MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (October 11, 2004) - Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that it has reclaimed the master franchise previously held by AFM Hospitality for the development of Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels in Canada. 

The company said it will now develop these brands directly through its corporate development office in Canada which was established earlier this year to develop Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson.  The Carlson development office in Canada is led by 30-year hospitality veteran, David Oliver.  The company said it plans continued development cooperation with AFM, but is implementing a strategy of corporate development for all five Carlson hotel brands under Oliver's leadership. 

"David has had time to establish his strategy and gain momentum for developing Carlson hotel brands," said Sam Winterbottom, executive vice president of development for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, parent organization for Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.  "He has had initial success by signing deals for additional hotels and building our development pipeline.  David is currently working with developers who are interested in bringing Country Inns & Suites into five additional markets, developing Canada's first Regent hotel and opening additional Radisson locations.  Now it is time to expand his expertise to Park Inn and Park Plaza," Winterbottom added.

During the three years that AFM held the master franchise agreement, the company brought two Park Plaza hotels into the system.  Carlson currently has 36 properties located in eight Canadian provinces, including Park Plaza hotels at Toronto and Vancouver airports. 

Oliver, a native Canadian, has been involved in numerous aspects of the hospitality industry for over 30 years.  His global experience has spanned small and large-property operations, multi-property operations, marketing, feasibility, consulting, construction and development. 

Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes five hotel brands, totaling 900 hotels in 68 countries.  Hotel brands include: Regent International Hotels, one of the most respected brands in the luxury segment of the lodging industry; Radisson Hotels & Resorts®, one of the world's leading upscale hotel companies with more than 436 locations in 61 countries; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, positioned in the mid-scale segment of the full-service hotel category, has 35 hotels globally and is known for its great value and customer-focused service culture; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson®, one of the fastest growing, mid-tier lodging chains with over 333 locations offering excellent value with upgraded services and amenities; and Park Inn®, with 77 hotels worldwide, is a unique emerging hotel brand offering a relaxed environment in the economy category and is poised for aggressive global growth. 

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson Companies, Inc., a global leader in providing corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries.