Worldwide briefing

Blue skies again

Tourism chiefs in south-east Asia say the smoke haze that has been affecting the region for the past few months has now cleared. Visitor numbers to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore suffered as a result of the haze.

Carlson in India

Mid-price US hotel chain Country Inns and Suites by Carlson, part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, is expanding into India. A joint venture company has been formed with New Delhi-based Chanakya Hotels, which will franchise and manage hotels under the US firm's name, initially in Calcutta, Puri and Katra.

Oz opening

Radisson Hotels Worldwide, also part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, has opened a new four-star, 184-bedroom hotel in Melbourne, Australia, called the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens. It has also acquired the 241-bedroom Maritim Hotel in Cottbus, Germany, reflagged the Radisson SAS Hotel Cottbus.

Golden chance

Hotel company Golden Tulip International has taken over management of the 103-bedroom Plaza Hotel in Biel, Switzerland, which it will operate on behalf of owner Mobimo AG. It will be rebranded as Golden Tulip Plaza Biel.

Belgo for USA

Belgo plans to launch its Belgian restaurant concept in the USA next year. Georgia-based Apple South, which operates numerous differently branded restaurants, has acquired a 20% interest in Belgo, which has two outlets in London.