MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. and SALTILLO, Mexico (Feb. 9, 2011) – Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the start of strategic  international expansion of the Park Inn brand into Latin America with the opening of the Park Inn Saltillo, Mexico.

“The opening of the first Park Inn in Mexico represents the continued momentum of our Ambition 2015 growth strategy and is aligned with plans to grow Park Inn as a winning midscale brand in Latin America,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Park Inn, Americas.

The brand has grown to more than 110 hotels in operation globally with 50 hotels currently in development.  Park Inn provides affordable accommodations that are efficient, uncomplicated, practical and comfortable.

“We look forward to offering a vibrant, friendly environment that provides both business and leisure travelers with the affordable hotel experience they desire,” said Juan Pablo Garcia, owner of the Park Inn Saltillo, Mexico.

The 111-room hotel features a fitness center, business center, coffee shop and free Wi-Fi access. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in the hotel’s Park Restaurant. Meeting space is available for up to 40 people.

The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features master suites, junior suites, king and double guest rooms.

The hotel is conveniently located two miles from Plan de Guadalupe International Airport and offers free daily shuttle service. For reservations and more information, visit www.parkinn.com.

About Carlson
Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,070 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday’s® restaurants; 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