Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific, one the world’s largest privately-owned hotel companies, has signed its third hotel management agreement with Philippine conglomerate SM Investments Corporation, to manage a 400-room Radisson hotel in the island-province of Cebu.

Opening in the first half of 2009, the Radisson Hotel Cebu will be the first Radisson Hotels & Resorts property in the Philippines. This will be followed by the opening of The Regent Manila Bay and Radisson Hotel Manila Bay in 2010. All three hotels are owned by SM Investments Corporation and will be managed by CHW-AP.

Radisson is CHW-AP’s upscale, full service hotel brand, and there are currently 25 Radisson hotels and resorts in service across the Asia Pacific region and 34 new properties under development.

“This agreement is part of Carlson’s overall development plan to expand its presence in select locations through strategic partnerships, where there is an opportunity for multiple hotels within a specific country,” said Martin Rinck, President and Managing Director, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific. “Cebu is one of the world’s top island resort destinations and coupled with its commercial hub, good infrastructure and easy accessibility, it is the right fit for our Radisson brand.”

Radisson Hotel Cebu will be located on the cross-road of Sergio Osmena Boulevard and San Jose de Montana Boulevard in the city more popularly known as the “Queen City of the South” for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Located only two kilometres from the Central Business District and New City Centre, the hotel is also in close proximity to Cebu seaport, one of the country’s busiest ports, and less than 20 kilometres from the airport.

The hotel facilities will include 10 meeting rooms, a 1000 square metre ballroom, a spa and fitness centre, a lobby lounge and an all day dining restaurant.