Radisson Blu expands in Finland with two new hotels in Tampere and Helsinki Rezidor & SOK Corporation strengthen their partnerships in Finland 7 September 2015 - Radisson Blu, one of the world’s leading hotel brands, strengthen its network in Finland. The Solo Sokos Hotel Tammer in Tampere and Solo Sokos Hotel Aleksanteri in Helsinki will be rebranded as Radisson Blu during the first quarter in 2016. Over the recent years, the iconic and unique hotels in Finland have experienced steady rise in popularity. The World Travel Awards recently awarded Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel as Finland's Leading Hotel and Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel as Finland's Leading Business Travel Hotel for the second time. “SOK Corporation and the Rezidor Hotel Group are proudly building further on their long-term partnership and renewing their exclusive cooperation agreement for Finland. Radisson Blu hotels are an integral part the S Group hotel portfolio helping us to position our portfolio on a global level and building competitive advantage. Following the demand and our unique positioning in Finland, Tammer and Aleksanteri are ideal additions to our dynamic Radisson Blu portfolio,” says Tapio Satta, CEO of Sokotel Ltd. that operates the six Radisson Blu hotels in Finland. Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts in Finland continue to lead on customer satisfaction. The recent recognition by World Travel Awards further prove that international and domestic travelers to Finland love staying at Radisson Blu. According to the Radisson Blu guest satisfaction survey covering the Nordics, two of the Finnish hotels rank on top in customer satisfaction in Scandinavia. Tammer with its rich history and remarkable stories offers Radisson Blu customers a unique grand experience in culturally and historically significant surroundings. Aleksanteri with its distinctive service will introduce the guests an intimate boutique style hotel experience. Tampere region is developing fast, further fueling the demand for a more diversified supply of hotel rooms and meeting facilities of world-class standards. The rise of travel and tourism industry in Helsinki itself is expected to attract more tourists and international events. “As one of the world’s largest hotel companies and proudly a long-term partner of SOK Corporation we are well placed to leverage the new business opportunities in Finland and Nordics, and delight our international guests. We are proud to add these two stunning hotels to an award-winning portfolio and offer the best of upper upscale hospitality experience,” added Joep Peeters, Senior Vice President, Franchise Services for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. For further media information please contact: Tapio Satta, CEO, Sokotel Ltd, [email protected], tel. +358 500 438 544 Alexandra Lindvik, Area Director PR and Communications Nordic, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group [email protected], tel. +47 22 99 10 45 Radisson Blu® is one of the world’s leading hotel brands with more than 280 hotels in operation in 62 countries. Radisson Blu’s vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality is characterized by a unique Yes I Can!SM service philosophy, and all of its first class hotels offer a range of signature features that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Distinguished the world over as the brand with Hotels Designed to Say YES!SM, Radisson Blu offers a vivid visual celebration of leading-edge style where the delight is in the detail. Radisson Blu hotels are located in prime locations in major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations across the world. Radisson Blu is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson®, Radisson Red, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM. For reservations and more information visit, www.radissonblu.com. Connect with Radisson Blu on social media: @RadissonBlu on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/RadissonBlu. Radisson Blu Hotels in Finland Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel – Our Stage, Your Story Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – In the Heart of the Action Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel – Helsinki State of Mind Radisson Blu Hotel Espoo – The Log out Zone Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel Turku – License to Thrill Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu – The House of Opportunities Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel Helsinki – A Pearl in the Heart of Life (2016, the first quarter) Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer – The Scene for Grand Stories (2016, the first quarter) Sokotel Ltd is the subsidiary of SOK Corporation, the central organization of S Group, operating the travel industry and hospitality business of SOK Corporation in Finland. In Finland Sokotel is operating five Radisson Blu hotels and sixteen Sokos Hotels in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Tampere, Oulu and Vaasa. Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel in Turku is operated by TOK. .