Rezidor SAS Hotels, best known for its Radisson chain, has announced a major expansion programme in Ireland that will lead to the creation 1,000 new jobs over the next years four years.
At the company's 5th annual barbecue attended by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, the company announced its intention to open at least three new hotels over the next 18 months. A fourth is due to come on stream before 2007.
The new hotels will be in Belfast, Sligo, Athlone and Letterkenny bringing the group's presence in Ireland to 15.
The company intends bringing two new brands to the market: Park Inn and Country Inn; adding to the established Radisson name.
Under a five-year expansion plan the company may open a fourth new hotel and says it will have 2,000 rooms cumulatively.
The company also claims 5,000 jobs will be created indirectly through outsourcing, servicing and supply chains.
"As a fast-moving and supremely flexible organisation, Radisson SAS is always seeking new market opportunities," Mr Kurt Ritter, President and CEO, Rezidor SAS Hospitality said.
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts currently operates 4 properties within Ireland; Dublin, Galway, and their most recent openings, Limerick in 2002 and Limavady in January 2003.