Carlson Asia Pacific marks 5th anniversary with aggressive expansion plans

Announces signing of Radisson Resort & Spa Krabi

EH Staff - Singapore

Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific marks its fifth anniversary this month. With key projects open or under development in fast growing markets around the region, including China, India and Thailand, Carlson Hotels Worldwide Asia Pacific is on track to achieve its goal of over 100 properties in 2009.

The company operates the five brands of Carlson Hotels Worldwide: Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn. It is currently present in 53 locations in 11 countries with an additional 40 hotels under development. The company will open five new hotels in the region by the end of the year, from its Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and Country Inn & Suites By Carlson brands. Four of the new properties will be in India, including the new Radisson Resort & Spa Alibaug in Maharashta, the Radisson Hotel Manohar Hyderabad, the Park Plaza Delhi NH8, and the Country Inn & Suites Goa. The Park Plaza brand is also being introduced to Thailand, with the debut of the Park Plaza Sukhumvit in Bangkok, which will open by November 2007.

Paul Kirwin, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide Asia Pacific and president of Carlson Asia Pacific, noted that there are a number of factors driving the company's growth in Asia. "We are seeing a tremendous surge in arrivals and domestic travel in China and tourist demand in this market is likely to be double the global growth rate, particularly with global events such as the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai's World Expo in 2010,"he said.

Similarly, India's hospitality industry is also undergoing significant expansion, with demand for quality accommodation outstripping supply. Much of this burgeoning demand is domestic, with more than 390 million Indians travelling during 2005, including business travel, visiting family and friends, and pilgrimages. Inbound traffic predominantly originates from the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, South East Asia and the United States.

The group is also strengthening its senior management team in the Asia Pacific, with the appointment of Martin Rinck as the incoming president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific. Rinck, who had led business development at the Rezidor Hotel Group for the past four years, has assumed this position from Kirwin, who continues as president of the overall Carlson organisation in Asia Pacific.