NIGER: Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey Now Open

Radisson Hotel Group opens the Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey – the first and only 5-Star international brand hotel in Niger.

With 189 rooms and suites, eight meeting rooms and a dedicated conference center, the hotel boasts unparalleled views of the city from its city center location near to the Parliament and the Presidential Palace.

Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said: We are delighted to open our first hotel in Niamey, the capital and largest city of the West African country Niger.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey will enhance the local hotel landscape as the country’s first and only five-star internationally branded hotel.

The hotel is a perfect addition to our Radisson Blu portfolio, the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa and our fast-growing African portfolio.”

Designed with modern business and leisure needs in mind, the rooms and suites offer the latest in contemporary design, keeping with local aesthetics for an authentic Nigerien ambience.

The room types range from standard rooms, junior and executive suites to presidential and royal suites.

With over 1,150sqm of space, the conference center is the city’s first and the largest of its kind. Equipped with the latest audiovisual equipment and standards in mind, this spectacular ballroom echoes both the business and social life of the city.

Along with the only conference center in town, the hotel offers another eight meeting rooms – ideal for any type of event hosting up to 2,500 guests.

The hotel offers exceptional dining experiences to suite all tastes and appetites. Guests can enjoy local and international flavors prepared by a team of international chefs at the on-site Al Mina restaurant, which offers convenient all-day dining.

The Lobby Lounge provides the perfect location for a quick tea or coffee catch up, whether business or pleasure. For those seeking a taste of international cuisine, the New York Restaurant & Bar and its pool terrace are open 24/7.

Guests can also bask in the views of the Niger River, with the Zaxi Rooftop Lounge & Bar providing a spectacular setting.

The grand and expansive 870sqm Lotus Spa Health & Beauty Center provides a space for our guests to relax and unwind, with facilities including a sauna, Turkish bath and a large jacuzzi.

The spa features six massage rooms, with special treatments designed to cleanse the body. Simply relax and soak up the sun at the outdoor pool or keep fit at the fitness center, furnished with the latest equipment and an aerobics area where classes are provided for in-house guests.

Be pampered with a manicure or have a haircut by internationally awarded hairstylists at the hotel’s Beauty Center.

Mr. Selim Bora, President of Summa Group, said:“Today, the city of Niamey witnesses a grand hotel opening, the first branded hotel in the city, Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey whose presence contributes to the financial development of Niamey, and of Niger.

This is an important day for everyone who worked to make this great project a reality. With an overall investment of 38m EUR and another record registered in terms of speed.

Summa Construction Group has built this shiny jewel in only 11 months. Regardless of the challenges that we’ve faced along the way, today we are looking at the most unique, upper scale and high-quality hotel in Niger.

Mr. Husnu Tayanc, the Vice-president of Summa Hospitality and the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center Niamey, said: We are proud to open the first and only international brand hotel in Niger and to bring Radisson Blu to the country.

This is the fifth hotel that Summa Group has successfully realized and the third project in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group – a relationship that we absolutely enjoy and appreciate.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey is, without a doubt, a landmark project for Niamey, and one that will redefine the area’s tourism map.

The hotel combines a palette of natural colors and design inspired by West African motifs, creating an elegant hub for the contemporary traveler, while the innovations and modern technologies make it a unique offering for the Nigerian market.

With our “Yes I Can!” service philosophy, we’re seeking to tailor the services to our guests needs and create the best experience, both for business and leisure travelers.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Niamey will shine like a star in West Africa, pleasing the eyes of its guests.

Tourism Observer

ROMANIA: Radisson Blu Hotel Cluj-Napoca To Open Spring 2021

Slated for spring 2021 opening, the property will build on Radisson Blu’s leading position as the largest upper upscale hotel brand in Europe – a portfolio that includes the renowned Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, one of the top hotels in the country.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of its fourth Radisson Blu property in Romania, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj-Napoca – based in the regional capital of Transylvania.

Attracting more than 600,000 visitors each year, the city of Cluj-Napoca is growing in popularity as a leisure and business destination. Tourists are drawn to what was once a center of commerce in Ancient Roman times, exploring its historic landmarks and architecture.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: Radisson Blu remains the largest player in the upper-upscale segment across Europe. We look forward to a successful journey with our partners based on trust and responsibility.

Nina Moldovan, President of the Board and representative of the investor Winners Park Invest, said: We are excited to partner with Radisson Hotel Group, one of the leading players in the hospitality industry. We have looked for a brand that recognizes and is able to respond to the needs of the business and leisure clients in our region, and we are proud to have found such an ideal partner.

Cluj-Napoca is a destination that has a lot to offer we are looking forward to opening our doors to everyone looking for a meaningful experience here very soon.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj-Napoca will feature 149 guestrooms, with a mix of standard, executive, suite and VIP apartment room types for all travelers.

Leisure and dining facilities will include a fine specialty restaurant and a fitness room, while meeting and events guests will benefit from hi-tech conference rooms and a 350sqm ballroom for up to 300 guests.

The property will be centrally located in the historic center of the city, near the Cluj Arena Stadium.

The city is known for its artistic culture, fiery nightlife, great music and film festivals and bold architecture ranging from Romania’s second-largest Gothic church to baroque buildings and medieval towers.

The hotel will be easily accessible. Cluj-Napoca International Airport is located just 9 km away from the hotel, receiving direct flights from 48 European cities.

Tourism Observer

THAILAND: Radisson Phuket Mai Khao Beach To Open 2023

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of a new upscale Radisson property in Thailand, located on Phuket’s sunset coast, in partnership with Thai-Chinese Property Holdings.

Scheduled to open in 2023, Radisson Phuket Mai Khao Beach is strategically located on the island’s northwest shore, with direct access to Mai Khao Beach – an 11km-long stretch of sand overlooking the Andaman Sea. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport, this destination is also easily accessible.

Radisson Phuket Mai Khao Beach will feature 222 contemporary rooms and suites. The property will also be able to host events, with a choice of two meeting rooms, a business centre and professional support making this a delightful venue for corporate retreats.

Under a sale and leaseback arrangement, investors will be able to purchase units at Radisson Phuket Mai Khao Beach, providing exclusive privileges and a memorable vacation destination.

The units will be put into a mandatory rental programme, while the operations of the property will be managed by Radisson Hotel Group, enabling investors to benefit from the group’s global distribution reach.

“The signing of this new property reflects our confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry and our strategy of introducing world-class hotels into Asia’s dynamic destinations, including major cities and popular resort destinations,” commented Katerina Giannouka, president of Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group.


Tourism Observer

UNITED KINGDOM: May Fair Hotel Joins The Radisson Collection

The May Fair Hotel has become the first in England to join the Radisson Collection.

The announcement coincides with a 10-year partnership extension being agreed by Radisson Hotel Group and Edwardian Hotels London, which owns and operates The May Fair Hotel and 11 Radisson Blu Edwardian properties.

This now takes Edwardian Hotels London's Master Franchise through to 2063.

The two companies said their longstanding relationship has strengthened under the new ownership by Jin Jiang International Holdings Co.

Federico J. Gonzalez-Tejera, president & CEO of Radisson Hospitality AB and chairman of the Radisson Hotel Group Global Steering Committee, said: We are immensely proud to welcome an iconic hotel like The May Fair Hotel into the Radisson Collection family and we are thrilled to have an in-principle agreement on a further extension of our strategic partnership with Edwardian Hotels London for an additional 10 years taking us through to 2063.

We created Radisson Collection with the ambition to bring our guests a unique global collection of hotels that offer an exceptional experience of effortless, contemporary living - while making sure each property reflects the individual character of its location.

In this respect, The May Fair Hotel could not be a better fit.

In the midst of all that’s new. That’s where you’ll find us. The destination for culinary greats and cool bars, the latest events and emerging artists. Immerse yourself in the very best of creativity and culture, from one extraordinary location to another.

Radisson Collection is a new generation of iconic properties and one-of-a-kinds. A collection of exceptional hotels, where no two are ever the same – here, individuality is our strongest common thread.

Natural centers of attention – across our global destinations, the members of our collection are always found in unique and inspiring addresses.

Local icons in their own right, each is an invitation to immerse oneself in the best a location can offer. To join the social and cultural epicenter of their city. To become part of the scene, caught up in the energy of like-minded spirits or the spark of new conversation

A collection of true exceptions, our membership is not about a common style or the meeting of tastes.

Rather – united by superlative property and service standards, an affinity for great interior design, deep connections with their destinations and a curated selection of local experiences – each of our members share in the same vision. To provide the ultimate template for contemporary living.

Marking a brilliant debut for Radisson Hotels, Radisson Collection is the newest star in our firmament. It completes a portfolio of eight distinguished brands, created and managed by one of the industry’s fastest growing and most innovative hotel companies.

Radisson Hotels thrives on 80 years of combined hospitality experience. Today, that experience empowers a network of 1,440 hotels (in operation and under development) and 95,000 talented employees, across 115 countries and territories.

Visionary and ambitious, together we have grown to become the tenth largest hotel group globally, and the fifth largest in Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As our business ascends, we maintain a singular drive and focus: to deliver unsurpassed hospitality experiences to our guests that in turn foster the outstanding opportunities that we provide to our partners and investors.

It’s a vital synergy in which our brands play a considered role – ensuring the greatest possible relevance to the exacting needs of today’s global traveller, and the breath and depth of market presence to deliver dynamic growth.

We focus on the areas of responsibility that impact our business and society. We care about the issues that matter the most to our stakeholders.

From employee culture, and matters of diversity and equal opportunity; to environmental sustainability, advancement of society, and the strength of our shareholder returns.

We live by the beliefs of our award winning program, Responsible Business, which embodies our genuine commitment to minimize our impact on the environment; take care of the health and safety of guests and employees; and respect the social and ethical issues present within the company and the communities in which we operate.

Discover more about our organization via the following resources – or see our Development section, to explore the unique potential of working with us.

A stellar collection of world-leading luxury hotels. Read about Radisson Collection.

We are proud to have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Take a look at our Responsible Business and Environmental Policy.

With Radisson Collection, we’re setting out to bring the contemporary traveller a truly exceptional experience of hospitality.

In a world where aspirational stays are no longer defined by superlative property and product standards – but depend increasingly upon the unique travel experiences they create – Radisson Collection was developed to unlock new value for guests and owners alike.

Working exclusively with hotels that hold the potential to achieve iconic status, Radisson Collection exists to celebrate, support and amplify the individuality of its exceptional member properties.

Enhancing each with the service and platform they deserve, we provide our guests with a contemporary lifestyle experience, tailored to each location, and – for our hotels – deliver market relevance that satisfies the new expectations of today’s global traveller.

At the heart of Radisson Hotels' future development strategy, Radisson Collection is a premium lifestyle collection.

For owners seeking a partnership which balances independence with support, our model provides the best of both worlds: Offering far greater operational and service expertise than a hotel consortium, whilst providing the bespoke approach to hotel management required for each member to to carve out a distinctive reputation in its local market.

Emboldened by our vision, we are pursuing an ambitious growth strategy that will see us rapidly expand Radisson Collection within the next five years.

Whether new build or conversation, under franchise agreement or with the total brand understanding that comes through complete management services – we are flexible in the options we provide to our select community of development partners.

Explore our Development overview to discover what we can achieve together.

Radisson Collection is the platform dedicated to our finest hotels and is the name behind our most exceptional guest experience.

Especially developed for owners with the vision and ambition to establish a unique name in their marketplace, Radisson Collection was created to elevate those hotels within our portfolio which merit iconic status in their own right.

To do justice to those rare assets served best by a more bespoke approach to hotel management.

To this portfolio of exceptional hotels, we will add the most desirable new-build and conversion projects on a global scale.

We seek properties with character, stature, and stand out appeal – plus the A-list address that our guests desire. Superlative product standards must include destination bars and restaurants; cutting-edge wellness and fitness facilities; and extensive public and social spaces.

All with a distinctive architecture and design aesthetic – considered and coherent through every finish, every flourish.

We want each of our hotels to become a vital part of the local fabric – a natural center of attention. So it’s vital that prospective properties have appeal to locals as well as guests. Only in this way, we believe, will we achieve an authentic and iconic position within each of our markets.

Peerless hospitality expertise delivered in six simple steps. Find out how to become a Radisson Collection property.

Support at every step of the journey. Discover more about the flexible development options we can provide to drive your business performance.
Loyalty Rewarded. Learn more about the benefits of one of the world’s fastest growing hotel loyalty programs.

Radisson Collection is a premier brand of Radisson Hotels – one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups with a global portfolio of 1,440 hotels in operation and under development, and reported 2016 system-wide revenues of $7.2 billion.


Tourism Observer

USA: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Re-branded As Radisson Hotel Group (RHG)

Following months of speculation, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group re-branded as Radisson Hotel Group (RHG).

The new-look company was unveiled at an event during the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Germany and is part of what the company says is about leveraging Radisson’s global brand awareness.

The change to RHG was first revealed at Radisson’s Investors Day in Frankfurt, Germany, during January.

The new RHG brand, the brand architecture, and the new brand experience will enable us to capture the full potential of the portfolio globally, the company said in a presentation at the Investors Day.

The company said it would re-launch brands behind the Radisson Hotel Group name to leverage brand equity, drive awareness and increase marketing efficiency.

The company also said it wants to define a brand architecture that brings clarity to the value proposition and that allows us to harness the full ADR potential of every hotel.

The change of name was officially confirmed in a statement.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group changed its name to Radisson Hotel Group on 5 March 2018, a spokesperson said.

This included the launch of a new global loyalty program replacing Club Carlson.

We look forward to sharing more information on our new vision, new global brand architecture and loyalty program at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Germany.


Tourism Observer

CHINA: Radisson Hotel Group To Manage 2 Hotels In Wuhan, Hubei Province

Radisson Hotel Group will will bring its Radisson Blu and Radisson brands to central China with the signing of the Radisson Blu Wuhan ETD Zone and the Radisson Wuhan Optics Valley in the city’s high-tech business and development zones.

The capital of P, Wuhan is home to approximately 10 million people. Nicknamed the Detroit of the East, this city has one of China’s largest automotive industries and a strong manufacturing sector, which has attracted many major Chinese and international companies.

Wuhan is a leading industrial hub in China and developments like ETD Zone and Optics Valley demonstrate how the country is progressing globally in terms of high-tech industry, manufacturing and scientific research, said Katerina Giannouka, president, Asia Pacific for Radisson Hotel Group, in a statement.

Radisson Blu Wuhan ETD Zone is a new lakeside property located in Wuhan’s Economic & Technological Development Zone.

Developed by Wuhan Liantou Peninsula Real Estate Co., this 355-room upper-upscale hotel will open its doors in the first quarter of 2020.

Designed in a contemporary style, this property will have international, Chinese and Italian restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center and children’s playground, plus nine meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.

Scheduled to open in June 2024, Radisson Wuhan Optics Valley is set to launch in Donghu New Tech Development Zone, an important medical research and science park also known as Optics Valley.

Developed by Wuhan Donglian Real Estate Co., the property will have 220 guestrooms and suites.

Catering to the needs of corporate guests, the hotel will provide a business center, function rooms and a ballroom.

Radisson Hotel Group is looking to grow across the Asia Pacific region, with 77 Radisson Blu hotels and 58 Radisson hotels in operation and under development.


Tourism Observer

LATVIA: Astor Riga Hotel Is Now Radisson Old Town Riga Hotel

Radisson Hospitality AB announced the signing of a new Radisson in Europe. Radisson Riga is being developed in collaboration with the group's long-term partner, Astor Group.

Currently named Astor Riga Hotel, it will be rebranded to the Radisson Old Town Riga Hotel in late 2018.

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Radisson Hotel Group said: We're delighted to sign the first Radisson hotel in the Baltics.

This hotel is a great addition to our portfolio in this region, with four of our eight signature brands present in Riga.

With Radisson Old Town Riga on the way, we're demonstrating our commitment to maintaining our leading position in the Baltics.

Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States. Home to 640,000 inhabitants, it's a vital economic and financial hub in the region.

The city also features a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Town Riga, which is a key attraction for visitors and a popular entertainment district that features many cultural monuments.

The Astor Group is excited to continue its successful partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, which started in 2016 when we jointly opened the Park Inn by Radisson Residence Riga Barona and Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara.

Together, we now have four hotels in Riga, and are looking forward to introducing two new brands, Radisson RED and Radisson, in the coming months, adds Jizhaku Rubanenko, from the Astor Group.

Built in 1876 by the famous Latvian architect, J.Baumanis, Radisson Old Town Riga is beautifully situated at the entrance to the Old Town. It will offer 60 designer guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and meeting rooms – as well as a summer terrace.

The Radisson Old Town Riga Hotel will be managed and operated by Radisson Hospitality AB.


Tourism Observer

GREECE: Grace Hotels Appoints New General Managers

Grace Hotels, an award-winning luxury hotel group, recently announced the appointment of Yiorgos Peroutseas and George Vlachopoulos as the new general managers of the Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini hotels respectively.

We are delighted to welcome two accomplished hoteliers to our Greek properties, who not only offer a combined four decades of industry experience, but also an innate understanding of the local community and culture, Grace Hotels CEO Robert Swade said.

The experienced hoteliers joined Grace Hotels ahead of the 2018 season opening of the Greek properties in April.

I am highly confident in their ability to lead the teams through another successful summer season, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences for each and every guest, Swade said.

Yiorgos Peroutseas, GM of Grace Mykonos on Mykonos

With 28 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Peroutseas joins from IFA Hotels & Resorts in London to lead the team at Grace Mykonos, following a career at numerous hotels in London and Greece.

Peroutseas has gained deep knowledge of the industry through senior positions including Regional Manager EMEA overseeing brand performance and hotel openings for Meliá Hotels International, where he was positioned for six years, playing an instrumental role in the growth of the portfolio.

Prior to this he held a variety of positions in front office and operations at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Peroutseas has a master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey and postgraduate certificates in Finance and Human Resources from the University of Macedonia, Greece.

He holds dual Greek and British citizenship and is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.

George Vlachopoulos, GM of Grace Santorini on Santorini

Vlachopoulos joins Grace Hotels from Radisson Hotel Group and has established himself as a respected figure in the hospitality industry.

He has worked for several prestigious hotels, including as Director of Rooms at Ritz-Carlton in Thailand and Hotel Manager for Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa in Kos.

In 2012, Vlachopoulos moved into his first General Manager role at the Nihi Sumba Island formerly Nihiwatu in Indonesia, which was voted the number one hotel in the world by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Vlachopoulos was educated in hospitality in Switzerland, received a postgraduate degree in the UK and associate certification from Cornell University in the US.

His experience is perfectly aligned to Grace Santorini’s dedication to service.

Part of the Libra Group, an international business group owned by the Logothetis family, Grace Hotels is a luxury hotel group that offers sanctuary and quality for discerning guests in the world’s most sought-after resorts and cities.


Tourism Observer