Guinea is rich in minerals and other natural resources. Its mining sector and refinery industry are the driving forces behind the Western African country's economic growth, and the port and capital city of Conakry is the country's trade hub and the first stop for most international tourists visiting the country.

"We are proud to arrive in the Republic of Guinea, the 68th country where Rezidor is present," said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.

"Growth in the emerging markets of Africa has been a major focus for Rezidor in recent years. The signing of this property is in line with our asset smart strategy to develop Radisson Blu hotels in leading African capital cities. We now have 43 hotels and over 10,000 rooms in operation or under development across 17 countries in Africa," continued Ritter.

Eissame Halabi-Ahma of Guinenne de Gestion Immobilière & Hotelière SA, owner of the mixed use development which includes the hotel, added: "We are very excited about joining forces with Rezidor. Unique projects like this one require a strong brand and an experienced and committed hotel operator. We are glad that we found both with Radisson Blu and Rezidor."

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry will be situated next to the US embassy in an up-market business and residential precinct of Conakry that attracts many international companies and government administration offices. The new football stadium, which will host the African Cup of Nations in 2014, will be located 2 kilometres from the site. Part of a mixed use development, the property sits on a cliff with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to 249 rooms with signature services, such as free high speed internet access, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry will feature several restaurants and bars, including an outdoor terrace and rooftop F&B outlet. The hotel will also offer about 1,580m sq. of conference and meeting facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Serviced apartments are planned in the future on the site, which the hotel will run along with a casino that will be operated by a third party.

About Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts:
Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts (formerly Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts), part of The Rezidor Hotel Group (one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide), offers first class service, providing guests with a contemporary, upscale hospitality experience. Radisson Blu has received numerous awards for Best Hotel Chain and is renowned for its "Yes I Can!" spirit of service and the "100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee". September 2005 saw the roll out of a free broadband service across the portfolio - the first international hotel chain to offer this service. Radisson Blu currently includes more than 250 hotels either in operation or under development and with more than 58,300 rooms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including a hotel Abu Dhabi and hotels in Dubai.

Its portfolio also includes: a hotel Malta, a hotel Zurich and a Dubrovnik hotel.

For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com.

PR Contact:
Christine Reiter
Senior Director Corporate Communication
The Rezidor Hotel Group
Avenue Du Bourget 44
B-1130 Brüssel
Belgien
+32 2 702 9331
www.radissonblu.com