MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.  (November 20, 2002) � Regent International Hotels today announced plans to manage a new luxury hotel currently under construction in one of the most prominent locations in one of the world's fastest growing economies - Beijing.  Scheduled to open in spring 2004, the 377-room hotel is located in central Beijing, near Tiananmen Square, in the imperial city's newest and largest commercial and residential development.  The hotel is situated near the famous Liulizhuang "cultural" street that dates back centuries to imperial days. 

The Regent Beijing at Junefield Plaza will offer 300 oversized guestrooms, including three executive floors with an exclusive private lounge and 77 full-service luxury apartments.  Located near the landmark Sogo Department Store at Junefield Plaza, the hotel will consist of a multi-level signature restaurant, a grand ballroom accommodating up to 800 guests, extensive meeting rooms, a 10-story atrium, world-class membership spa with indoor swimming pool and tennis court.  A 60,000 square-meter arcade featuring internationally renowned designer labels will be situated next to the luxury hotel. 

The announcement of the new Regent project is the first major development news from Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, a newly formed division of Carlson Hotels Worldwide.  Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific includes the hotel brands: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. 

"Regent International Hotels was born in Asia more than 30 years ago and it gives me great pleasure to expand this luxury hotel company in the geographic region where it originated," said Paul Kirwin, president and managing director for Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.  "Bringing our wonderful hotel brands to Beijing and other key cities in China is a primary objective for Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific."

The new Regent Beijing at Junefield Plaza is being developed by the Junefield Group, a privately held Hong Kong-based corporation.  Mr. Zhou Jian He, Chairman for the Junefield Group, is pleased to bring Asia's most prestigious luxury hotel company to China's capital city. 

"Regent International Hotels is the perfect luxury hotel brand to bring to this most prominent area of central Beijing," explained Zhou.  "Choosing the right hotel company for this project was critical and Regent brings the right level of prestige, personalized service and  uncompromising commitment to quality." 

The Junefield Group is a privately held corporation that is wholly owned by the Group's Chairman, Mr. Zhou Jian He.  Based in Hong Kong, the Junefield Group is comprised of 3 core companies: Junefield (Holdings) Ltd.,
Junefield Industrial Ltd. and Junefield Ltd.  Junefield also wholly owns the
landmark 84,000 square-meter Beijing Junefield Sogo Department Store, the
Wuhan Junefield Sogo Department Store and has secured operating and trademark rights to own and operate all Sogo Department Stores in the People's Republic of China (PRC).  In addition to owning and operating small to medium-sized enterprises in accommodation, restaurants, media and IT technology, Junefield also engages in real estate development, retail and hotel development in the PRC. 

Regent International Hotels has established a global leadership position in the luxury hotel and resort industry by offering premier locations, elegant facilities and personalized service to the world's most discerning travelers.  Regent is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a Minneapolis-based global leader in hospitality services encompassing more than 1,570 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 81 countries. 

At present, Regent hotels and resorts are located in the cities of Almaty in Kazakhstan, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, and New York.  Regent debuted in Europe earlier this year with the addition of The Regent Schlosshotel Berlin.  New properties are under development include The Regent Boston at Battery Wharf Hotel and Residences; The Regent Winter Park near Orlando, Fla.; and The Regent Cote d' Azur in Rocquebrune, France.  Regent Hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei and Beverly Hills, California are managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Toronto, Canada. 

Singapore-based Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters for Carlson Hotels Worldwide in the Asia-Pacific region and is supported by reservations, sales and development offices in Tokyo; Hong Kong; Sydney, Australia; and various locations in India.  Carlson Hotels Worldwide, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, includes five hotel brands: 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; Park Plaza hotels, positioned in the mid-scale to upscale segment of the full-service hotel category; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, one of the fastest growing, mid-market lodging chains offering excellent value with upgraded services and amenities; and Park Inn
hotels, positioned within the economy to mid-scale segment of the limited
service hotel category. 

In 2001, Carlson brands Carlson brands generated USD $20 billion in gross sales systemwide and currently employ about 188,500 people in more than 140 countries.