Carlson Hotels Worldwide Signs 38 New Properties in the Second Quarter of 2008

Carlson Hotels Worldwide announced that it has signed franchise or management agreements for 38 new properties in the second quarter of 2008, scheduled to open by 2011. The new hotels and resorts span 13 countries, including 14 Radisson and Radisson SAS properties; 13 Country Inn & Suites By Carlson(SM) properties; two Park Plaza hotels; and nine Park Inn locations. Carlson's worldwide portfolio currently totals 995 hotels with more than 148,500 rooms in 73 countries. Carlson hotel brands also include Regent Hotels & Resorts.

"These second quarter additions bring us to a total of nearly 90 new development agreements for the first half of 2008," said Jay Witzel, president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "Although the economic climate is currently difficult in several regions of the world, we are encouraged by this strong pipeline of new development for our brands," Witzel added.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes 995 locations in 73 countries. Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the "100 best places to work for in America." Carlson corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.