AmiInfo Rezidor SAS, one of the world's fastest growing hospitality companies whose portfolio includes Park Inn, Country Inn, Radisson SAS, Cerruti and Regent, announced that it will manage the Dariush Grand Hotel on Kish Island, making Rezidor SAS the first international hotel company in 25 years to enter the Iranian hotel market.

 Kurt Ritter, President & CEO Rezidor SAS Hospitality comments: 'I am thrilled and very proud to enter Iran with Rezidor SAS. Kish Island offers unspoiled, relaxed and natural surroundings, ideal for short breaks from anywhere in the Persian Gulf and the Dariush Grand Hotel will be one of the best hotels on Kish Island.'

The 168-room Dariush Grand Hotel overlooks the Persian Gulf and has a private beachfront with a dolfinarium close by. The architecture and design of the hotel are based on the rich cultural heritage of Iran, reflecting the ancient period of the Dariush Kingdom.

The hotel will open shortly and is surrounded by extensive gardens. Other facilities will include an all-day-dining restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a lobby cafأƒآ© and a pastry & coffee lounge, an open air entertainment area and a fitness & health room. For meetings and small conferences, the hotel offers three multi purpose rooms.

The island of Kish is a free trade zone 18 kilometers south of Iran's southern coast. A wide variety of water sports are available including scuba diving, para sailing, jet-skiing, sailing and fishing. Visitors of all nationalities receive their visa for Kish upon arrival at the airport. This visa allows for stays of up to 14 days.

Rezidor SAS Hospitality, one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, has a portfolio of five brands. Rezidor SAS is the sole franchisor in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the Carlson brands: Radisson, Park Inn, Country Inn and Regent. Rezidor SAS will soon announce the opening of its first lifestyle hotel under the brand Cerruti, a joint initiative with the international fashion house. Rezidor SAS currently includes 220 hotels in operation and under development in 40 countries. The company aims to include 700 hotels under the different brands by 2012.