Rezidor Announces the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel

BRUSSELS, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, has expanded its network to 64 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa and announced the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown in Sierra Leone. Formerly known as "Mammy Yoko Hotel," the property featuring 171 rooms will be re-branded in Q4 2011.

"We are delighted to enter a further country in West Africa - the region is one of our focus markets for future business development, and this hotel perfectly complements other current and upcoming projects in Dakar, Bamako, Lagos, Accra, and Abuja," said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.

Sierra Leone continues to emerge from the aftermath of the civil war, democracy has been re-established in the country, and the IMF has completed a poverty reduction and growth facility program which has improved economic growth and reduced inflation levels. Stability has also led to a revival of key economic activities, such as mining.

The original Mammy Yoko Hotel was an operating hotel for around 30 years. Business was interrupted in 1997 as a result of the civil conflict and the building was heavily damaged. The property is undergoing a complete overhaul and it will re-emerge in late 2011 as the premier hotel for aid agencies, diplomats and business travellers. Besides 171 rooms, the hotel will comprise of a restaurant with outdoor terrace, several bars and meeting rooms. An outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, duty free shopping and a gym will also be available.

The hotel's name derivates from Mammy Yoko, the "Queen of Senehun" who brought the whole Kpaa Mende region (now comprising 14 separate chiefdoms) under her control through coalitions, warfare and her alliance with the British. She established a famous Sande bush in Senehun where she trained girls from throughout the area. Queen Victoria of England presented Mammy Yoko with a medal for her loyalty.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development with 87,800 rooms in over 60 countries including hotels in Hamburg, hotels in Reykjavik, hotels in Rome and hotels in Copenhagen.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium.

For further information please contact:
Christiane Reiter
Director Corporate Communications
The Rezidor Hotel Group
Avenue Du Bourget 44
B-1130 Brussel
Belgien
+32 2 702 9331
www.radissonblu.com

SOURCE The Rezidor Hotel Group