Carlson Hotels Worldwide will open two new hotels in Beijing, under the Park Plaza and Regent brand. These hotels are currently under construction and will be completed late 2005 or early 2006. Carlson is also aiming to add a Radisson in Beijing.

Said Jay S Witzel, president and chief executive officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, "We have ten deals in conversations in China and that could climb significantly over six to 12 months and reach 20."

He also revealed that they have a Regent under construction in Ningbo and are about to sign another Regent deal in Shanghai in August.

Carlson is stepping up its presence in China, added Witzel, "We know we want to have a presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ningbo and maybe Shenzhen. We would like to be in Hong Kong where we are not."

(CNTA June 16, 2004)