Carlson Reports Stable Performance for 2013

Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, has reported a stable sales performance of US$37.1 billion in 2013 and global growth across its businesses, including strong hotel development momentum in the U.S..

“Last year we celebrated Carlson’s 75th anniversary, and we have many highlights to recognize,” said Trudy Rautio, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. “We have seen development and sales growth in key regions around the globe, critical acclaim for our business units and employees and significant contributions to our communities. As we near the end of our foundational Ambition 2015 strategy, we begin to look ahead toward our new transformational strategy, Vision 20/20.”

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) reported strong performance for its business travel activities in 2013. Key growth of US$1.9 billion was recorded in new business sales, and the company’s specialist business divisions including CWT Energy, Resources & Marine; consulting arm CWT Solutions Group also reported significant growth. Overall sales volume decreased by 2.7% to US$26.9 billion compared to US$27.7 billion1 in 2012, reflecting the continuing variable global economic climate and sequestration efforts in the U.S. that have led to a reduced demand for Military and Government travel.

CWT grew most in the Asia Pacific region, where transactions increased by 4.5% year-on-year, enhanced by operations in China and Japan. CWT’s client satisfaction scores were particularly strong, with a 98% retention rate combined with 91% satisfaction rate from travel managers, as well as an 88% satisfaction rating from travelers themselves.

Last year also saw CWT To Go, CWT’s app, reach 158,000 downloads.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group reported systemwide sales of US$7.5 billion, a 4% increase over 2012. The company announced a strong increase in new hotel signings, versus the previous year, making 2013 the most successful year for development globally since 2008.

Overall signings increased by 43% from 2012, with 66% of new hotel signings and 44% of all new hotel openings in emerging markets in countries including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and Russia. The group continues to expand with openings in new and exciting destinations including Barbados, Grenada, and Zambia.

Radisson announced that its major property improvement, renovation and investment strategy, as well as overall brand positioning for hotels in the U.S. and Canada, is nearing completion with 75% of hotels renovated and the remaining 25% on track for completion by the end of 2014.

Radisson Blu opened the highly anticipated Radisson Blu Mall of America and the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre Sochi, a host hotel of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The business also unveiled the conversion of Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia to the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia and opened Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait and Radisson Blu Hotel, Maputo / Mozambique.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson launched a new brand identity and hotel prototype featuring a modern interior and exterior design. The first location opened in Springfield, Ill., in November.

TGI Fridays now has 933 restaurants in operation globally and reported systemwide sales of US$2.7 billion, which was flat in comparison to 2012.

Worldwide, 39 new restaurants were opened, with continued momentum internationally, specifically in the U.K. and Shanghai. The brand completed 38 restaurant reimages to its U.S. restaurants. The latest prototype features a fresh, contemporary design that elevates the bar experience, making it the center of activity and unleashing the fun and engaging corner bar vibe that retains the brand’s nearly 50-year heritage.

Guest satisfaction scores increased, achieving a record net promoter score in the U.S. throughout 2013. Fridays’ same-store sales also exceeded the U.S. casual dining segment in eight of the twelve months in 2013.

Outlook for 2014 and Transition to Vision 20/20

“Carlson’s outlook for 2014 builds on the momentum established in 2013. We are expecting development and sales growth from all of our businesses,” said Rautio. “Our 2014 activities continue our foundational progress driving us to the goals of Ambition 2015, but they also reflect the shift of our business units to the transformative objectives of Carlson’s Vision 20/20. For Carlson, long-term goals remain the same: to create sustainable businesses, build shareholder wealth and drive growth in our businesses.”