TEXARKANA, Texas, December, 2010 - Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) in Texas. The opening of Country Inn & Suites, Texarkana, Texas marks the brand's expansion in the region as part of its Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

"With 19 Country Inns & Suites hotels in the state and more than 220 locations in the southern United States, the brand is establishing a strong footprint in the region," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "We are focused on building momentum in North America and the emerging markets as we increase our portfolio of hotels over the next five years."

Country Inns & Suites offers caring, consistent, comfortable hospitality with a touch of home and many distinctive product and service innovations, such as the Friends Hosting Friends(SM) employee training program that has generated tremendous employee engagement scores and high guest satisfaction.  

"We are thrilled to be joining Country Inns & Suites, Carlson Hotels and their family of brands during these exciting times, given Carlson's strengths and momentum. We are confident that the consistency, value and leadership of this brand and the Carlson Hotels system will result in a successful future for this hotel," said Hiren Patel, owner of the Country Inn & Suites, Texarkana, Texas. 

The hotel is located just six miles from Texarkana Municipal Airport and offers an indoor pool, whirlpool and a fitness center.  Meeting space is available for up to 40 people. The 81-room hotel also features one-bedroom suites, studio suites and guest rooms with complimentary high-speed Internet access, microwave, refrigerator and flat panel televisions.  

For reservations and information, visit www.countryinns.com or call toll-free +1-800-456-4000.  

About Carlson
Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,075 hotels, including, Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about
150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com