China’s HNA Tourism to Buy Carlson Hotels

By the Caribbean Journal staff

In a deal that will impact a number of hotels in the Caribbean, HNA Tourism Group has announced an agreement to buy Carlson Hotels Inc.

Carlson Hotels owns hotel brands including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM brands and the Club CarlsonSM global hotel rewards program.

“Carlson Hotels own a powerful set of global brands and this historic agreement provides tremendous opportunities for growth,” said David P. Berg, Carlson Hospitality Group chief executive officer. “We look forward to working within HNA Tourism Group, a greatly respected global enterprise, in what will be an exciting new chapter in the history of Carlson Hotels. As part of HNA Tourism Group, Carlson Hotels will have an opportunity to advance our commitment to providing guests with hospitality world-wide.”

Under the terms of the deal, HNA will acquire all of Carlson Hotels, including its 51.3 percent majority stake in Rezidor Hotel Group, Carlson’s master licensee based in Brussels.

“Since my grandfather, Curt Carlson, founded our company in 1938, our family has run businesses that create opportunity for people and positive change in the world,” said Diana Nelson, Carlson Board chair. “Hospitality is in our hearts, which made this a difficult decision. We strongly believe that selling our hotel business to HNA Tourism Group, a company that fully recognizes its value and heritage, is the best way for us to position it for success and to be true to my grandfather’s legacy in the long term.”

The Radisson brand in particular has been expanding rapidly in the Caribbean, with two more Radisson Blu Hotels set to debut in the region in the coming years, including on in San Andres, Colombia.

“We have great respect for the Carlson family and a deep appreciation for its history and special culture,” said Haibo Bai, HNA Tourism Group board member and HNA Hospitality Group chairman and CEO. “Carlson Hotels’ global success and strong, sustainable growth potential is a testament to their world-class brands, continuous innovation, excellent management, and unique employee-focused culture, all of which we will build upon as part of this combination to establish our presence in the U.S. market and expand our footprint in hospitality internationally.”