SM-Carlson to open 1st AsPac Radisson hotel in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Carlson, a leading privately-held global hospitality and travel company, is opening on Monday (Sept. 27) its first branch in Asia Pacific – Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu – in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

SM Hotels president Elizabeth T. Sy said the 400-room Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu, which is 11 kilometers away from the Mactan International Airport, is being positioned as Cebu City’s leading international upscale hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers.

SM Hotels gave Carlson the management of Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu and is revisiting plans to put up similar projects at the sprawling Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

“Our vision is to be a leader in the Philippine tourism and real estate sectors and this hotel opening further strengthens our standing in the industry. Radisson Blue is an established iconic brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, recognized for delivering market leading guest satisfaction and achieving superior revenue per available room penetration,” Sy said.

She said the group is confident that Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu will be the tourist destination of choice and leading events venue in Cebu City and nearby regions.

“The inaugural launch of Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu is a fulfillment of the dream long held by my father and SM chairman, Henry Sy Sr., to open the premier hotel in Cebu. Although the hotel’s completion was put on hold during the nineties due to the prevailing business climate then, we never lost our vision of one day opening its doors to welcome guests from all over the world. In light of our optimism about the prospects of Philippine tourism and the resurgence of the economy, we exerted our utmost efforts to ensure that the highest quality in the hotel’s design, functionality, detail, and artwork is firmly in place for its opening,” Sy added.

Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu will offer state-of-the art meeting facilities including the 1,200-square meter Santa Maria grand ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. The rooms will be spacious and equipped with 37-inch flat screen LCD televisions, iPod docking stations and laptop-size electronic safes.

For his part, Jean-Marc Busato, managing director of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, said: “The opening of the first Radisson Blue Hotel in Asia Pacific is a major milestone. More hotels that are under development and in operation in the region will also become Radisson Blue Hotels, as we deploy the brand globally.”

Aside from Radisson, Carlson also owns brands Country Inns & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza, TGI Fridays and Pick Up Stix.