Rezidor Announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Belgrade in Serbia

BRUSSELS, November 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Rezidor, a rapidly expanding global hotel company, has announced plans for a new hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Belgrade. The property, which features 236 rooms, is already under construction and will welcome the first guests in Q4 2013. It is Rezidor's first hotel in Serbia and the hotel group is now present in 64 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor, said: "We are delighted to come to Serbia. The country is an emerging nation, and Belgrade a vibrant, dynamic city with 1.7 million inhabitants where we see a considerable potential."

Austrian real estate developer Soravia Group, in cooperation with Erste Bank Group and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is undertaking the development of the hotel and of an additional office tower of 3,900 square meters set adjacent to the hotel.

"Our development addresses the current undersupply of quality hotel accommodation providing state-of-the-art finishing and service standards. It is among the first major investments of this type in Serbia and we are convinced that market prospects as well as our engagement with Rezidor will ensure a successful and long-lasting venture in Belgrade," said Soravia Group-CEO Hanno Soravia.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Belgrade will be situated in a prime location next to the convention centre and above one of the city's most important thoroughfares. It is set to become a local landmark, as the overall development of the site will incorporate an existing historical old mill. The hotel will offer access to the traditional "Old Belgrade" neighbourhood as well as to the "New Belgrade" business district. In addition to the 236 rooms with Radisson Blu signature services, such as free high speed Internet access, the property will have a restaurant and bar, 600 square meters of meeting space, a wellness area, and parking facilities.

Eastern Europe is an important business development market for Rezidor. In addition to its western European hotels, such as hotel Lyon in France, it has established a presence in Russia/CIS and the Baltics and currently operates hotels in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. The hotel group has also extended beyond Eastern Europe, with hotels like hotel Riyadh located in the Middle East.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development with 88,800 rooms in over 60 countries. Its portfolio includes: hotels in Hamburg, Copenhagen hotels and hotel Spa in Belgium.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn by Radisson in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide license agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

Rezidor is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium.

PR Contact:
Christiane Reiter
Senior Director Corporate Communication
The Rezidor Hotel Group
Avenue Du Bourget 44
B-1130 Brüssel
Belgien
+32-2-702-9331
http://www.radissonblu.com