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With some big changes for Radisson Hotel Group in 2019, including plans to expand its name across the globe, Hotel Owner sat down with Elie Younes, executive VP and chief development officer to find out what the brand is offering to investors in 2020.
What does 2020 look like for Radisson Hotel Group?
We tend to focus our energy on what we can influence and remain optimistic for 2020, it is a year of continued evolution and further delivery of our five-year plan. We have so far had two record years for the company at all levels, including expansion, and we aim to further accelerate our execution.
What can Radisson Hotel Group offer to investors?
Our promise to our investors and owners is to provide compelling brands that are relevant to both guests and the real estate and to share unique talents to drive their business. Our team also has the best-in-class ability to manage hotels efficiently. But our key strength is our behaviour – we have a proactive and engaging approach with our partners and believe in long-standing relationships based on trust and responsibility. 
We strive to deliver unforgettable experiences and memorable moments for our guests, which is also how we approach our relationships with owners and investors. We value open interactions and aim to be many minds with one mindset, believing anything is possible and having fun along the way.Of course, we are also proud of our brands and the fact that Radisson Blu remains the largest upper upscale brand in Europe.
From Radisson RED to Radisson Collection, we offer simple, relevant and non-confusing brands. We focus on 5 brands in EMEA, which is a strength when compared to some industry colleagues with over 40 brands.
Radisson RED stands out from the crowd, offering a buzzing social scene and bold design. Radisson Blu delivers positive, personalised service in stylish spaces. Radisson Collection leverages on Radisson Blu’s largest network of upper upscale hotels in Europe, providing owners and guests with an opportunity for uniqueness and individuality. It showcases iconic properties inspired by local lifestyle and united by bespoke design and exceptional experience.
Examples include The May Fair, A Radisson Collection Hotel in London, Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh and The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel, which recently joined the Radisson Collection family. Meanwhile, the Radisson brand goes back to basics and offers conventional upscale hospitality within efficient real estate. It is Scandinavian hospitality and a simply delightful travel experience at its best.
What does the Jin Jiang ownership bring to the table?
In 2019, Jin Jiang International acquired Radisson Hotel Group, becoming the second largest hotel chain in the world by number of rooms. Jin Jiang is the largest operator in China and we are the largest operator in upper upscale in Europe (with Radisson Blu). This creates a lot of meaningful synergies.
In simple words, it brings more guests to the hotels and more networks to the system. These are key ingredients for sustainable success.
In 2019 we launched the first co-branded hotel with Jin Jiang International in Europe, which was an important milestone. This was the Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt in Germany. The co-branding creates an enhanced experience for Chinese guests, making them feel at home from the moment they arrive. Features include welcome cards, menus, in-room provisions and the ability to use China UnionPay. Looking ahead, there is potential to have many more co-branded properties across EMEA.
What is Radisson Hotel Group’s development offering?
We offer whatever is relevant to an owner and matches our risk tolerance. We have multiple value propositions available, including leased, managed and franchised options. We also go beyond that where necessary; we don’t believe in business models that are set in stone but rather in a tailored relationship approach.
In summary, we have great people, relevant brands and a focus on relationships and results. A rather simple and fun company to do business with.
Check out Radisson’s new franchise proposition with our team:
radissonhotelgroup.com/development
emeadevelopment@radissonhotels.com
+32 2 702 9200
