The international hotel group held its annual business conference in Chicago recently, and at the event announced that it plans to open 77 new hotels in 2013. Those plans are part of the group’s ‘Ambition 2015’ growth strategy. Carlson Rezidor’s global portfolio currently stands at 1,305 hotels, both in operation and under development.
This year’s openings are set to add 13,000 rooms to the group’s operational inventory. Carlson Rezidor’s growth in 2013 will mainly be driven by three brands: Park Inn by Radisson (23 openings in 2013), Radisson Blu (20) and Country Inns & Suites (20). This follows a similar pattern to 2012, when the Radisson Blu and Park Inn brands both added 21 hotels, and Country Inns & Suites added 16.
The midscale Country Inns & Suites brand, which is mainly found in the US and India, will also embark on a major revamp this year, encompassing the brand’s identity, hotel architecture and interiors. Asia Pacific is a key region for Carlson Rezidor’s development. The company increased its regional portfolio by 17% last year, and now operates 13,400 rooms in Asia Pacific. And with almost 13,900 more rooms in the pipeline, Carlson Rezidor’s total Asian hotel inventory is set to more than double in the coming years.