Radisson RED's Queenstown Bet on a New Era of Lifestyle Tourism

QUEENSTOWN, NZ – February 05, 2026 – Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of the Radisson RED Hotel Queenstown, a design-forward lifestyle hotel slated to open in early 2028. The new-build project, developed in partnership with local developer Redwood Group, marks a significant expansion for the brand in New Zealand and reflects a deeper trend in the evolution of the nation's premier tourism destination.

More than just a new hotel, the 221-room development signals a confident bet on Queenstown's transformation from a pure adventure hub into a sophisticated, multi-faceted destination. As the city's tourism figures rebound to surpass pre-pandemic levels, the market is demonstrating a clear appetite for experience-rich, design-led accommodations that blend high-octane thrills with high-style comfort.

The Evolution of an Adventure Capital

Queenstown's reputation as a global adventure playground is undisputed, but recent data reveals a market in transition. In 2024, the region welcomed nearly 413,000 international visitors, a 27.4% increase over 2019 figures, with tourism expenditure hitting $2.83 billion in the year ending March 2025. This influx is not just about volume; it's about value. A growing segment of these visitors, both domestic and international, are seeking more than just an adrenaline rush—they are looking for curated lifestyle experiences.

The Radisson RED Queenstown is poised to cater directly to this demographic. The hotel's planned amenities speak to a focus on social connection and modern aesthetics. A lively all-day dining restaurant and a ground-floor bar will serve as social anchors, while a rooftop bar with a large terrace is designed to capture stunning mountain views during the golden hour. The property will also feature four deluxe rooms, five suites, two flexible meeting spaces for creative events, and a modern gym.

This offering aligns with the Radisson RED brand's global identity, which it describes as a "playful twist on the conventional." The brand targets modern travelers who value informal service, vibrant social scenes, and stylish public spaces that switch effortlessly between business and pleasure. Its introduction into Queenstown suggests a strategic move to capture the growing market of travelers who want their accommodation to be as memorable as the destination itself.

Radisson's Tech-Powered Australasian Playbook

The Queenstown signing is a key piece in Radisson Hotel Group's broader strategic vision for Australasia. It follows the upcoming launch of Radisson RED Auckland, establishing a brand presence in New Zealand's two most dynamic tourism markets. This expansion is part of a balanced growth strategy across the Asia Pacific region, which includes the recent opening of Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton and the planned 2027 debut of Radisson Blu Mirage Resort Fiji.

Underpinning this expansion is what the company calls its powerful "commercial engine," a suite of proprietary technology platforms designed to drive revenue and control costs. Lachlan Hoswell, Managing Director for Australasia at Radisson Hotel Group, noted that "Australasia is primed for high‑performing lifestyle hotels," and highlighted the strength of this engine as a key reason owners choose the brand. The group claims that nearly one out of every two bookings is generated by its internal systems.

This engine includes:
* The Club by RHG: A global revenue community that supports over 340 hotels by identifying new business opportunities.
* Pulse by RHG: A live analytics tool that provides performance insights to help teams optimize pricing and guest mix.
* EMMA: A centralized cloud platform that integrates key hotel systems to standardize workflows, reduce waste, and protect profit margins.

By leveraging this integrated tech stack alongside its Radisson Rewards loyalty program, which boasts over 25 million members, the group aims to create a competitive advantage that ensures its new properties, like the one in Queenstown, can achieve stronger profitability in a crowded market.

Local Vision Meets Global Brand

The project is being spearheaded by Redwood Group, a prominent New Zealand developer with a portfolio of over $1 billion in completed projects. The partnership underscores a synergy between local expertise and global brand power. Tony Gapes, owner of Redwood Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

"We're delighted to be partnering with Radisson Hotel Group to bring Radisson RED to Queenstown," Gapes stated in the announcement. "The brand's energy, design-led style, and understated luxury feel perfectly matched to the spirit of the region. This is an exciting project for Queenstown, and we're proud to continue to deliver developments that add long-term value to the region."

The hotel's physical location is a strategic asset. Situated just a seven-minute walk from the town center, it is part of an emerging precinct set to feature new retail, a supermarket, and modern dining concepts. The site offers panoramic views of Coronet Peak, the surrounding ranges, and Lake Wakatipu. Future plans to develop the adjoining recreation reserve into a community park will further enhance the area's appeal for both visitors and residents.

Proximity to key attractions is another advantage. The Coronet Peak ski lift is a fifteen-minute drive away, providing easy access for winter sports, while summer trailheads are equally close. Queenstown Airport, with its direct links to Australia and domestic hubs, is just 16 minutes from the hotel, ensuring a seamless travel experience for international guests.

Thriving in a Competitive Market

Radisson RED will enter a Queenstown hotel market that is both highly competitive and exceptionally strong. The city is home to a host of established luxury and upscale properties, including QT Queenstown and Eichardt's Private Hotel. However, market performance data indicates there is ample room for well-positioned new entrants.

Queenstown's hotel market consistently outperforms the national average, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) recently reported as double the New Zealand standard. Occupancy rates remain robust, climbing to nearly 84% in early 2025. While other major cities like Auckland and Wellington have contended with oversupply, Queenstown's market continues to excel, driven by relentless international and domestic demand.

The Radisson RED brand's distinct positioning as an upper-upscale lifestyle hotel, rather than a traditional luxury one, provides a clear point of differentiation. By focusing on social engagement, playful design, and flexible spaces, it targets a niche that sits between the formality of high-end luxury and the functionalism of standard hotels. This unique proposition, backed by Radisson's formidable operational platform and a strong local developer, positions the Radisson RED Hotel Queenstown to capture a significant share of the region's evolving and increasingly valuable tourism sector when it opens its doors in 2028.