Carlson Hotels Worldwide

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. and HOUSTON, Texas | Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has launched comprehensive new product and service offerings around the concept of “travel empathy.” The announcement was made today at the National Business Travel Association’s (NBTA) annual International Convention and Exposition.

“Empathy means being in the forefront of understanding trends, travelers’ needs and lifestyle changes,” said Thorsten Kirschke, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Carlson Hotels, The Americas. “One of the key priorities of our Ambition 2015 growth strategy is to enhance services for travelers who choose to be our guests.”

The World of Radisson, a series of globally consistent services and amenities, was designed with guests’ unique requirements in mind. Already available at Radisson hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the amenities are being introduced at Radisson hotels in the Americas.

The Business Class Upgrade: Features include free, high-speed Internet access, which was previously introduced and is highly valued by business travelers. Radisson also is providing free breakfast in the hotel restaurant, complimentary newspaper delivered to guest rooms each day, a drink credit, upgraded room amenities, turn-down service, early check-in, plus 1,000 bonus Gold Points® per night.

Grab & Run: This quick, complimentary breakfast is perfect for the business traveler on the go. Now, travelers can simply grab a cup of tea or coffee, along with fresh fruit and energy bars right in the lobby.

3 Hour Express Laundry: This service is quick and simple. Within three hours, items will be returned fresh, clean and pressed. The service is available all day and is the perfect solution for guests who need to look their best on short notice.

“We know that business travel is resuming and corporate travel policies are changing,” said Kirschke. “At the same time, the business traveler is facing greater demands, so our goal is to make them as welcome and comfortable as possible, which is the core of our Yes I Can! service culture.”

These global services have already been rolled out at more than 70 percent of the Radisson hotels in the Americas. Carlson expects to fully implement the services at all Radisson hotels in the Americas by the end of 2010, with more on the way.

Travel empathy is not limited to the Radisson brand in the Carlson portfolio. In support of both the business and leisure traveler, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is launching its new Be Our Guest Breakfast, offering an enhanced and redesigned complimentary breakfast.

Beginning in September, Country Inns & Suites will introduce enhancements rarely found in the midscale segment with a new “Hot & Fresh” rotating menu to its breakfast buffet.

The Be Our Guest Breakfast also responds to guest feedback by offering an extensive array of healthful breakfast options. For guests on the run, a new To Go station also is available.

“Complimentary breakfast is a key driver of guest satisfaction in our market segment,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “To ensure we remain competitive and continue to grow the brand’s preference among consumers, we have enhanced our menu variety, expanded our healthier options and developed an outstanding service design so guests have the highest quality experience.”

About Carlson | Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,075 hotels, including, Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday’s® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 150,000 people.

Sam Macalus
Director, Public Relations, Carlson Hotels
763.212.2477
Radisson Hotel Group