Carlson to Add 50 Properties in India by 2011

Carlson Hotels has confirmed that it plans to add more than 50 properties, or over 6000 rooms, to its India portfolio by 2011. The rooms will be spread across four Carlson brands – Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. The India expansion is part of the group’s strategy to double its regional presence in Asia Pacific over the next four years.

This year alone, Carlson Hotels Worldwide has ambitious plans to open several hotels in major gateway cities in India including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kolkata and Bangalore.

“Carlson is currently the largest international hotel operator in India. We are looking to leverage on this leadership position by growing our managed properties portfolio in the long-term through strategic partnerships,” said K.B Kachru, Executive Vice President - South-Asia, Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

“India represents about 70% of our hotels currently under development across the region and will remain our core growth market along with China, Thailand and the South Pacific. Our brands have also gained strong visibility in India through a number of high-profile award-wins and resonate well with investors.”

India was the first regional market where Carlson launched its Park Inn brand. There are currently two Park Inn properties in operation, with another five Park Inn properties under development - Park Inn Gurgaon, Park Inn Ludhiana, Park Inn & Suites Bangalore, Park Inn Jaipur Jai Singh Highway and Park Inn Delhi CBD Shahdara. The group also plans to bring its luxury Regent brand to the country over the next two years.

“Although we are currently experiencing challenging economic conditions, in the long-term, a growing number of Indians are expected to enjoy unprecedented levels of affluence. It is therefore important that our acclaimed luxury brand Regent, is represented in this fast-growing market,” added Kachru.

There are currently nine Regent hotels under development worldwide, of which five are in Asia Pacific. The focus will be to continue to grow in key gateway cities and major resort locations in the region that align with the strategic plans of the brand.

Overall, Carlson Hotels Worldwide has about 12,000 rooms under development across the region, including India.

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