Rezidor Supports UN Refugee Agency in Egypt and Tunisia

BRUSSELS, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, has announced support for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Throughout June and July 2011, all 300 Rezidor hotels in operation across Europe, Middle East and Africa have been collecting monetary donations from employees and guests for refugees from Libya who found shelter in Tunisia and Egypt.

"The violence in Libya has forced more than 800,000 people to flee the country -– many of them are now waiting in Tunisia and Egypt for urgent help. We would like to make a collective impact, support the UNHCR's emergency assistance and contribute to a quick recovery of the Tunisian and Egyptian markets for tourism", said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.

"The campaign is a strong and engaging call to action. We hope that many guests and employees at Rezidor's hotels will be inspired to reach out to those forced to flee harrowing circumstances in Libya", added UNHCR deputy high commissioner Alexander Aleinikoff.

UNHCR works in close co-operation with the Tunisian and Egyptian governments, the Red Crescent and the International Organisation for Migration - the agency has established transit camps for refugees from Libya, and provides emergency shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation. UNHCR is also involved in the repatriation of third country nationals fleeing Libya and brings migrant workers back to their home countries.

"Even small donations can make a big impact", commented Inge Huijbrechts, director responsible business at Rezidor.

"40 US$ is enough for 10 blankets, 100 US$ provides a survival kit including blanket, mattress, kitchen set, cooking stove and soap and for 200 US$ UNHCR can buy an all-weather tent to shelter families."

The Rezidor Hotel Group supports UNHCR within the scope of an industry leading and award winning Responsible Business Programme. Rezidor was one of the first international hotel groups to implement a companywide initiative focusing on health & safety for guests and employees, on respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and on a reduced negative impact on the environment. In 2010 and 2011, Rezidor was named as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. Rezidor's Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels in Egypt and Tunisia regularly support local and regional charity organizations and help their respective communities socially as well as economically.

"Our commitment to the UNHCR humanitarian efforts in the region is a logical addition and development of our existing Responsible Business activities. We want to be an engaged global player with a sense for local needs, and meet this challenge as an opportunity in our corporate 'Yes I Can'-spirit", concluded Inge Huijbrechts.

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 88,800 rooms in over 60 countries including hotels in Sharm el Sheikh, hotels in Djerba, hotels in London, hotels in Dubai and hotels in Lisbon.

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 Communication
The Rezidor Hotel Group
Avenue Du Bourget 44
B-1130 Brüssel
Belgien
+32 2 702 9331
http://www.radissonblu.com