PARIS— With the city that changed the game for the rest of the world in terms of design as the venue, Carlson Hotels Worldwide stated a similar goal for the hospitality industry during its annual conference here. Chairman and CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson underscored the companys deep hospitality roots. “Were going to be 70 next year. We want to be in the business forever,” she said. Carlson Nelson singled out the “new breed of Radisson” as a key driver of growth for the company. “The Radisson brand is now more clearly positioned in the U.S. than at any time in its history,” she said. Part of that definition involves the creation of a new prototype for what has primarily been a conversion brand. According to Nancy Johnson, executive vp, full-service hotels, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, the prototype is being finalized and represents an “evolution” for the brand to more new construction properties. She also touted the flexibility that would be created by the new Radisson. “It speaks very much to stay your own way. Its a customization of consumers needs and wants,” she said. Johnson added that the company is also beta testing a new branded fitness program for its Radisson and Country Inn & Suites brands. The company wil be partnering with Nautilus on the program, which will be beta tested in approximately 20 hotels for a four-month period. Meanwhile, during a media roundtable Carlson Nelson responded to a question posed by HOTEL BUSINESS® regarding the succession plan for the company. “We have a process in place and we are looking at internal candidates and external candidates. My bias is toward someone from inside the company, but I will stay until we find the right person,” she said, adding that next years 70th anniversary would be a prime opportunity to take on a reduced role strictly as chairman. “It would be wonderful to be handing this off to someone who can take it to new heights,” she said. The company currently has some 950 properties worldwide among its five brands, and Carlson Nelson joked that “1,070 has a nice ring to it” for next years conference. Carlson Nelson also addressed the companys commitment to sustainable hotels, saying “being green is imperative.”
Marilyn Carlson Nelson