The MBD Group, a renowned publishing powerhouse with deep roots in India's education sector, is dramatically expanding its presence in the hospitality industry. After successfully operating the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel in Noida for over two decades, the company is now launching an ambitious nationwide expansion across both luxury and mid-market segments.
From Books to Luxury Suites: MBD's Hospitality Vision
According to Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director of MBD Group, the company's hospitality journey began 22 years ago with the launch of Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, which she describes as a landmark property that redefined luxury standards in the region. The group's expansion strategy now includes forthcoming luxury properties in key leisure destinations including Udaipur and other strategic locations across India.
MBD Steigenberger Hospitality, the group's joint venture with the German luxury brand Steigenberger, represents a significant milestone in their growth strategy. This partnership enables MBD to introduce globally benchmarked European hospitality standards to the Indian market, positioning India as a destination for world-class, European-inspired luxury experiences.
Strategic Expansion Across Market Segments
The group's expansion isn't limited to the luxury segment alone. MBD is simultaneously accelerating the growth of its mid-market brand, MBD Express, supported by an extensive multi-city rollout strategy already in motion. This dual approach allows the company to capture value across different consumer segments in India's rapidly growing hospitality market.
Malhotra explains that the group's diversification into hospitality from its publishing roots was a natural progression. The publishing legacy, which started in 1956 with a bookshop, has always been about enriching lives through knowledge and building enduring trust. The founder, Ashok Kumar Malhotra, championed meaningful diversification into sectors that elevate human experience, with hospitality aligning seamlessly with this vision.
Technology and Sustainability in Modern Hospitality
When discussing technology integration, Malhotra emphasizes that while the group is embracing AI-driven personalization and automated operations to enhance efficiency and guest convenience, she firmly believes that technology can never substitute the human touch that defines true hospitality. Humanism remains at the core of their philosophy, enabling them to empathize, anticipate needs, and create a sense of belonging for every guest.
On sustainability, MBD Group is implementing comprehensive eco-friendly initiatives across all properties. These include converting biodegradable waste into manure, recycling water for horticulture, utilizing indoor plants and sensory lighting to optimize energy consumption, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems. Their upcoming properties in Udaipur and Ranthambhore are being developed with eco-sensitive design frameworks and green-building standards.
The group stands at a pivotal phase of strategic expansion as they prepare to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of their flagship Noida property in November 2025. Their long-term roadmap envisions transformative mixed-use developments that seamlessly integrate hospitality, retail, and experiential environments, creating holistic destinations for the future of Indian tourism and urban development.
