MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Raj Rana, an internationally experienced hospitality industry executive, has been promoted to regional vice president of operations for Carlson Hotels Worldwide's full service hotels in the Americas, including Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts. In his new role, Rana will be responsible for approving new franchised hotels and resorts, and providing field support and operations expertise to these properties. He is responsible for Carlson hotels full service operations in the eastern region of the United States, the Bahamas and Central and South America.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061102/CGTH065 )

"Raj has a proven record of leveraging Radisson resources and initiatives, capturing market share and driving financial success," said Nancy Johnson, executive vice president, Brand Leader for Carlson Hotels Worldwide Full Service Hotels. "His track record of building outstanding relationships with hotel ownership groups, combined with his education and international experience make him an excellent choice to help lead the new generation of Radisson hotels."

Rana has more than 20 years of hospitality experience, the majority of which has been spent in various management positions with the Radisson hotels. From New Delhi, India to Moscow, Russia to Stockton, Calif., to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Rana's record of exceptional service is reflected in revenue and profit growth. Most recently, Rana served as General Manager of the company's flagship hotel, the Four Diamond Radisson Plaza Hotel in Minneapolis, Minn. During his nearly two years in managing that hotel, he increased the annual sales by more than 10%; and achieved the Radisson Pinnacle Award for excellence in hospitality.

Rana earned his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Delhi, and his MBA from Dowling College in New York. In addition, he holds a diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, Delhi, a certificate in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and has completed an executive course in American Business Law.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), one of the world's leading, full-service hotel companies, offers warm and engaging genuine hospitality at every point of guest contact and is focused on being the hotel of choice with business and leisure travelers by understanding their independent mindset, changing needs and desire to have more control over their hotel experience. Radisson is continuing to evolve the brand, introducing new product and service standards to enable guest choice. Radisson recently introduced Express Yourself, the first online check-in service in the hotel industry that enables guest to pre- check-in online up to seven days prior to their stay and note key service preferences.

There are currently more than 405 Radisson locations in 64 countries. Reservations can be made online at http://www.radisson.com/ , through a travel agent or by phone at 800-333-3333. Radisson is a division of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, a global leader in the hotel industry encompassing five hotel brands and more than over 940 hotels and resorts in 70 countries.

CONTACT: Joan Cronson, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, +1-763-212-1418, or
jcronson@carlson.com

Web site: http://www.radisson.com/