Carlson Rezidor Enjoys Strong Growth in 2014

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group enjoyed solid growth in 2014, with 57 openings, 84 signings and system wide revenues of US$7.8 billion, a 4% increase over 2013.

“It was an exciting and successful year with tremendous growth, development momentum, revenue increases and the launch of two new brands,” said David P. Berg, chief operating officer, Carlson. “Together with our partners we are growing and strengthening our portfolio and our 2014 results are evidence of that.”

The number of rooms the group opened in 2014 increased 16% compared to 2013 and 64% of new rooms opened were located in developing countries, a key focus for the company.

The group’s global pipeline remains strong with 271 hotels under development and continues to hold the largest pipeline in Africa, India, Russia and Turkey.

In 2014, Carlson Rezidor expanded into new territories with hotels opening in Trinidad and Tobago, Sierra Leone, Gabon, and Serbia. The group also signed its first hotels in the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Moldova and Uganda.

The group launched two new brands in 2014. Quorvus Collection, catering to the luxury segment and announced its first members: G & V Royal Mile Edinburgh, The Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait and The May Fair Hotel London.

Radisson Red marked the group’s entrance into the lifestyle select category. The first hotel under this brand will open in Shenyang Hunnan, China, in 2016.

The company’s iconic Radisson brand is in the final stages of a brand-wide renovation of its more than 150 hotels. The brand is on track to have the entire portfolio completed during the first part of 2015. Together with its franchise partners, Carlson has invested more than US$600 million over the past five years into refreshing the Radisson portfolio. As a result, Radisson has moved up four spots on J.D. Power and Associates ranking of full service hotels, making it the most improved hotel chain in its category.

In 2014, Park Plaza opened two new hotels, Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin in Istria, Croatia and Park Plaza Zirakpur in India. The group also opened 11 Park Inn by Radisson locations and its first dual branded hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Oslo Alna and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Olso Alna, Norway.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with top 10 world ranked PGA Tour professional, Zach Johnson and opened 12 hotels in the U.S. and three hotels in India. Over 30% of Country Inns & Suites more than 470 locations are currently under active renovation to the brand’s newest design.