December 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor wins two HSMAI awards in Norway
Carlson Rezidor bagged two prestigious awards for Service Excellence at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Norway Chapter Annual Awards – one for its Yes I Can! programme and the other for Best Service in Norway. Mari Myrseth, Director of Sales at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Oslo, was nominated Young Leader of the Year. Representing the entire global hospitality industry, HSMAI aims to recognise exceptional customer service. “It is our employees who strive to deliver our Yes I Can! service and we have invested significantly in skills and career development,” said Tarje Hellebust, District Director & General Manager of the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo.
|
December 2012
|
Radisson Blu Belorusskaya Hotel, Moscow certified by ABT
The Radisson Blu Belorusskaya Hotel, Moscow has been officially certified a Business and Conference Hotel by the Russian Association of Business Travel (ABT). A corporate travel buyer-driven association, the ABT launched the certification programme to promote the development of business travel in Russia by creating a comprehensive list of hotels suitable for international business. The Belorusskaya is one of 13 certified hotels on the list. “This certification allows us to build and continue to grow our business within the Moscow market,” said General Manager Deborah Haines.
|
December 2012
|
Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku’s reception best place to work
The reception of the Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku has been identified as one of the best places to work within the S Group, owner of Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts in Finland, and has been rewarded with 1,000 euros for further development of its “fit for work” programme.
|
December 2012
|
Tripoli employee honoured for 20 years’ service
The Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel, Tripoli recently honoured Credit Manager Ezhu Gafoor and presented him with a diamond Yes I Can! pin to mark an incredible 20 years’ service.
|
December 2012
|
Radisson Blu Zurich Airport’s Deputy General Manager celebrates 10 years’ service
During the press conference for the opening of the new meeting area at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport, Willem van der Zee, Area Vice President for Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Southeast Europe, congratulated Deputy General Manager Helge Luetters on 10 years of exemplary service. Helge was also responsible for overseeing the huge reconstruction and expansion project for the meeting area and is a great example of our Yes I Can! philosophy.
|
December 2012
|
Radisson Blu Kuwait employees accumulate 500-year service record
Last year a total of 43 employees at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait received Recognition Certificates and diamond Yes I Can! pins, marking some 500 years of service with the hotel! Special recognition went to Yousef Puthiya Purayil from Front Office for reaching his remarkable 30-year landmark. Five of his colleagues were rewarded for 25 years’ service, another five for 20 years, seven for 15 years, three celebrated 10 years and 22 picked up their first five-year diamonds.
|
December 2012
|
Silver Chef Guild medal for Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat took a silver medal at the Oman Chef Guild competition organised by the National Hospitality Institute last autumn. Two of the 4-star hotel’s chefs were among 10 teams of two representing top-class properties around the Sultanate and faced tough opposition, beating the Shangri-La and coming second to the Ritz-Carlton.
|
December 2012
|
Moscow’s Radisson Royal voted World's Leading Luxury Business Hotel at WTA 2012
The Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, a historical landmark in the capital, has once again been voted the World's Leading Luxury Business Hotel. At the gala ceremony of the World Travel Awards 2012, held in India in December, Radisson’s Russian flagship was recognised for the second year running as the best for business by travel professionals from 200 countries. Also known historically as the Ukraina, the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, one of the legendary Seven Sisters, celebrated its 55th anniversary at a glittering gala dinner the evening before. This award was the eighth the property has received since reopening in 2010 after modernisation.
|
December 2012
|
Radisson Blu Lietuva’s bartender third in cocktail final
At the top of Montparnasse Tower, in the sky above Paris, the French drinks flavouring company Monin celebrated its centenary with 27 young cocktail makers and shakers from all over Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Competing in the Monin Cup Final for the best cocktails, the participants were all aged under 27 and had already won first prize in their national competitions. Vilnius’s Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva’s Skybar bartender Tadas Dvarvytis came third in the final after demonstrating his talent by creating a short alcoholic cocktail and a non-alcoholic long drink from a mystery box.
|
December 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Oslo is first Park Inn brand hotel in Norway to gain Eco-Swan
The Park Inn by Radisson Oslo is the first hotel of the Park Inn brand in Norway to receive the revered Nordic Eco “Swan” certificate. “Being an eco-hotel demands environmental commitment from our staff, subcontractors and partners. We’re ready to make that commitment and contribute to a better world,” said General Manager Karl Einar Sundby Baggos. Chief Technician Clayt La Motte was on a high when he received the certificate from Alvhild Hedstein, Director of Nordic Eco Label Norway.
|
November 2012
|
Lifetime Achievement Award for Kurt Ritter at European Hospitality Awards 2012
Rezidor’s President & CEO honoured at gala event in London Rezidor’s President & CEO Kurt Ritter has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Hospitality Awards 2012. During a gala event at the prestigious The Landmark hotel in London, Ritter was honoured for his extraordinary
|
November 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group honoured as Hotel Group of the Year at Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2012
|
November 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport is finalist in European Hotel Design Awards
The Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious European Hotel Design Awards. The GBP 22 million, year-old luxury property is up against two other hotels – one in Athens and the other in Milan – for the best Sustainable Hotel Design. The award is for a hotel that has been developed using sustainable and environmentally friendly principles through innovative design and architecture. With a power plant fuelled by recycled cooking oil, and a 62,500-litre underground storage tank for grey water, East Midlands is the most efficient in Rezidor’s European portfolio of over 400 hotels.
|
November 2012
|
Best hotel in the state of Saxony-Anhalt: Radisson Blu Hotel, Halle-Merseburg
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Halle-Merseburg was declared the best hotel in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in November by the German Hotel and Catering Association (DEHOGA). The 4-star Superior hotel outclassed 233 other hotels to retain its crown for the second time. General Manager Shereen Amin said, “We live our Yes I Can! philosophy. My inspiration comes from these words: who stops getting better, stops being good.”
|
November 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport is finalist in European Hotel Design Awards
The Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious European Hotel Design Awards. The GBP 22 million, year-old luxury property is up against two other hotels – one in Athens and the other in Milan – for the best Sustainable Hotel Design. The award is for a hotel that has been developed using sustainable and environmentally friendly principles through innovative design and architecture. With a power plant fuelled by recycled cooking oil, and a 62,500-litre underground storage tank for grey water, East Midlands is the most efficient in Rezidor’s European portfolio of over 400 hotels.
|
November 2012
|
Historic Cannes hotel certified Green Key
The Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes was awarded the globally recognised Green Key eco-label in November, the premier international environmental certificate for tourist accommodation and restaurants. The hotel met the criteria for the award with its large windows and mirrors that optimise natural light, by using the energy from the Thalasso machines to refresh the meeting rooms and by offering guests non-polluting Segways to get around on. The hotel has also reduced its electricity usage by 19% since 2011 by installing motion sensors and LED lighting, and water by 15% with flow reducers.
|
November 2012
|
Medals galore at SIAL culinary competition in Dubai
The team of eight chefs at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek have plenty to be proud of: in the La Cuisine by SIAL culinary competition at the SIAL Middle East 2012 exhibition in November, they walked away with a total of five gold medals, fourteen silver and six bronze. Competing against 300 chefs in the second biggest competition in the Middle East, the hotel’s chefs won the trophy in all three main categories for Best Cuisine (Chef Amila Shamika Rupasingha), Best Pastry Chef (Wengappuli Arachchige Saachithra Danendra) and Best Kitchen Artist (Rovart Cagayat, defending his 2011 title).
|
November 2012
|
Hospitality Manager of the Year CPD
Training and Development Manager Martin Beirne at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway is the first to receive the Irish Hospitality Institute’s Hospitality Manager of the Year CPD (Continuous Professional Development) 2012 award. To earn this new accolade, sponsored by the Irish Institute of Training & Development (IITD), Martin proved not only that he had an exceptional ability to manage but that he also excelled in CPD, specifically in training and career development.
|
November 2012
|
300 years’ worth of diamond pins for Norwegian staff
Staff at the four Radisson Blu hotels in or near Helsinki (Royal, Plaza, Seaside and Espoo) received a grand total of 300 years’ worth of diamond pins in November. Many were celebrating 15 years of service, having worked at the legendary Radisson SAS Hesperia Hotel when it opened in 1997.
|
November 2012
|
Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw recognises loyal service
The Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw not only celebrated its tenth anniversary with a stylish party in November, but also honoured 35 members of the 140-strong staff who had been with the property since the beginning, creating a long-term relationship with the establishment akin to a family. The hotel is very proud of its exceptional family team, helping it to stand out from other hotels.
|
October 2012
|
Sheaf of awards for Dubrovnik Sun Gardens
|
October 2012
|
Triumphs at World Travel Awards
|
October 2012
|
World Luxury Hotel Awards 2012 winners
|
October 2012
|
Best Social Media Campaign for Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala
The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala has a big presence on Facebook with its message to “upgrade”, winning the hotel a Gold M for Best Social Media Campaign at Uppsala’s annual Media Day in October. Opened in May last year, the hotel set out to deliver an “upgraded concept” through social media sites such as Facebook. “We had several ways to communicate our message: ‘Upgrade your meeting’, ‘Upgrade your after work’ or ‘Upgrade your dreams’. Uppsala finally has a 5-star hotel that can deliver Yes I Can! service,” says General Manager Ann-Sophie Myrefelt.
|
October 2012
|
Two green awards for Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah
Not only was the Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah proclaimed to have the Best Waste Water Management Project of the Year at the Green Middle East Awards for Environmental Excellence in Sharjah, it was also nominated for the Best Alternative Energy Project. The Resort’s Grey Water Recycling Project saves around 33,000 gallons of water every day and the switch from diesel to gas is reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint by 29% per month.
|
October 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor’s record number of nominations at Middle East Hotel Awards – and one outstanding winner
|
October 2012
|
Star chef at Hotel Expo 2012
Chef Alaa El Din Mabrouk was the star of the show for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis when he won two top awards at the HACE – Hotel Expo 2012, one of Egypt’s largest exhibitions for hotel suppliers. Alaa, who joined the hotel as Demi Chef two years ago and is now Chef de Partie at the Filini restaurant, scooped first prize for his delicious dishes in the Makro Black Box competition for the second consecutive year, as well as winning the Al Wataniya Chicken Dish competition.
|
October 2012
|
Stockholm employee chosen as Valedictorian
Marcus Gronwall, Inhouse Sales/Meetings & Events Coordinator at the Radisson Blu Strand Hotel, Stockholm was chosen as Valedictorian out of 59 students when he graduated in International Hospitality Management from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
|
October 2012
|
Double bronze for Maltese Culinary Team at Culinary Olympics
The 10-strong Maltese Culinary Team netted two bronze medals in October at the IKA/Culinary Olympics, the world’s largest and most prestigious gastronomic competition. Competing in Germany against more than 1,500 chefs from 45 countries, Malta’s team included two chefs from the Radisson Blu Hotel Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Head Patissier Jimmy Aquilina and his assistant Paul Camilleri. Traditional Maltese ingredients were used in their winning dishes and the team plans to enter the Culinary World Cup in 2014 and the next IKA/Culinary Olympics in 2016.
|
October 2012
|
Radisson Blu Resort, El Quseir winner on review sites
The Radisson Blu Resort, El Quseir has been recognised by two independent travel websites. One of the largest travel review sites in Europe, with over 1.5 million visitors a month, Zoover.com had recommended the resort to its members over the past 12 months. Based on members’ votes, it has been named Zoover’s Best Hotel in El Quseir for 2012 and the ninth top hotel in the whole of Egypt. The second accolade is the award of a Certificate of Excellence 2012 from the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, which delivers these certificates to hotels that consistently receive excellent ratings from its members.
|
October 2012
|
Belfast’s Radisson Blu awarded one of first Gold Star Service Excellence accreditations
|
October 2012
|
Radisson Blu Split first Croatian Green Key-certified hotel
The Radisson Blu Resort, Split has become the very first hotel in Croatia to receive Green Key certification. Management praised the fantastic display of teamwork during the challenging pre-audit period and the team can be very proud of their achievement.
|
October 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Uno City Vienna gains Eco Quality Label for Tourism
The Park Inn by Radisson Uno City Vienna has officially been awarded the Austrian eco-label for accommodation services by the Federal Environment Ministry for the fourth consecutive time. In addition, the hotel received the Austrian Energy Efficiency Programme Award for the first time. The Eco Quality Label for Tourism is a national environmental programme specifically designed for the tourism and hospitality industry. Action is focused on the areas of solid waste, waste water, energy efficiency, ecological purchasing and environmentally friendly cleaning practices.
|
September 2012
|
Chef at Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah takes gold in East Coast Culinary Competition
The Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah triumphed at the East Coast Culinary Competition in Fujairah. Chef Pankaj won gold for his pastry showpiece, Chef Cherry Ann took silver in the Individual Meat/Lamb Static, and bronze medals went to Chef Gayan and Chef Wajid. The hotel also scooped some merits, resulting in a total of seven awards.
|
September 2012
|
Four awards for Park Inn by Radisson Astrakhan on Russia’s International Tourism Day
Only one year after opening, the Park Inn by Radisson Astrakhan was presented with no fewer than four prestigious awards by the Astrakhan Ministry of Sport and Tourism on Russia’s International Tourism Day in September. Not only was it chosen by the public online as the best hotel and restaurant in the city, its active commitment to the company’s Responsible Business programme - working with orphanages, cleaning the city beach, feeding the poor and fundraising - also earned it the award for Best Charity Participation. And to top off a successful first year, the Ministry presented the hotel with the Breakthrough of the Year award.
|
September 2012
|
Radisson crowned Best Hotel Chain in Russia at National Geographic Traveler Awards 2012
Radisson received the award for the Best Hotel Chain in Russia at the National Geographic Traveler Awards 2012 in Moscow. The choice was made by the public via the magazine’s Russian website, which asked people to vote for their favourite places to visit and for companies that offer travellers the best facilities. The first international hotel brand to offer free internet service seven years ago, Radisson has been a serial winner with its seven Russian properties; two more – a beach hotel and a ski resort – will soon open in Sochi.
|
September 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is multiple winner at BurJuman World Food Fest 2012
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek won a sheaf of awards – 15 gold medals, 7 silver, 5 bronze and 4 diplomas – at Dubai’s renowned “Treat” – the BurJuman World Food Fest 2012. In addition, its chefs took first, second, third and fifth places in the hotly contested BurJuman Junior Chef 2012. As a bonus, the Emirates Culinary Guild awarded the hotel with its prestigious certificate of Appreciation for the Best Effort by an Individual Establishment.
|
September 2012
|
International Star for Quality goes to Dakar’s Radisson Blu Hotel
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar left the 37th International Star for Quality Convention in Geneva with its highest accolade. Awarded by the Business Initiative Directions, the International Star for Quality award celebrated the hotel’s top-quality customer satisfaction, excellence in leadership and management, innovation, business and brand-name prestige.
|
September 2012
|
Cairo Heliopolis named Egypt’s Best Hotel for Supporting the Environment
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis was named Egypt’s Best Hotel for Supporting the Environment by the Minister for Tourism on World Tourism Day in September. The coveted Certificate of Excellence was awarded to the hotel for its total commitment to protecting the environment and utilising sustainable resources in all its activities, as well as for supporting Egyptian tourism.
|
August 2012
|
Two Georgian hotels now eco-labelled
The Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi have been awarded the Green Key eco-label, a globally recognised eco-certificate. To gain this certification, hotels have to fulfil a wide range of environmental requirements to prove their sense of responsibility for their surroundings and local community. The two Georgian hotels set themselves clear targets to reduce their environmental impact through saving water and electricity as well as educating staff, guests and their suppliers on their Responsible Business practices. Torbjorn Bodin, Batumi’s General Manager, said, “The fact that both our hotels became Green Key-certified so shortly after opening is a testament to our hard work and commitment to Responsible Business.”
|
July 2012
|
Top honours for Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds team at Leeds Hotel Association Awards
The great and good of the hospitality industry in Leeds stepped out in stunning and striking colours at the recent Bollywood-inspired Leeds Hotel Association Awards. With a total of seven awards on offer, the team from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds were delighted to win two Gold and two Silver – beating stiff competition from local competitors, including Marriott, Hilton, Devere and Q Hotels. It was a proud night for Sales Manager Natalie Boyne (Gold – Rising Star) and Meetings & Events Coordinator Adeel Mir (Gold – Leeds Ambassador), who both took home top honours in their respective categories. As further evidence of the Yes I Can! attitude showcased by the entire hotel team, Front Office Shift Leader Emma Hunt was awarded Silver for Excellent Customer Service, while the hotel’s sales team were runners-up in the Bright Idea category.
|
July 2012
|
Rezidor honours 45 years of loyal service
In these days of increasing demands and continual change, 45 years in the same company seems a little out of fashion. And meeting a man who is celebrating 45 years of service, isn’t that like digging up a prehistoric fossil? Well, when the company is Rezidor and the man is Børge Lunde Nielsen, it certainly isn’t. We asked him how he and the company have survived 45 years together.
Børge, how did it all start?
I was working at a hotel in the sticks when I heard that the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen was looking for an Assistant Concierge. I got an interview, but when I saw the huge, elegant building and the impressive doorman, I was ready to take the next train back. I finally plucked up my courage, went in – and got the job. That was in 1961.
But you’re not a concierge now?
No, but there are many similarities between my present job and that of concierge, which is a 100% service function. Sort of making the impossible possible – that’s what made it so interesting. Over the years, however, the guests became more “self-service” minded and I found the job less stimulating. Besides, I was 38 and had reached a ceiling as First Concierge. If I was going to try something else, it was now or never. I got the job as Manager of the Saga cinemas and later as Assistant Manager at another hotel, but then the Royal Hotel made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I returned to the concierge desk, convinced that I was going to spend the rest of my professional life there.
Still a concierge, then?
Yes, but in between I’d done a lot of creative work, such as advertising and magazines. I was involved in founding the hotel’s employee magazine. Then one day I was offered a position as PR Manager. I talked to my wife and decided to take on the challenge, a decision that changed our lives drastically.
How does Cornerstone fit into the picture?
After I’d spent a while as a one-man-department in charge of PR, advertising and print production for the Danish hotels, the Head Office moved from Oslo to Brussels. I started to lay out and produce hotline and later the Win cost-saving project was launched – jobs that lead to Creative Corner being set up 19 years ago. I got a secretary and the first DTP assistant, Jan, who’s still with us, now as Director Project Management and Studio.
The company has grown a bit since then, hasn’t it?
Indeed, but so have we! We started with three people, two computers and a black-and-white printer. Today, we have 32 staff and all the latest equipment. And besides providing Head Office and the hotels with graphic materials, one of the cornerstones of our activities is to help newcomers in the conversion process, drawing on my own experience going from Concierge to Director Advertising and Production. Apart from a few basic qualifications, it’s been about learning on the job, but I’ve had very good mentors. Alberto Kappenberger, whose name is synonymous with service, Alfred Andersen and Poul Moen – two of the best concierges in the world, and Tor Hamnes, Kappenberger’s successor, who gave me the freedom to realise ideas and projects. “It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission,” he once said – words I took to heart! Last, but not least, Haakon Flak, who gave me one challenge after another. He could drive me crazy, but he’s the one who allowed both Cornerstone and I to develop. Today, he is much more than my old boss – he’s also a very good friend.
45 years with one company – it’s a long journey!
It has been rewarding and fun, frustrating at times and lots of hard work. But if you believe in what you’re doing, and people believe in you, it’s worth it. I feel privileged and realise that few companies would be prepared to give a man of my age with no proper theoretical background such a chance of a lifetime to build up a unique function like Cornerstone. And I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by people who stand up for their job and the department and take up every challenge with true Yes I Can! attitude.
So now retirement is on the horizon - what then?
I don't give my age much thought, and there are still challenges ahead. I won't sit back twiddling my thumbs. Several projects come to mind and I look forward to spending more time with my family. I will see my grandchildren and meet with good friends and colleagues to relive memories of many years in a great company.
|
July 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport voted Switzerland’s most popular business hotel by hotel.info
hotel.info, a free hotel reservation service for companies and individuals, with more than 210,000 hotels worldwide, took a close look at the behaviour of its business customers and announced the Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport to be the most popular business hotel in Switzerland. Business travellers are particularly enthusiastic about its location with direct access to the airport.
|
July 2012
|
Green Key for Park Inn Sheremetyavo
|
July 2012
|
Christian Gartmann honoured with Carlson Fellowship
Christian Gartmann, Area Vice President, The Nordics, has been honoured with a Carlson Fellowship. During the glittering award ceremony, held in June in Minneapolis, the Rezidor veteran entered the legendary Carlson Hall of Fame. The Carlson Fellowship award was established by Curt Carlson in 1988 during Carlson’s 50th anniversary year, and since then has honoured employees and business partners for their outstanding contribution and commitment to the company. Carlson Fellows represent the best of the best – people who show great strength of character as well as leadership and dedication, and who embody the Carlson Rezidor ideals not only within the company, but in all aspects of business.
To date, 278 Carlson Fellows have received this honour, including the former US President George Bush Sr and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Members of the prestigious club also include Hubert Joly, Kurt Ritter, Trudy Rautio, Knut Kleiven and Finn Schulz. Please join us in congratulating, saluting and celebrating Christian’s fantastic new achievement and career milestone.
Recipients of the 2011 Carlson Fellowship are:
Doug Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT)
Judy Dodson, Senior Director, Corporate Services, Carlson Restaurants
Joe Ihrke, Senior Vice President, Carlson Holdings, Inc.
Thorsten Kirschke, President, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Ronnie Lobo, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Gordon McKinnon, Executive Vice President and Chief Branding Officer, Carlson
Carl Robie, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Carlson Restaurants
Craig Thompson, General Manager, Military Markets, CWT SatoTravel
Andrew Waller, Executive Vice President, CWT
“Throughout his career, Christian Gartmann has exhibited consistent dedication to the interests of the company and has been a key contributor to our development, maintaining a sharp focus on delivering a quality customer experience while effectively keeping costs in check. He has never shied away from taking the right decisions even when they are the difficult and unpopular ones. He has proven himself as a leader who leads by example and has the complete trust of his team.” – Hubert Joly
“Golfer Jack Nicklaus said, ‘Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s levels of aspiration and expectation.’ These new Carlson Fellows constantly raise the level of aspiration and exceed expectations. You 11 are the keepers of the Carlson flame; you were chosen from more than 170,000 employees to receive this great honour. You live the Carlson Credo.” – Marilyn Carlson Nelson
|
July 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat receives Special Commendation for “Green Campaign of the Year”
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat received a Special Commendation at the third annual Oman Green Awards in the category “Green Campaign of the Year”, beating other major hotel chains and brands, and was also shortlisted in two other categories: Green Footprint and Green Guardian. Commenting on the achievement, General Manager Marius Wolmarans said, “Our Responsible Business and green ethos are engrained in our everyday operations. Thanks to Carlson Rezidor projects like Think Planet, we are leading the way in this area in Oman and continue to be recognised for our ongoing efforts.”
|
May 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor’s UK national sales team triumph at inaugural People Awards
|
May 2012
|
Hotel Missoni Kuwait hits the Conde Nast Hot List
Hotel Missoni Kuwait is one of the world’s 121 hottest new hotels, according to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2012 Hot List published in May. The first hotel from Kuwait to be included in the highly influential listing for new and cutting-edge hotels, it ticked all the boxes for impeccable service, excellent food, beautiful grounds and “a bed so plush that you dread going home”. It also hit the “Hottie” list (for little details that elevate a hotel from “likeable” to “lovable”) for Best Airport Transfer – in a Maserati – and was lauded for its “efficient business base” for those working while they travel.
|
May 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor hotels are popular choice for TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence
|
May 2012
|
Hotel Missoni Kuwait announced Best Hospitality Company of the Year 2012
Hotel Missoni Kuwait was recently announced Best Hospitality Company of the Year 2012 at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards, held in Kuwait in May. Each year, these awards celebrate outstanding performers in business achievement, on both a corporate and an individual level. Arabian Business is the premier business magazine in the Middle East. General Manager Alfio Bernardini said, “This award is of great value to us and is dedicated to each and every person who gave their time and effort to ensure that the hotel stood out on the Kuwaiti hospitality map.”
|
May 2012
|
Cairo Heliopolis wins platinum award as Best Price Value Hotel at 2012 MENA Travel Awards
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis has won a platinum award as the Best Price Value Hotel at the 2012 MENA Travel Awards, which honour top performers in the hospitality industry throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. A total of 53 awards were presented in 16 selected industry categories.
|
May 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City close second at Middle East Hotel Awards 2012
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City came a close second in the “Sustainable Initiative” category at the recently held Middle East Hotel Awards 2012, part of the annual trade forum, the Hotel Show. The hotel’s achievement was due to a variety of ongoing sustainable initiatives, ranging from an eco-roundabout to an airco water recycling programme.
|
May 2012
|
Cologne’s Radisson Blu recognised for excellent education and training
The German Federal Employment Agency, which honours businesses and organisations that are renowned for their continuous high standard of apprenticeship, has awarded the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cologne with a certificate for excellent education and training. The ceremony was attended by General Manager Juergen Wirtz, Human Resources Manager Gabriele Trodtfeld and two current trainees, Rania Obeid and Fabian Kloeckner.
|
April 2012
|
Commitment to the environment reaps rewards
One of the greenest commercial hotels in Europe, the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport has won a Green Footprints Award for its sustainable design. Now in their fourth year, these awards recognise commitment to the environment by local groups and businesses. The judges commended the building’s striking design features and its high environmental credentials, including a combined heat and power plant that generates energy from waste food oil. The highly energy-efficient hotel features a range of innovative technologies to reduce energy demand and generates its own energy supply, delivering an 87% reduction in CO2. It also harvests rainwater, which is used in the building’s toilets and to water the external landscaped areas.
|
April 2012
|
Kurt Ritter enters the Hall of Fame
|
April 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest scoops Romania’s Hotel of the Year Award
For the second year in a row, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest has won Romania’s Hotel of the Year Award at the Excellency Awards Gala Ceremony during the Hotel, Tourism & Leisure Investment Conference 2012. Hospitality specialists, local authority representatives and managers of the most famous international hotels active in the Romanian market attended the biggest local event dedicated to the hotel and tourism industry to identify new business opportunities and learn about the most important changes in the industry.
|
April 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Biarritz officially certified food-safe
|
April 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar shines at the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards
For the second consecutive year, the Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar has shone at the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards, this time voted Best 4-Star Hotel in Saudi Arabia. The awards are held under the patronage of HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz and recognise organisations and individuals within the travel trade that have made a significant contribution to the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry.
|
April 2012
|
Rave press review for Alberto K at the Radisson Royal Hotel, Copenhagen
The view from the restaurant at the top of the Radisson Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, may be worth a visit alone, but Alberto K has so much more to offer, according to a recent rave review in the Danish business newspaper Børsen. The new Nordic cuisine, the wine, the atmosphere and especially the service were praised as top-notch, gaining an overall maximum rating of 6 stars from the reviewer, who feels that all that is missing is a Michelin star for what he describes as “maybe the most stylish designer restaurant in Copenhagen”.
|
March 2012
|
All five Flemish Carlson Rezidor hotels receive Green Key
All five of our Flemish hotels – the Radisson Blu Park Lane Hotel, Antwerp, Radisson Blu Hotel, Hasselt, Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, Antwerp, Park Inn by Radisson Leuven and Park Inn by Radisson Antwerp are now Green Key-certified. Star of the March award ceremony was the Leuven property, which received not one but two keys, making it the first member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group to receive the prestigious eco-label for a meeting location. Open since only November 2011, Leuven is also the Group’s first Belgian hotel to achieve this recognition in its first year of operation.
|
March 2012
|
Corporate Office’s Colleague of the Year
Lorena Zanzottera has been voted Colleague of the Year 2011 for Corporate Office, chosen by her colleagues for her great Yes I Can! attitude, her warmth and friendliness, and her unflagging enthusiasm. Her interaction with all departments is excellent and she demonstrably represents all of the company’s values. She started her career with Rezidor as a Receptionist almost 15 years ago, later became Office Manager and has been Manager Future Openings & Corporate Food & Beverage since April 2007.
|
March 2012
|
Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival provides showcase for Radisson Blu culinary skills
|
March 2012
|
“Overall Winner: Best Chef” for Aqaba chef
Chef Yousef Jalalel from the Radisson Blu Resort in Aqaba recently took part in the Junior Culinary Challenge held in conjunction with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and cooked up a storm, landing awards in no fewer than three categories, including being named “Overall Winner: Best Chef”. As his once-in-a-lifetime prize, he will be flown to France, where he will take part in a three-month course at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
|
March 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Kaunas team are culinary stars
Chef Tomas Rimydis from the Park Inn by Radisson Kaunas shone in St Petersburg in March when he competed in the Open Baltic Sea Countries International Chefs Competition and took second place in the individual “Main hot dish” category. He and his team also carried off the competition’s Grand Prize: the Baltic Culinary Star Cup – the first Lithuanian team to do so!
|
March 2012
|
Chef Uwe wins Time Out Dubai’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2012
Chef Uwe, Director of Kitchens at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, has scooped Time Out Dubai’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2012 for his contribution to shaping the Dubai food and beverage industry over the past 20 years. He arrived in Dubai in 1993 and has worked at the iconic Deira Creek property ever since, overseeing all kitchen operations, including an award-winning portfolio of 11 restaurants, 3 bars and a renowned outside catering service team. As President of the Emirates Culinary Guild since 1999, Chef Uwe has personally overseen the development and careers of some of the UAE’s most promising young chefs. It’s this contribution and dedication that earned him the prestigious accolade from the region’s number one entertainment magazine.
|
March 2012
|
Rezidor Hotel Group remains one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
|
March 2012
|
Baku’s Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan is Hotel of the Year 2012
The Park Inn by Radisson Azerbaijan in Baku has been elected Hotel of the Year 2012 by the Caspian-European Integration Business Club, which brings together over 500 member companies and organisations from 50 countries around the world operating in the Caspian, Black Sea and Baltic regions. The awards ceremony was held in the hotel’s biggest ballroom.
|
March 2012
|
Malmo demonstrates “Best Service Improvement of the Year”
|
March 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport confirms its gold standard under the Green Tourism Business Scheme
The Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport, has renewed its gold status under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Hotels have to fulfil a total of 60 criteria relating to environmental performance and environmental management. Gold level is the highest recognition, first achieved by the hotel in 2008.
|
March 2012
|
Top rating for Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol from Green Tourism Business Scheme
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol has been awarded Gold rating by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. GTBS, the UK’s leading sustainable tourism certification scheme, recognises and rates hotels and tourism businesses demonstrating high levels of commitment in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism with bronze, silver and gold awards.
|
February 2012
|
Champion chefs at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
It’s been a successful few months for the culinary team at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, with the youngsters recently winning a number of medals at the annual Emirates Salon Culinaire. Rodel Acala and Rovart Cagayat, both Kitchen Artists, won four each and Ishara Rangana, who competed for the Best Young Chef trophy and as the Youngest Competing Chef, came home with three bronze. Overall the team walked away with an amazing three gold medals, five silver, 15 bronze and six certificates of merit. It seems that the hotel is breeding Champion Chefs!
|
February 2012
|
Loyalty rewarded at Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
Sonja Divé-Dahl, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul and District Director of Turkey & Georgia, was delighted to present diamond pins and service diplomas to 42 loyal members of staff in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the hotel’s consistent success.
|
February 2012
|
Stunning victory for Diplomat chefs at Anchor MasterChef Challenge in Dubai
In their first ever competition experience, two members of the culinary team at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Manama secured a stunning victory in February by winning the silver medal at the prestigious Anchor MasterChef Challenge held in Dubai. Having triumphed in the Bahrain leg of the competition, Yousif Al Basri and Sayed Hanif faced off against chefs from all over the Gulf region in the final. Their daunting task was to devise a three-course meal from “mystery basket” ingredients that were only revealed once the competition started. The judges were so impressed, they asked for the recipes!
|
February 2012
|
Green Key first for Radisson Blu hotels in Turkey
In February four Radisson Blu properties were among the first hotels in Turkey to be awarded the Green Key, a prestigious worldwide eco-label for leisure organisations. The Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul, Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel, Istanbul, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Cesme and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara all went through a thorough certification process covering various areas and were also audited by the Green Key International Team before receiving their sustainable hotel recognition.
|
February 2012
|
Housekeeping Team of the Year 2012 award for Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast
The team at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast are celebrating a prestigious industry accolade, having picked up the Housekeeping Team of the Year 2012 award at the Hotel & Guesthouse Housekeeping Awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation. The judges noted the high standards throughout this contemporary property.
|
February 2012
|
Carlson Rezidor wins national and international awards at the Grand Travel Awards in Norway
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group – Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson – has won both the international and the national award as the best hotel chain in the Grand Travel Awards, the most prestigious in the Norwegian travel and tourism industry. These annual awards honour the industry’s top suppliers and are based on a large-scale survey sent to travel agents across Norway. “This is the fifth consecutive year we’ve been chosen as best international hotel chain, and the second year in a row we’ve ranked as the best national hotel chain,” said a delighted Christian Gartmann, Area Vice President Nordics.
|
February 2012
|
Radisson Blu takes the title of Best Hotel at the Liverpool Lifestyle awards
At a recent star-studded ceremony, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Liverpool was delighted to take the title of Best Hotel at the Liverpool Lifestyle awards. Voted for by members of the public, these prestigious awards pay tribute to the best in the industry. In scooping top honours, the hotel saw off extremely tough competition from strong players in the market, including Hilton, Marriott, Thistle and Ramada.
|
February 2012
|
Kazakhstan’s first Carlson Rezidor hotel honours employees
The Radisson Hotel, Astana – the first and only hotel of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Kazakhstan – celebrated its fifth anniversary in January and honoured 38 team members with diamond pins and diplomas. General Manager Jesper Francl expressed his gratitude to the entire hotel team for embracing genuine and driving Yes I Can! attitude.
|
February 2012
|
Top honours for ESPA Riga: Best Day Spa
|
January 2012
|
Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow: World’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel
|
January 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg chosen as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 20 Trendiest Hotels in Russia
The Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg has been chosen as one of the Top 20 Trendiest Hotels in Russia in TripAdvisor’s 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards. Now in their tenth year, these annual awards recognise the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers around the world. Ekaterinburg is the only hotel in Russia outside Moscow and St Petersburg to receive this award.
|
January 2012
|
Trendiest Hotels in Poland winner: Park Inn by Radisson Krakow
TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, has announced that the Park Inn by Radisson Krakow has been chosen as winner in the Trendiest Hotels in Poland category in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards. Designed by leading German architect Jurgen Mayer, the first Park Inn in Poland opened in October 2009 and is located in the emerging cultural hub between the Old Town, Wawel Castle and the Jewish Quarter. “With the help of millions of travellers around the globe, TripAdvisor is thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels in this year’s Travelers’ Choice Awards,” said Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to the best luxury hotels, remarkable service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”
|
January 2012
|
Park Inn by Radisson Krakow is 16th Russian hotel to gain Green Key
In January the Park Inn by Radisson Krakow became the 16th hotel in Russia to be certified under the Green Key global eco-label programme for the leisure industry after confirming its compliance with international standards. In order to gain Green Key certification, hotels have to fulfil a list of environmental requirements covering a wide range of criteria aimed at reducing their negative impact on the environment by saving water and electricity, and decreasing the amount of waste produced. The hotel takes part in different social programmes to ensure a noticeably better environment for both guests and staff.
|
January 2012
|
Annette Gallagher presented with Elite Membership of Group Travel Organisers Association
|
January 2012
|
Recognising 105 years’ service to Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
|
January 2012
|
Marco Eichhorn celebrates 15 years with Rezidor
Having joined the team at the Radisson Blu Resort Split last year, Marco Eichhorn recently celebrated 15 years of service with Rezidor. He started his career at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hamburg, where he finished his three-year traineeship, and then held various positions at the Radisson Blu Resort Ruegen, Radisson Blu Resort Fleesensee and Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport. He was also on the opening team for the Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elisabeth before returning to Hamburg where his journey started. Since May he has been based in Split and is currently in the Mentee/Mentor programme as Operations Manager.
|
January 2012
|
Hotelier of the Year 2012
|
January 2012
|
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne voted top for weekend programmes
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne is one of the first hotels to receive a Müller-Touristik Award, scooping the prize for “Best City Programme”. These inaugural Best Partners awards, presented by Germany’s largest party and short trip organiser, were based on some 25,000 guest surveys. The Radisson Blu hotel and its staff received perfect scores from guests for its weekend programmes. Maira Hörner, Cluster Sales Manager and responsible for the leisure market, was delighted to accept the award.
|
January 2012
|
Sparkling award for Hamburg’s Radisson Blu
At a glittering ceremony in January, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg, which hosted the event, carried off the Business Diamond Award in the Hotel Industry category. This award is presented in acknowledgement and appreciation of outstanding achievement in various business sectors. After the official formalities were over, the guests enjoyed an exciting after-show party with culinary fireworks and breathtaking views in High End, Hamburg’s highest and most exclusive event venue, located on the hotel’s 26th and 27th floors.
|
January 2012
|
Tourism sponsorship award for Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah
The Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah has received an award as one of the major sponsors of the recent Sharjah Water Festival. The Sharjah Tourism Award ceremony took place at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce in January under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
|
January 2012
|
Long-service awards at Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel
The annual staff party of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel in January was an excellent opportunity to honour several employees for long service: Mario Schuknecht (5 years), Aida Pinto De Jesus (10 years) and Dusan Okolic (20 years). Tahir Tahiri was also chosen as Employee of the Year 2011.
|
January 2012
|
Radisson Blu named Best Full Service Hotel Brand at the Business Travel Awards
|