The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is set to open the 200-room, mid-market Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the first quarter of 2014. Carlson Rezidor’s portfolio in Russia includes 42 hotels in operation and under development. In St. Petersburg alone, the group has six hotels with more than 2,800 rooms in operation or under development.

“We further strengthen our position as the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS & Baltics,” said Wolfgang M. Neumann, president and chief executive officer of The Rezidor Hotel Group.

“This region remains one of our key focus areas for future business development. We also remain committed to grow Park Inn by Radisson at major travel hubs and to penetrate deeper into selected markets.” Neumann added.

The Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovo Airport will be located directly adjacent to the new Terminal 3 at Pulkovo, Russia’s third largest airport after Moscow’s Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo. Terminal 3 is set to become the primary terminal for all international flights to and from the city, and will be linked to the new hotel via an enclosed walkway. In addition to 200 comfortable guest rooms and suites, the property will offer an all-day dining space, a 1,570-square-foot lobby and bar area, 20 meeting rooms totalling 1,437 square feet and a fitness center.

St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city; its financial, industrial and cultural center and the country’s most popular tourist destination. St. Petersburg has a strong leisure component, accounting for 40 percent of all travellers. The demand for both business and tourism related travel is expected to increase with the new airport terminal expansion, construction of a modern conference and exhibition center and the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.