Carlson Companies, a global leader in corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries, has announced at its executive meeting that it had weathered the tumultuous 2002 year well.

Picture :Radisson Kauai Beach Resort

Carlson`s 2002 system wide sales (including franchises) were even with the prior year, totaling $19.8 billion in 2002 versus $19.8 billion in 2001. Sales in its owned and operated divisions trended similarly, totaling $6.7 billion in 2002 versus $6.8 billion in 2001.
Operating income was not disclosed, but was cited as having nearly returned to 2000 levels (preceding the 9/11 terrorist attacks) due primarily to significant increases in productivity.
Ranked among the largest privately held corporations in the United States, Carlson Companies is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Carlson-related brands and services employ about 180,000 people in more than 140 countries.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide in 2002 added a total of 101 locations in its five brands and announced a new structure and expansion plans in the world`s three economic theatres: Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Asia-Pacific; and the Americas.

Regent International Hotels is one of the most respected brands in the luxury segment of the lodging industry. Regent is expanding with luxurious, world-class new hotels and resorts around the world. In 2002, Regent announced development plans for two luxury properties in Asia and North America. Regent operates 10 hotels in eight countries.

Radisson Hotels and Resorts is one of the world`s leading upscale hotel companies with more than 435 locations in 61 countries. In 2002, Radisson added 25 new hotels and resorts in key destinations around the world. In addition, Rezidor SAS Hospitality opened 10 Radisson SAS hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Park Plaza Hotels are positioned in the mid-scale to upscale segment of the full-service hotel category in North America. In 2002, Park Plaza hotels added 28 properties to its portfolio in locations including Amsterdam, Netherlands; London, England; Jerusalem, Israel; and Agra, India.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is one of the lodging industry`s fastest-growing companies. Having doubled locations in recent years, County Inns & Suites By Carlson plans a total of 500 hotels worldwide by the end of 2005. In 2002, the company added 26 new properties worldwide, entering new international markets while achieving national recognition for guest satisfaction.

Park Inn Hotels are primarily a conversion brand in the U.S. that serves a wide range of guests in 56 suburban and leisure destinations. In 2002, the brand added 22 hotels in key locations including Scottsdale, Ariz.; Orlando, Fla.; and Houston, Texas. The brand also announced its first hotel in Europe, the 982-room Park Inn Berlin-Alexanderplatz.

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