MINNEAPOLIS and SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 30, 2010 -- Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of the Radisson brand in Chile. The opening of the Radisson Petra La Dehesa Hotel in Santiago marks the brand’s expansion in the country as part of its Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

“Radisson currently operates six hotels in the country with another one in development,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president of Carlson Hotels, Americas. “The addition of a third Radisson hotel in Santiago represents a continued momentum in our Ambition 2015 growth strategy and is aligned with plans to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and globally consistent brand in key cities, resorts and airports.”

Carlson announced its Ambition 2015 growth strategy earlier this year.  The strategy is fueled by an investment program of up to USD 1.5 billion focused on positioning Radisson as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand.

“We are thrilled to be joining Radisson during this exciting turning point in the brand’s history,” said Mauricio Moya, co-owner of the Radisson La Dehesa Hotel.

The 105-room, Radisson Petra La Dehesa is located in Northern Santiago, the most upscale residential area of the city and features an avant-garde design and includes a spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and 3,600 square feet of meeting and banquet space.  The hotel’s full service restaurant ZAFRAN, offers Mediterranean and international cuisines.

About Carlson

Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson has 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