“We are delighted to add this hotel to our growing Russian portfolio. The property will enjoy a beachfront location and comprise one of the largest conference centers in Russia – it will be a true landmark”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

“Our development will follow the most modern and ecological construction standards. The property will be the first hotel project built within the frame of preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2014. We are glad to start this project together with Rezidor, a highly recognized hospitality company, and are looking forward to a successful cooperation”, commented Abbas Aliev, President of Hotel Development CJSC.

Besides 500 modern guest rooms with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of food and beverage; including an all day restaurant, 2 specialty restaurants, 2 bars and a nightclub. In addition, the 15,000 square meter congress centre will offer a 1,500 square meter banquet hall, numerous conference and meeting rooms, and a dedicated press centre. Leisure facilities will include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a kids club.

The Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi will be a year-round destination. In summer, the nearby beaches will beckon sun-starved Russian families. In winter, Sochi’s soon-to-be famous ski slopes are within easy reach via a planned high-speed rail. Finally, during spring and autumn the hotel’s substantial congress centre will accommodate conferences, delegations and other events. The hotel is already under construction – the opening in early 2013 will allow one year of preparation before the Winter Olympics.

Sochi is currently undergoing a major transformation from a regional tourist hub into a global tourism destination. Massive development is underway to improve the infrastructure and create new and modern attractions, including theme parks, stadiums and enhanced ski facilities. Sochi’s main stadium will also host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. With such ambitious plans, the Sochi area has become a focus for Rezidor’s business development. Today, the group already operates the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel, Sochi. Signed projects under development include two ski resorts in nearby Rosa Khutor (Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson), and two Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the city center of Sochi.

City.Mobi

Also in Russia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Moscow.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Moscow.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.