati, which the group owns and operates under a franchise agreement with Radisson Hotel Group. The hotel has become a significant player in the region’s growing hospitality industry.
Nathan Andrews, a senior DS Group executive, announced a major expansion at the Radisson Blu Hotel, increasing the hotel’s capacity to 275 rooms with the addition of 85 new rooms. The expansion also includes a 10,000 square-foot pillar-less banquet hall to cater to large-scale events. Andrews highlighted the group’s confidence in the growth potential of Assam’s real estate and hospitality sectors.
The DS Group’s strategy reflects a broader focus on post-pandemic recovery in the hospitality industry, which Andrews noted has been strong. He emphasised the sector’s resilience, driven by market optimism and renewed travel demand. According to Andrews, the interconnected growth of tourism and aviation in the Northeast has fueled the hospitality industry’s resurgence, especially in scenic areas like Assam.
Looking ahead, the DS Group plans to explore further expansion opportunities across the Northeast. Andrews also urged the government to align GST rates for hotels with standalone restaurants and grant industry status to hotels, which could provide financial incentives and further support the sector’s growth.
