MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (January 6, 2003) � Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, a highly successful international mid-tier lodging chain with over 315 locations worldwide, today announced the opening of its first hotel in Mexico in the city of San Luis Potosi, centrally located between Mexico City and Monterrey.  Country Inns & Suites is part of Carlson Companies, one of the world's largest hospitality and travel companies, and the opening of this new hotel signifies an important stepping stone in the expansion of the organization in this new region. 

The new 120-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson hotel is located at Carr 57 #1530, Zona Industrial near the historic downtown area of San Luis Potosi.  The newly constructed hotel was developed by GS Consorcio Operador of Mexico City.  The company plans to open five hotels in Mexico over the next five years and currently has another Country Inns & Suites location under development in Santa Catarina (Monterrey). 

"The opening of this new hotel is a significant milestone in the global growth strategy for Country Inns & Suites, and is a catalyst for growth of future hotels in Latin and Central America," said Nancy Johnson, executive vice president, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson.  Country Inns & Suites has been emerging in Central America with two locations operating in Panama City, Panama, near the growing tourism area of Fort Amador.  In addition, the brand recently signed a license agreement to develop a 90-room hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica, which is scheduled to open in early 2003. 

In addition to its hotels in Mexico and Panama, Country Inns & Suites other locations include hotels in Germany, Austria, England, France, and India.  The majority of the brand's properties are in the United States and Canada.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, whose operations also include Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Regent International Hotels; Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises; Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, which includes T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix; and Provisions, a worldwide procurement company.