Carlson Rezidor takes a pious turn

In a bid to tap into the religious tourism industry, US-based global hospitality brand Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group already active in the Indian religious destinations like Ajmer, Haridwar and Katra is set to give religious tourism in India a major boost by planning to spread its wings to various other holy places.

Raj Rana, CEO, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “The global hotel firm wants to venture into religious tourist destination looking at the lack of branded inventory. The group’s mid-scale brands are positioned in such a way that fit the requirements of middle-class segment, thus it will be apt for the religious tourism. Now, the global company wants to extend its services to the places like Shirdi and (also) southern India having religious destinations.”

Meanwhile, in another development, the group has appointed Zubin Saxena as Vice President, Development, South Asia. Zubin, currently based in Carlson Rezidor’s Gurgaon office in the National Capital Region Delhi, will be responsible for driving developmental changes in South Asia through management and franchise opportunities.

The group has recently opened its new property Radisson Goa at Candolim beach. On the occasion, Victor Albuquerque, Managing Director, Alcon Victor Group, said, “Our first hospitality venture with Carlson Rezidor, Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach in South Goa has already been recognised for its exceptional performance and high service standards and we are confident that Radisson Goa Candolim will bring the world of Radisson to North Goa as well. It offers a unique and unforgettable stay experience through its distinctive brand hallmarks which will delight both business and leisure travelers visiting Goa.”

Having had a huge presence in Asia Pacific with major stakes in China and India, plus running 1350 hotels globally, the company operates 110 properties in the country and signs 12-14 properties each year.

By 2015, Carlson Rezidor is looking forward to opening 1,500 hotels world over either, in operation or under-development. The Group operates global hospitality brands including, Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza and Park Inn under Radisson, Country Inns & Suites under Carlson.