Rezidor announces new Radisson Blu hotel in Sochi, Russia

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS, has announced the addition of a new hotel to its portfolio - the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi. The property, located in Sochi, Russia, features 500 rooms and is scheduled to open its doors in Q1 2013.

"We are delighted to add this hotel to our growing Russian portfolio. The property will enjoy a beachfront location and comprise one of the largest conference centers in Russia - it will be a true landmark," said Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor.

Abbas Aliev, President of Hotel Development CJSC, commented on the project, saying: "Our development will follow the most modern and ecological construction standards. The property will be the first hotel project built within the frame of preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2014. We are glad to start this project together with Rezidor, a highly recognized hospitality company, and are looking forward to a successful cooperation."

Besides 500 modern guest rooms with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of food and beverages, including an all-day restaurant, 2 specialty restaurants, 2 bars and a nightclub. In addition, the 15,000 square meter congress centre will offer a 1,500 square meter banquet hall, numerous conference and meeting rooms, and a dedicated press centre. Leisure facilities will include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a kids club.

Rezidor expects the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel, Sochi to be a year-round destination. In summer, the nearby beaches will beckon sun-starved Russian families. In winter, Sochi's soon -to-be famous ski slopes will be within easy reach via a planned high-speed rail and during spring and autumn the hotel's substantial congress centre will accommodate conferences, delegations and other events. The hotel is already under construction and the opening in early 2013 will allow one year of preparation before the Winter Olympics.

Sochi is currently undergoing a major transformation from a regional tourist hub into a global tourism destination. Massive development is underway to improve the infrastructure and create new and modern attractions, including theme parks, stadiums and enhanced ski facilities.

Sochi's main stadium will also host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. With such ambitious plans, the Sochi area has become a focus for Rezidor's business development and the group is already operating the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel, Sochi. Signed projects under development include two ski resorts in nearby Rosa Khutor (Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson), and two Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the city center of Sochi.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:
The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 415 hotels in operation and under development with 90,000 rooms in over 60 countries.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn by Radisson in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni. In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium. For more information on Rezidor, visit www.rezidor.com.