Rezidor signs mangement deal with Radisson SAS airport hotel and other international news

Rezidor signs mangement deal with Radisson SAS airport hotel in Kiev
The Rezidor Hotel Group has signed an international management agreement to develop and operate the Radisson SAS airport hotel in Kiev. The new hotel, which will include around 300 rooms, conference and wellness facilities, will open its doors by the end of 2009 and will comprise the second Rezidor property in the Ukrainian capital.

... and opens hotel in Emirate Fujairah
Separately, Rezidor will open the Radisson Al Aqah Beach Resort in Emirate Fujairah, located 90 minutes from Dubai. The 320-room property, which is set to open in 2009, will be built on a private stretch of the Al Aqah Beach and will include three restaurants, a spa and health club, meeting facilities and a banquet hall.

Indian goverment puts Starbucks deal on hold
The Indian government has reportedly put on hold a proposal from coffee chain Starbucks to open outlets in the country. Starbucks is said not to have provided complete information about its plans in the country. The company was among some 15 businesses to apply to open stores in India after its government last year allowed foreign investment in retailing of single brand products. Nine of those companies received government approval while three were rejected. Proposals from three others, including Starbucks, are pending with the commerce and industry ministry.

Hilton launches first UAE resort
Hilton has launched its first Worldwide Resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the opening of the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah resort & spa. The new resort, which is located in the UAE's most northern emirate, includes 151 deluxe villa suites as well as two restaurants and bars. In March 2007, it will open a spa featuring nine treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish Hammam bath. On completion in 2008, the property will provide a further 330 rooms. On-site facilities will include swimming pools, water sports facilities, a gym and health club, as well as a business centre and shopping arcade.

Accor sells two US Sofitel hotels
Accor has sold two upscale Sofitel hotels in New York and Philadelphia for US$225m (£115m) to a venture of which it owns 25% to help reduce debt. The company has agreed to continue managing the hotels for 25 years. Last March, the company sold Sofitel hotels in six other US cities including Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington and Minneapolis to the venture, whose other partners are Chicago-based Gem Realty Capital and Whitehall Street Global Real Estate. Accor is said to sell its remaining US Sofitel hotel, in Houston, to another buyer.

By Kerstin Kühn

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