New Delhi: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel near Delhi Airport became the city’s latest cultural hotspot on September 30, when Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) hosted the fifth edition of its signature initiative, “Literary Escapes”, in collaboration with Simon & Schuster India. The event featured acclaimed author and historian Dr Rakshanda Jalil, celebrated for works including Liking Progress, Loving Change, A Rebel and Her Cause, and Invisible City.
The initiative, now in its fifth year, transforms select Radisson properties into creative hubs where literature, culture, and tourism intersect. Guests experienced curated book lounges, pop-up libraries, panel discussions, and themed literary activities, offering a blend of storytelling and travel experiences under one roof.
Radisson Hotel Group taps into growing ‘bibliotourism’ trend
By integrating culture into hospitality, RHG is tapping into the growing “bibliotourism” trend, which attracts modern travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences alongside luxury stays. Delhi, with its rich literary and historical heritage, provides an ideal backdrop for this fusion of literature and travel.
“At Radisson Hotel Group, hospitality goes beyond accommodation, it is about creating experiences that inspire and connect. Through initiatives like Literary Escapes, we bring together literature, culture, and travel, reinforcing our hotels as vibrant cultural hubs. Bibliotourism is shaping today’s journeys, and we are proud to lead with such immersive storytelling platforms,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
Sanjiv Gupta, Managing Director of Simon & Schuster India, added, “It is a proud moment for us to partner with Radisson Hotel Group. Literary Escapes reflects the importance of books as a bridge to empathy and connection. We are delighted to support an initiative that allows readers to discover Simon & Schuster works in inspiring settings.”
Platform to celebrate writers at key cultural hotspots
Over the years, “Literary Escapes” has brought celebrated writers such as Vikas Swarup, Advaita Kala, Benyamin, and Kasturi Mahanta to destinations including Dharamshala and Delhi. By combining literature and travel, RHG claims to position its properties not just as hotels but as destinations that celebrate culture, creativity, and meaningful engagement.
The Delhi edition demonstrates how the city is increasingly emerging as a hub for cultural tourism, offering visitors opportunities to engage with literature, history, and creative experiences in spaces designed to inspire and connect.