Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Franchise News

Al Faisal Holding's Artic Subsidiary Enters Strategic Partnership With Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group And Magellan Development Group To Acquire The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
May 15, 2012 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Magellan Development Group together have entered into a strategic partnership with Seldar Holdings, the North American investment and business development arm of Al Rayyan Tourism and Investment (”ARTIC”). This partnership will own the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, which opened on November 1, 2011.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will retain the long-term management contract for the hotel. As a result, the new ownership structure will not affect hotel operations or the guest experience in any way...

Hubert Joly, President And Chief Executive Officer Of Carlson, Issued The Following Statement
Minneapolis | May 11, 2012 - “President Obama and the Administration gave a tremendous boost to the Travel and Tourism Industry on May 10 by releasing an ambitious National Travel and Tourism Strategy. The strategy, developed by Secretary of Commerce John Bryson and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, lays out bold goals and a set of actions that have the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs here in the U.S.
One of the main goals of the strategy is to increase the number of international visitors to the U.S. by 50 percent by 2021 to 100 million, a number that would generate USD250 billion in annual spend, with the related impact on jobs and exports...

April 27, 2012 // Franchising.com // Brussels  - The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is the exclusive hotel partner of SAS Credits, the corporate loyalty programme of SAS for Small and Medium Enterprises. The partnership agreement was signed in Stockholm by Kurt Ritter, president and chief executive officer of Rezidor, and Rickard Gustafson, chief executive officer of SAS.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) can earn valuable Credits when their employees fly with SAS and selected Star Alliance affiliated airlines, and stay at Radisson Blu- or Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Europe and the Middle East*. These Credits can be redeemed for free flights or Rezidor e-Gift Cards. An attractive added value: Not only does the business earn points, the individual travellers can also earn points for themselves when they present their personal loyalty membership card...

April 26, 2012 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Harry Gorstayn as general manager of the Radisson Blu Mall of America. Gorstayn assumes his new role April 23. The upper upscale Radisson Blu Mall of America is scheduled to open spring 2013 and is the second Radisson Blu in North America. The addition of a second Radisson Blu hotel in North America represents continued momentum in the Ambition 2015 growth strategy and is aligned with plans to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and globally consistent brand in key cities, resorts and airports.
“Harry has a strong hotel management background with 30 years of solid industry experience and has been actively involved in the communities he has served,” says Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas, and executive vice president of owned and managed hotels, Americas...

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town has announced that all 108 of its Standard rooms are to recieve make overs.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, April 21, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town is delighted to announce that it will be refurbishing all 108 of its Standard rooms.
All Standard rooms will be receiving a make-over that will result in them having newly designed bathrooms and new bedroom furnishings. With pure, clean lines brought from a Scandinavian Minimalistic background, all the furnishings will present a definite look of effortless sophistication.
The Radisson Blu hotel Cape Town takes pride in providing a stay for guests that is both relaxing and outstanding. This includes having rooms that are sophisticated, yet simple and peaceful, that provide an environment that contributes to a relaxing and well-rested stay for guests...

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice has revealed its new lunch menu and announced additional services and features available to guests.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, April 19, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice has revealed its new lunch menu at its "La Terrasse" on-site restaurant. The menu offers a large selection of salads, sandwiches, cold soup, desserts with fruits and makes use of the restaurant's Italian ice-making machine.
The new menu was created by Olivier Garrivier who took the position of Head Chef at "La Terrasse" on the 1st of April. For him, it's important to make the best Mediterranean food to satisfy guests at the hotel in Nice.
He said: "We are very pleased with the new menu, which is made with the best fresh ingredients in the district...

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia, the company's third property in the Turkish capital.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY, April 18, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Carlson Rezidor has announced the the opening of the new Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia.
The dynamic Turkish capital is a global mega city on a unique site straddling two continents and Carlson Rezidor's latest opening is its third hotel in this beautiful, fast growing metropolis.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia is ideally located in upscale Atasehir, a bustling, modern residential and high-rise business area. A short distance from the two major airports and only 13 kilometres from Taksim, the hotel is not only perfectly situated for business travellers but it's also great for guests on holiday...

Corpus Christi, Tex. | Apr. 3, 2012 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM in Southeastern Texas. The opening of Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Corpus Christi, Texas, marks the brand’s growth in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 strategy.
“The brand has established a strong footprint in Texas with 21 Country Inns & Suites locations,” said Scott Meyer, vice president, Midscale Brands, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas. “The continued growth in this region is another step forward in our plan to expand the brand by an additional 250 hotels globally by 2015, primarily in the U...

March 30, 2012 // Franchising.com // Brussels - More than 120 Radisson Blu- and Park Inn by Radisson hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa participate in Earth Hour 2012: This coming Saturday at 8:30 pm they turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances in order to raise awareness for the need to take action against climate change.
Earth Hour is an environmental initiative organized by WWF (World Wildlife Fund). It started in 2007 in Sydney, and soon became a global event. In 2012, households, businesses and governments in more than 5,200 cities in 135 countries worldwide will participate in Earth Hour.
Rezidor hotels take the opportunity to engage guests, employees and business partners during Earth Hour and arrange special events in the dark...

March 28, 2012 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis and Brussels  - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the kick off of World Cleanup 2012, a campaign which aims to cleanup illegal stray garbage and raise people’s awareness. With more than 100 countries participating, World Cleanup 2012 officially began on March 24, and will sweep the globe until September 25. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is the only global partner of World Cleanup 2012 within the hospitality industry.
“Doing business in a responsible and sustainable way is of highest importance to our group,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Americas. “We have asked our hotels in the Americas to join together in September and do cleanups in their communities, such as participating in a coastline cleanup or assisting in communities recently devastated by tornadoes...

March 12, 2012 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Rob Smith as general manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Minneapolis. Smith, who assumes his new role April 9, was most recently general manager of the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.
“Rob’s extensive experience leading upscale, full-service hotels and resorts will be an advantage in managing this important company-owned and managed Radisson hotel,” said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas, and executive vice president of owned and managed hotels, Americas. “He has overseen several key projects, including spearheading a USD 30 million renovation of the Radisson Aruba Resort, while simultaneously improving customer and employee satisfaction...

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed two new prominent figures, who will oversee the running of two of Dubai's most prominent hotels.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, March 08, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group - one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide - has appointed Khazza Khamis as General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown and Rob Collier as General Manager of the Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina.
Kazzaz, a Jordanian national, has 20 years' worth of experience in the hospitality industry. He started his career as a restaurant manager in Canada, before moving back to the Middle East to work as Business Development Manager for the Hyatt Regency in Dubai.
In 2001, Kazzaz joined Rezidor as Director of Sales at the Middle East Regional Office in Dubai, where he was involved in several new openings and conversions whilst at the same time playing a pivotal role in developing the Radisson SAS brand...

March 05, 2012 // Franchising.com // Singapore - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre in India. This is the second Radisson Blu hotel to be established in Chennai, also known as the 'Gateway to South India'. The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre marks Carlson Rezidor’s 51st hotel in India.
“We achieved unprecedented growth across Asia Pacific in 2011 and we are building upon this momentum in 2012 to establish a stronger presence across Asia Pacific,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre, together with another 13 scheduled openings in India will bring our India portfolio to 64 operating hotels by year end...

February 22, 2012 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the winner of its 2011 Global Hotel of the Year Award, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam. The hotel was selected from the group’s global portfolio of more than 1,300 hotels and honored at the company’s global hotel business conference last week in Nassau, Bahamas. The hotel was recognized for its outstanding performance in terms of employee engagement, guest satisfaction, revenue generation and economic performance.
“This hotel has truly raised the bar on achieving operations and service excellence and helped move us closer to fulfilling our strategy of having segment-leading global brands,” said Kurt Ritter, president and chief executive officer, The Rezidor Hotel Group...

February 22, 2012 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS and STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced that Kareem Cole, a guest services agent at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Stone Mountain, Ga. was selected as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s 2011 Global Employee of the Year from more than 80,000 employees. The announcement was made at the company’s global hotel business conference last week in Nassau, Bahamas.
Cole was recognized for his outstanding guest service performance that is synonymous with the Country Inns & Suites Be Our Guest employee service training program. His selection topped nominations across the group’s global portfolio, including the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific...

February 17, 2012 // Franchising.com // NASSAU, Bahamas - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, and Edwardian Group Limited, announced they will rebrand all Radisson Edwardian Hotels, a portfolio of 13 hotels in the United Kingdom and Manchester, to the Radisson Blu brand by the second half of the year.
“This expansion in the U.K. is a major milestone for the growth of Radisson Blu,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. “With this strategic move, we will now have 13 additional Radisson Blu hotels in the London market, one of the world’s most important markets. We are grateful to the Edwardian Hotels Group for their long standing partnership and look forward to continuing to build our relationship...

February 16, 2012 // Franchising.com // NASSAU, Bahamas – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today reported that it has achieved major milestones in the implementation of its Ambition 2015 strategy, especially as it relates to the rejuvenation and growth of its core Radisson® brand, the growth of its Club CarlsonSM loyalty program to eight million members, and the growth of its global portfolio to more than 1,300 hotels. The announcement was made at the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Global Business Conference taking place this week in Nassau, Bahamas.
“Two years after launching our Ambition 2015 strategy, our team is well on its way toward achieving our key objectives,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson...

Minneapolis - February 6, 2012 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel companies, today announced the appointment of David McMillan as area vice president, Canada, Americas. McMillan, a global hospitality industry veteran, is based in Toronto, Ontario, and begins his new role today. McMillan will have full operational responsibility for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group business in Canada.
He will report directly to Thorsten Kirschke, president, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
“David is the ideal person to lead our Canadian business,” said Kirschke. “He is widely known and highly regarded in the Canadian hotel industry, and brings a wealth of diverse, global hospitality experience...

Minneapolis - February 9, 2012 - Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel companies, today announced the appointment of Scott Deibert as vice president of Strategic Sourcing, Americas. Deibert, a veteran procurement expert, will begin his new role Feb. 13. In his new role, Deibert will focus on providing overall strategic leadership for sourcing and procurement for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in the Americas.
He will report to Suzy Riesterer, executive vice president, Finance and Administration, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
“Scott is the ideal person for the role,” said Riesterer. “He will help identify and implement cost-effective and innovative approaches to sourcing and purchasing decisions...

Carlson Hotels and Rezidor to go to market and do business as the “Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group”
January 18, 2012 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS and BRUSSELS – Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, and The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, today announced that they have established the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. While the legal status and ownership structure of Carlson and Rezidor remain the same, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will pursue the global alignment and management of its brands, the ambitious development of its revenue generation engines, global purchasing opportunities, and people development on a global basis. Commercial activities will be conducted under the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group name, irrespective of geographies...